Commonly the question is asked, "What is better Euro-style nymphing or Indicator nymphing?" Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both and come to an answer.  I've used both methods for years and I've had success with both. I can recall catching char and rainbow trout with an indicator rig in Alaska and I can recall euro nymphing and sighting fish taking my nymphs in Montana. Both situations were exhilarating and at the time I felt it was the correct technique. Vice versa, I have been skunked on both styles and felt completely inept. I think it is about time we look at the pros and cons of both and dive in a bit deeper. 

In this podcast summary blog, I summarize the fly fishing expertise and adventures through the experiences of Garrett Lesko, a well-known figure in the fly tying profession. We explore various facets of fly fishing - from the art of tying deer hair flies to the ability of finding unique materials globally, and the importance of building genuine relationships within the fly fishing community. This interview takes us through Garrett's evolution from a young enthusiast to a master in fly tying, showcasing the intricate and artistic nature of tying flies.

Welcome to our latest blog, where we delve into the fascinating world of fly fishing, drawing inspiration from the "Fly Fishing Insider Podcast" hosted by Christian Bacasa. This blog series, broken down into seven insightful parts, is a treasure trove of fly fishing wisdom, stories, and tips for both novices and seasoned anglers alike.

Part 1: The Art of Bespoke Fly Tying with Allen Rupp

In our first segment, we explore Allen Rupp's journey from childhood fishing experiences to becoming a bespoke fly-tier. His story emphasizes the beauty of fly fishing and the significance of quality craftsmanship in fly tying.

Dive into the world of fly fishing through the lens of Allen Campbell, a Loon Pro and Guide known for his fly tying expertise, especially in streamer action. The latest episode of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast, hosted by Christian Bacasa, reveals Allen's journey into fly fishing, the challenges he faced, and the undying passion that fuels his adventures.

Part 1: The Beginnings of a Passion

Allen's path to fly fishing wasn't straightforward. Despite his sporty background in hockey, fishing wasn't his go-to activity during childhood. His first encounter with fishing, which involved a friend, some bluegill, and beer, surprisingly transformed his view on fishing. This experience was a stepping stone, leading him to the intricate art of fly fishing, which he embraced wholeheartedly.

Dealing with wind while fly fishing for trout can be challenging, but it's a skill that can greatly enhance your fishing experience. What is interesting about wind is that most anglers only think about how to cast in it more efficiently and effectively. However, there are other methods to deal with wind.

Tipping a fly fishing guide can be akin to tipping at a restaurant but with nuances unique to the outdoor experience. The key? Consider effort, skill, and overall experience, not just the day's catch. Here's a baseline guide to help you navigate this super common question. Note that this is a guide on individual tipping so the amount is per person.  If the guide is a boat guide and typically takes two you should take that into consideration.

Fly fishing enthusiasts often seek ways to enhance their fly tying skills, tying nymph patterns for your fly box is particularly a good way. While there's room for creative liberty, certain adjustments can significantly improve the efficacy and appearance of your flies. What I love most is that when tying you start to understand the various points of entomology that are important and why they make flies look the way they do. Here, I delve into some expert tips that focus on things like tails, epoxy, head, nymph body, collars, etc. to create more effective nymph fly patterns for your tying sessions and boxes.

I’ve been experimenting with other vehicles for fly fishing and dove into the world of SUPs and Kayaks this past year.  The most impressive kayaks I’ve found have been by Hobie and I wanted to break down a bit of information on the Mirage series model so you know what you are looking at. 

One game-changing technique that has been gaining immense popularity among anglers is Euro nymphing. This approach requires a unique leader setup, and want to share a tried-and-tested Euro nymphing leader formula that I utilize.  I’ve been able to test quite a few and this is what I’ve settled on.