Wednesday, April 16, 2025

BLUE MOUNTAIN DRIFT - Browns and Brookie Days - Part 2

Apologies for getting sidetracked for a bit on the follow-up to our "Browns and Brookie Days" weekend with Guide Mike Rennie of Blue Mountain Drift.  If you missed the first post, check it out and then circle back here.  
 
When this trip was approaching, all I asked of Rennie is that we get two different experiences over the two days.  The first day we floated miles down the river.  The second day we hiked, rock hopped, learned new skills, and short cast dry flies to the head of step pools hoping to entice a brookie to rise. 


The morning was heavy with fog that took a couple of hours to burn off and it was warmer than the day before.  It didn't take but a few minutes for Rennie to whoop and Matthew to smile as a brookie rose to his fly.  It was undoubtedly going to be a good day.

Matthew hadn't done this type of fly fishing before and it was fun watching him take careful instruction from Rennie and then apply that in a more careful and methodical approach to how and where he was casting a fly.  It's easy with this kind of fly fishing to be a little haphazard and success can be multiplied with slowing down to make the first cast count.

Both Matthew and I were fishing fiberglass fly rods and this is the kind of water where a short light line fly rod in glass really shines.  If you ever want to "talk someone into glass", take them to a mountain creek with your favorite 3-weight and they will see how it shines. 

This was a fun day with my Nikon DSLR and the 50mm lens.  Slow scroll for a few images...














We spent the morning working our way up the stream, hopping over each other every couple of pools, and found brook trout in all the spots that you'd expect them to be.  The tiniest brookie will take on the dry fly with such enthusiasm as they force the fly to fit in their mouth while the larger ones will more carefully come up and sip.  We missed a few really good ones but caught enough others that the prick of the misses didn't hurt too badly.  We had a tasty lunch at the truck and then hopped over to another steam where we tried a few different spots that held brown trout.

As our afternoon was winding down, Matthew carefully climbed up a tall waterfall built by cabin sized builders and found a long slender pool cut between large rock walls with a waterfall that crashed into it.  He made a long cast up to the head of the pool and almost immediately a trout rose and slurped his fly.  Rennie and I watched as his glass fly rod doubled over and we all knew that this was by far the largest fish of the day.  Matthew brought it to hand and quickly released it with a huge beaming smile.  He later told us in the truck as Rennie drove us down the mountain that this was his new favorite way to fly fish.  I can totally see why.   

GEAR NOTES:

  • As Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods and Vladimir Rachenko of VR Reels were rolling out their collaboration experiment, Brook & Brown, earlier this year, a couple demo fly rods and fly reels were sent my way.  This was the first trip with the 7' 3-weight Trota Superba, which is matched with the Trota Superba fly reel, and it is just a fantastic outfit in every way.  For someone who has a affinity for fly rods and reels that match in some way, this is a perfect marriage of Shane's expertise in fly rod taper design and Vlad's excellence in fly reel design.  You don't often see swelled butt design in glass but this fly rod is power and precision in balance from roll casts to full casts.  The stunning Trota Superba fly reel has a wonderful click and pawl purr in this classic raised pillar design.  This is a sturdy yet small fly reel that is just stunning.  I especially like the mix of metals highlighted with the brass reel foot.  For those interested, the fly rods can be found on the Brook & Brown website and the fly reels can be inquired about through VR Reels.
  • Not a week goes by that I don't suggest 406 Fly Lines to someone emailing asking about their fly line options with fiberglass fly rods, especially in the "trout weights".  These are just wonderful fly lines through and through.  Heritage fly line tapers meets modern day advancements in fly line production at a price that is still less than other premium fly lines on the market. 
  • Look for a much deeper dive into Purpose Built Optics as I learn more about their lens technology and innovative approach to polarization.  With several dozen different polarized lenses to choose from, there's seemingly one for every on-the-water situation.  I wore the Bighorn lens in the Storm frame on this trip and understanding their "Lens First Strategy" when it comes to matching a certain lens with a certain angling environment.       
  • A week or so before the trip, a package arrived from Todd White of The Yooper Fly Life with a mix of Borcher's Drake patterns in various sizes and variations.  If a brookie would eat them in northern Michigan, they'd surely eat them in Virginia, right?  The answer was a resounding YES!
  • I like to keep flies organized but don't always have time to carefully place them in a fly box.  The Fishpond Fly Puck, with or without the magnetic floor, have been the perfect solution for last minute trips.  The Fly Puck fits into a shirt pocket or gear bag or pack with ease and I've also found that I can toss several into a larger suitcase style fly box, too.  These are handy and worth having a few of around. 
  • With turning 50, I've given in to wearing drug store readers.  I can see everything on the screen of my iPhone again and even +1.25 strength are helpful for threading 5X and 6X tippet through the eye of a small bushy dry fly.  
  • What did I forget?  A wading staff.  I know I have a couple of them in my gear stash and it was a clear miss not having one along to assist with all the rock stepping. 

