01/15/08 - HPU (Hook-Point-Up) Fly Fishing Patterns
All Hook-Point-Up (HPU) patterns have three components. First, lead or brass eyes placed below the hook-eye. Second, some sort of tying material such as deer hair, feathers, fur, or hanked material tied in above the hook-eye. Third, a sturdy and often large streamer hook. Fox Statler tells us more. "Be a Bite fisherman. Use whatever fly that is needed to get the Bites."

10/04/07 - Copper Oval Tinsel Brassie Chironomid Pattern
Prior to heading to Grande Prairie for the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships, Captain Ernie Kalwa asked me to tie up something very "sparse and skinny" but using primarily the colour copper. Well, he didn't ask for a specific pattern so I tied up something based on the "Brassie" fly. A good stillwater pattern.

10/01/07 - Review: Bob Sheedy's Lake Fly Fishing Strategies
I wish I had read Lake Fly Fishing Strategies before I arrived in Grande Prairie to participate in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships of 2007 when all the venues were lakes/stillwaters. But it was not until after I arrived home that I had the chance to read this wonderful book full of information and the experiences and knowledge of Sheedy.

09/30/07 - Canadian Fly Fishing Championships 2007 Results And Report Canadian Fly Fishing Championships 2007 Results And Report
If only... If only I had done a few things differently. Even though my personal showing was poor in the fiinal results, I had a great time at the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Tough conditions weatherwise didn't dampen too much the fun, fellowship and camaraderie. Find out who won! Some nice Rainbow Trout were brought to the net, too.

09/30/07 - Special Thanks To Those Who Helped Team Osprey
Some individuals and businesses helped Team Osprey on the road to Grande Prairie.

09/10/07 - Fly Fishing Championships 2007 - Grande Prairie
In about a week, the town of Grande Prairie, Alberta will be over-run with anglers holding long rods, wearing hats with flies stuck on the brim, and probably a few extra pints and shots will be served in establishments around town. We're making our final plans, checking our lines and gear twice, and getting ready for Grande Prairie Rainbow Trout. What a blast it's been! (Includes the Itinerary for the Event).

09/08/07 - The Rules And Regulations Of Competitive Fishing
Bob Jones, "P.R. Geezer" for Fly Fishing Canada, takes a tongue in cheek look at competitive fly fishing. Bob is an officer of Fly Fishing Canada, the organization that organizes the annual Canadian Fly Fishing Championships.

09/06/07 - 2008 Canadian Fly Fishing Championship Date Announced
Fly Fishing Canada President Randy Taylor announces the date and place for next year's event. More detailed information to follow after 2007's event.

09/05/07 - GORDON VS LA BRANCHE: The Great Fly-Fishing Competition of 1911
An excerpt from Randy Kadish's new book, The Fly Caster Who Tried To Make Peace With The World

08/30/07 - Greys Greyflex M2 Fly Rod
With so many great rivers within a short drive for me, I've not really done much of this style of fly fishing and definitely needed to get some new gear if I was going to compete. And then practice with it. On the advice of an Irish Loch fly angler, I picked up a Greys Greyflex M2 10 1/2' 7/8 wt.

08/26/07 - Osprey's Team Practice Weekend: Humber Springs August 25-26, 2007
The team has been grateful to Sue and Arlene of Humber Springs for allowing them to use the trout ponds this year for practicing towards the loch-style tournament to be held in September in Grand Prairie, Alberta..'"; $title="Osprey's Team Practice Weekend: Humber Springs August 25-26, 2007

08/13/07 - With Stevie Munn On The Six Mile Water River
Lots of fish, "good craic," and a sunburn, In June, I went to Northern Ireland to visit 'home', and got in a day of fly fishing on the Six Mile. Wasn't the best time of year, but with Stevie's help, it turned out to be a great day.

07/08/07 - Fly Fishing Etiquette
Etiquette seems to be disappearing from many of our favorite rivers, streams and waters. Fly Angler Jim Ward provides a look along with his suggestions in this article with a serious subject with some sprinkles of humour. Whether you agree with all of his points, let's not forget the final call: "Be considerate, fish smart, fish safe, enjoy the sport. ."

06/03/07 - Kenauk: Experience Wilderness In Comfort And Fish For Trout
The Wilderness - Great Trout - But Uncomfortable and So Remote Right? Wrong! Great trout - remote lakes, and wilderness - in comfort - two hours from downtown Ottawa. No airplanes needed either.

06/02/07 - Quinchat's Glass Eyed Glimmer
Nothing worse for fly anglers on an evening when the fish are sipping on the surface and delicate dry fly presentation is a must - and bazillions of mosquitoes are buzzing about and biting. It can be so frustrating - so William Joseph came up with an idea - does it work?

06/01/07 - William Joseph's Mosquito Annoyer
Nothing worse for fly anglers on an evening when the fish are sipping on the surface and delicate dry fly presentation is a must - and bazillions of mosquitoes are buzzing about and biting. It can be so frustrating - so William Joseph came up with an idea - does it work?