Thanks again to Guide Mike Rennie of Blue Mountain Drift for a wonderful couple of days on the water.  We couldn't have had a better time.  I'll be back this summer for to fish smallmouth on his local waters and I am already looking forward to it.  Follow Blue Mountain Drift on Facebook and Instagram.

SKWALA - Introducing the Carbon and RS Wading Boots

The team at Skwala is making a big announcement this week that they are taking a step forward with their premium offerings to now include footwear with the RS Wading Boot and Carbon Wading Boot

This project has been in the works for awhile and I already like what I see in the exterior design, materials used, and thoughtful construction on both boots.  I am excited to receive a pair of the Carbon Wading Boot soon for some upcoming travel.  I figure that I'll be living in these boots on the water, with and without waders, for the next few months. 

These wading boots are the final piece of the full "Skwala Uniform" needed to go along with their industry best shorts, pants, shirts, jackets, and waders spread out over eight different collections.
 

From the Skwala presser...
 
Skwala Fishing proudly announces its first-ever entry into the footwear category with the launch of two all-new wading boots: the RS Boot and the Carbon Boot. Marking a significant evolution in the brand’s product lineup, this footwear debut brings Skwala’s signature commitment to innovation, performance, and durability as the foundation of the angler’s kit.

“This launch is a major moment for us,” says Kevin Sloan, Skwala Founder and CEO. “We’ve built our brand around solving real problems for serious anglers, and now we’re extending that same ethos to footwear. These boots are designed from the ground up to meet the unique challenges of wading and walking.”



RS Boot – Built for the Toughest Miles
The RS Boot is Skwala’s answer to anglers who demand maximum support, durability, and traction when navigating unforgiving terrain. This boot is engineered with rugged, high-wear environments in mind, from jagged riverbanks to long slogs through brush and rock. Double lasting construction, a fully molded toe cap, and bonded seams provide unmatched durability and protection, while a taller collar built from engineered mesh delivers exceptional ankle support without compromising flexibility or comfort. Beneath the foot, a dual-layered, figure-8 ESS rock plate provides excellent torsional rigidity and underfoot defense, while still allowing anglers to maintain proprioception and feel for the riverbed.

The RS Boot’s Vibram® IDROGRIP outsole, combined with Skwala’s custom-designed tri-tiered traction lugs, ensures confident footing in slick, unpredictable river environments. A high-density EVA midsole delivers stability on uneven ground, while a glass-impregnated D-ring lacing system minimizes friction and extends lace life. A removable OrthoLite® insole offers lasting comfort and foot support throughout long days on the water. Compatible with studs and cleats for added bite when needed, the RS Boot is built for anglers who go further and fish harder, season after season.