01/18/07 - Simms Aquaseal Guide Wading Boot Review
As I tried on various pairs of boots, Ray pointed me to the "Aquastealth Guide" model of boot, made by Simms. They were the most expensive pair in the store - but as I slipped my foot covered by the William Joseph stocking foot, I knew immediately that these were the boots for me. These boots along with the waders felt more comfortable than the pair of running shoes I had been wearing prior to trying on boots.

01/18/07 - The Second Fly Caster
"When I was a boy I thought my father was the greatest fly caster on earth, so I grew up dreaming of following in his way, and not of becoming, as my mother wanted me to, an accountant." A memoir by Randy Kadish.

01/15/07 - Team Osprey - Call For Applicants
Team Osprey, Captained by Ernie Kalwa, is looking to fill two positions on the team for the 2007 Canadian Fly Fishing Championships to be held in Grand Prairie, Alberta.

11/07/06 - FFC Anounces 2007 Competition Date
Fly Fishing Canada President Randy Taylor makes official announcement regarding the 2007 Canadian Fly Fishing Championships.

08/07/06 - Jean-Guy Cote Passes Away
It is a sad day for me to discover that Jean-Guy Cote has passed away. Jean-Guy was a supporter of this website and some our fly swaps while as President and Founder of UNI-Threads.

07/04/06 - William Joseph Waders Review
Being light is great - but how would they perform, especially during the day under a blazing sun and humid weather? My Review of the William Joseph stocking foot waders.

07/02/06 - University of Guelph "Are Fish Sentient?" Symposium
Is this a "stacked" event? Dr. Braithwaite, one of the authors of the infamous "fish feel pain" study and an animal rights sympathizing philosopher will be speaking next week at the University of Guelph. I think it behooves anglers to learn more, and be at the symposium if they are able.

07/01/06 - The Malteser
Thinking outside of the box as far as flies and fly tying material can pay off. Here's my story on creating a simply to tie fly using my Maltese Puppy's hair, thread, and a glass bead. Still want to experiment a bit more, but thus far, it has been a producer for when the sun is shining.

06/30/06 - Canadian Fly Fishing Competition - Team Osprey, Arron Varga
One of the greatest things about agreeing to compete in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships was the opportunity to get to know other anglers who would become my teammates that had enormous knowledge they could teach me. Arron is one such angler. An amazing man, all round - both in his excitement, dedication, and willingness to share information.

06/29/06 - Canadian Fly Fishing Championships - The Results Are In
And the winner is... me! No, not true, although I sure learned an awful lot during the competition, in spite of my last place showing. Here's my report on the "winner's circle" and a brief summary of the 4th Annual Canadian Fly Fishing Championships.

06/01/06 - Airflow Platinum Fly Line Review
In the past, I've never bothered with all the hype and advertising claims of premium fly lines. What I had spooled on my reels did the job just fine, so I thought. But this spring, with some of my lines being almost 10 years old and in rough shape, I decided to treat myself and picked up both a 5 wt. and 8 wt, WF floating line - the Airflow Platinum.

05/30/06 - New York Pier Fishing (With A Fly Rod)
"I didn't become a lot of things, good and bad, including a pier fishermen. Piers were magnets for anglers on the lowest fishing rung: bait fishermen. Besides, what self-respecting fly fisher wants to fish, standing on concrete or wood, facing a railing?" Randy Kadish provides another personal reflection while writing about his recent trials and tribulations attempting pier fishing in New York City.

05/29/06 - Meet The Captain!
A few weeks ago, I was hesitant to sign up for the upcoming Canadian Fly Fishing Championships with "Team Osprey." I'm glad I was convinced to do so though - I've had the opportunity to meet some great fly anglers and Captain Ernie Kalwa is the first team member to be profiled in a series.

05/05/06 - My Ferrule Is Crushed - And So Am I
You ever do one of those things that you know afterward was just absolutely stupid? Last weekend, I did. My ferrule is crushed, and so am I. Let this be a lesson to me... and you... about being careless with our equipment.

05/01/06 - Ninety minutes To 50 In A Stiff Breeze
With the right instructor, you don't have to worry about stiff breezes or feel intimidated by other fly anglers on the river. Here's a brief report about taking my son to Ian James for some fly casting instruction - and afterward, getting an email from my son thanking me for doing so. Of course, the son's auld man picked up some important advice as well. Ninety minutes is all it takes with a great teacher.

04/28/06 - Tip Of The Hat To Ray Collesso
I don't normally review places stores or shops. Products are much easier to review without an emotional involvement involved. Stores or shops are often more reviewed based upon the service the reviewer received - sometimes this can be very subjective. With products, you can say exactly what you like, don't like, what broke, what didn't break, and what works. But here's a shop that I really need to tip my hat to.