Carbon Boot – Agility Meets Capability
For anglers who prioritize mobility without sacrificing performance, the Carbon Boot delivers a lightweight yet capable package. Designed with a hiking boot mentality and a wading boot backbone, it combines a breathable ripstop textile upper with reinforced construction and a rockered dual-density EVA midsole for the perfect balance of trail comfort and river-ready support. The Carbon Boot’s unique “burrito-wrap” tongue design provides a snug, consistent fit across a wide range of foot shapes, eliminating pressure points and hot spots even after full days of wear.

Like its RS counterpart, the Carbon Boot features the same dual-layered ESS rock plate and Vibram® IDROGRIP outsole with proprietary traction lugs, offering the same confident grip and foot protection in the water. Stud and cleat compatibility, removable OrthoLite® insoles, and bonded seams round out a boot that feels as light and athletic as it does secure and built-to-last.



“This is a natural and exciting evolution for Skwala,” adds Rich Hohne, Skwala’s CMO. “The footwear space represents a significant opportunity for us to broaden our offering and better serve anglers from head to toe. By bringing the same thoughtful design, technical performance, and durability that we’re known for into boots, we’re creating new ways to grow the brand and connect with our community.”

Both boots are available now at www.skwalafishing.com and through Skwala’s network of specialty fly fishing retailers.

The Last Lucky 7 Oberon Fly Reel Could Be YOURS!

The recent recycle of the Lucky 7 Oberon Fly Reels Flashback post got Vince Huttley of Huttley Mfg. and I trading DM's and he passed along that he still has the last of the seven special edition fly reels made for this project available.

Have you wanted one?  There may not be a more perfect summer good times click and pawl fly reel than this one.  I know that I'll be fishing mine a bunch over the next several months...
 


This Lucky 7 Oberon Fly Reel comes with a wooden fly box that Vince crafted and a special edition Vedavoo with Retro Fly patch reel cover.  It looks like there is a green Retro Fly koozie in there, too. 

The price for this fly reel is $500 and it can be purchased directly from Vince by contacting him through Instagram with a DM.  Whoever does purchase it, please reach out through email and I'll send some updated T.F.M. decals.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

PATAGONIA - Introducing the New Stealth Switch Pack Family

A few weeks back in a T.F.M. post about Patagonia on their new Swiftcurrent Waders, I mentioned of the small and medium sized Stealth Switch Packs and since then, they have released the larger sling-style Stealth Swift Pack 9L to join the family.

Check these out one by one below by watching each video.  They all appear to be winners and I can imagine the smallest pack, priced at less than $60 (!!!), loaded with a few essentials and tossed into the back of the car with a fly rod and reel for those just in case times where you have thirty minutes to kill and there is a pond or stream nearby.   



Low bulk, lightweight and versatile, the Stealth Switch Pack 3L was built to adapt to your fishing style. It easily attaches to wader suspenders, belts, other packs or raft straps.It features two zippered stretch pockets on the pack face. A roomy zippered main pocket easily accommodates fly boxes. A zippered pocket on the back of the pack fits your license, tippet spools or other small tools. Additional features include hemo and zinger docks on the sides of the pack, a fly patch on the face, multiple lash points and an embedded magnet on the front of the pack to aid in fly changes and rig rebuilds.



The remarkably versatile Stealth Switch Pack 5L can be worn as a chest pack, hip pack, sling or clipped to other packs for quick access to your gear in any fishing scenario.The Stealth Switch 5L features a large main storage compartment with a zippered pocket and a stretch pocket. The front panel functions as a workstation with four compartments, two floatant sleeves and a fold-out panel with a foam fly patch to speed fly changes. There are multiple exterior lash points, zinger docks and hemo holders. An embedded magnet on the front holds flies or hemos—acting as a much-needed “third hand” during hectic rig changes.



An adaptable and versatile gear carrier, the Stealth Switch Pack 9L is built for left-or right-shoulder wear as a sling. It easily switches to a hip pack in seconds, making your gear access fully customizable.Key organizational features include four interior stretch compartments, an external zip pocket, an innovative shoulder zip pocket, a secure water bottle/gear sleeve and a net sleeve.Embedded magnets on the pack front and the shoulder strap to temporarily hold flies, nippers or hemos for quick fly changes and rig rebuilds.

Visit the Patagonia website to see these and their other new and innovative fly fishing products.

MAD RIVER OUTFITTERS - Tracking Your Fly Casts with Tim Rajeff

I've been fortunate to have Tim Rajeff of ECHO Fly Fishing along on several trips to Beaver Island and Louisiana and there are few people who are more energetic, who also have the skill to explain things that immediately make sense, when they are teaching.  The guy just goes into a new gear and it's fun to see. 

Take a few minutes and watch this recent video from Mad River Outfitters on tracking in your casts.



It's no secret that ECHO Fly Fishing has several fiberglass fly rod series and you can find them on the Mad River Outfitters website or your local dealer.  Follow the MRO YouTube channel, too.

Wulff School of Fly Fishing Continues Under New Leadership

This was an interesting email to receive this past week that the Wulff School of Fly Fishing has changed hands to Charlie VanDercook and Paul Barnett.  The school will continue to offer instruction on Trout Fishing, Fly Casting, Instructors Course, and Private Schools or Lessons.


From the Wulff School of Fly Fishing news release...

The Wulff School of Fly Fishing, founded in 1979 by Joan and Lee Wulff, has been acquired by Charlie VanDercook and Paul Barnett, two local entrepreneurs dedicated to preserving and expanding the school’s legacy.

Widely regarded as a premier institution, the school has trained thousands of anglers in Joan Wulff’s renowned casting techniques. Joan, known as the "First Lady of Fly Fishing," expressed confidence in the transition, stating, "It brings me great joy to pass the Wulff School of Fly Fishing into the capable hands of Charlie and Paul, both longtime members of the Beaverkill community who deeply respect the art and tradition of fly fishing. Having known them for many years, I have no doubt they will uphold the principles and disciplines that Lee and I established when we founded the school in 1979. I am also grateful that our exceptional instructors will continue in their leadership roles, ensuring that the passion, skill, and love for fly fishing we have fostered will be carried forward for generations to come.”


Founded in 1979 by Joan and Lee Wulff, the school has been a pillar of the fly fishing community, teaching thousands of anglers the art and technique of Joan Wulff’s pioneering casting methods. For more than four decades, the Wulff School has introduced beginners to the sport, refined the skills of experienced anglers, and instilled in its students a deep appreciation for the waters of the Beaverkill, one of the most storied regions in American fly fishing history VanDercook and Barnett are committed to maintaining the school’s traditions while introducing new audiences to the sport. They will work alongside the school's four long-time, esteemed master instructors—Director Sheila Hassan, Mark Wilde, Craig Buckbee, and Dusty Wissmath—to ensure world-class instruction.

With six school sessions scheduled for 2025 at the historic Wulff property, students will continue to experience immersive, hands-on learning. The new owners have also partnered with the Beaverkill Valley Inn to provide world class hospitality and access to the famed Beaverkill to enhance their fly fishing experience.

For more information on upcoming school sessions schedules and enrollment, please visit our website or call Mark Wilde at 802-528-8546.

Monday, April 7, 2025

MARSH WEAR CLOTHING - Spring Drop - Welcome to Paradise

Marsh Wear has had a lot going on lately with several drops and if you haven't checked out their new Spring Collection, it's time.  New button-up shirts.  New shorts.  New bags.  New collaboration pieces with Mossy Oak.  And much more. 



If you don't have a couple of pairs of Marsh Wear Fulton Volley Shorts, you're missing out.  These are an absolute favorite and only seem to be getting better with choices now for men, women, and youth.
 
Check out the Marsh Wear website and sort through everything in the Spring Drop No. 001 collection.