02/24/06 - I Caught And Released 5 Atlantic Salmon and 3 Brown Trout!
Yes folks, today I did catch 5 Atlantic Salmon and 4 Brown Trout. The weather outside is a balmy -5 Celcius (23 degrees F). And I did it all legally, as well. You interested in being able to catch both Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout in the middle of winter, in Ontario, and do it legally? Read on!

02/24/06 - Fly Tying Competition In Support of Conservation and Education
As a Fund Raising event in support of its many conservation and education projects, the Federation of Fly Fishers is sponsoring an international fly tying Competition. The Competition will run from February 1, 2006, until midnight April 30, 2006. There are 39 separate categories within which to enter a fly. $11,000US in prizes.

02/12/06 - Going Back Again
"They say you can't go back again. But I had tried. And I had reminisced about the great summers I had shared with old friends--Patti, Gerry, Bob--and I had spun into a black hole of grief; so when Margaret called and told me she had the beach house to herself, I told her I wasn't visiting." - A memoir by Randy Kadish.

10/29/05 - Want To Try Something Other Than A Fishing Vest?
"For the traditionalist a canvas bag is the only method for carrying accoutrements while modern man sees the fishing vest as the answer. Modern man (for the most part) however, hasn't tried this concept raising, waterproof canvas bag." Here's my review of a Robert Cochrane bag.

10/08/05 - Stopping The Bites
No, we're not talking about preventing the fish from biting - but those of us that fish in climates where mosquito bites are frustrating, there may be another solution for you other than DEET based products. This review is too late in the season for any this year, but you may want to check this product out and get some before the blood biting skeeters come out in force next spring.

10/06/05 - Chota Wading Jacket Review
If you're a hard core angler, you fish during autumn, spring and maybe even winter. And if you are looking for some outer wear that is more comfortable than what you have now, you will want to take a look at Jason Akl's review of the Chota CVX100 wading jacket.

07/01/05 - Fly Fishing in Yellowstone Country
To the many devoted people who entertain themselves with the possibility of visiting prime fly fishing destinations in the continental US Yellowstone Park is the hands down, first row, first pew, undisputed leader of all US locations.

06/21/05 - Forget Your Scale?
Do you ever take a scale along when you go fishing just to see what your catch weighs? Did you ever forget your scale and then catch a big fish? No problem! A little algebra can help you out. What! Algebra? Well, that is the price you pay for your forgetfulness.

06/20/05 - A City Angler
I was born in a city, and grew up in a city, and fish in a city or in rivers that are near train stations close to a city; so when I walk down the street or ride the subways, when I carry my fly-fishing gear, when I wear my official fly-fishing vest and wear my galoshes over my felt-soled wading boots, people stare and probably wonder. By Randy Kadish.

05/05/05 - High Water Fly Fishing
High water fly fishing offers the big advantage of relative solitude. However, there are some things you should know before you venture out. Cameron Larsen, who lives a short walk away from the legendary Deschutes River in the Cascade Mountains has the information and tips you'll need to be successful.

05/03/05 - The Rabid Prince
To this day in fly fishing there is probably an un-recordable amount of fly variations on this prince pattern, and the rabid prince is just one of these variations that has worked for me on many different occasions. Maybe it is the shiny bead-head that draws the attention of fish or possibly it is the sets of forked biots but something is able to get fish to bite and bite hard. Give it a try.

05/02/05 - Make Your Own Bobbin Threaders & Cleaners
Have problems threading your bobbin? It may need cleaning. Here's an article on how to easily make your own bobbin cleaners and threaders. Quick and simple.

04/23/05 - Opening Day Traditions
I am not one for keeping a lot of traditions - I could just as easily celebrate Christmas day on the 27th of December as the 25th. Easter? I never did believe in the Easter Bunny. Thanksgiving is a good excuse to be a glutton with everyone else, and why not be thankful every day anyhow? But when it comes to Opening Day...

04/01/05 - Ian's Ramblings
Sometimes, life just gets too busy. Fly fishing is a past time and hobby of mine that I love, but there are periods of time that I am simply unable to endulge myself, as I need to pay the bills, spend time with clients, and then there are times when even fly fishing carries a much lower priority than family. Some thoughts, and new products as well!

03/27/05 - Steelhead At Cardiac Pool
Guide Tracey John Hittel describes the thrill of one of his clients hooking into a beautiful steelhead in Northern British Columbia, on the Upper Kalum. Fred Callum's experience with fighting a steelhead is one we'd all love to share in. And of course, we'd probably make mistakes too, while our adrenaline was running.

03/20/05 - Searching For Coho On The Fly
Vic Carrao offers advice on fly fishing for Coho Salman, especially aimed at those who want to fish the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia. Carrao's favorite water is the Harrison River just 2 hours from Vancouver.

03/18/05 - Classic Saltwater Flies
Joe Branham discusses his upcoming book and offers a peek into some of the topics that will be covered.

02/05/05 - Winter Fly Fishing For Trout
Although not all of us are able to take advantage of the joys of winter trout fly fishing, in some parts, it's a peaceful and excellent with non-existent crowds to compete against. Cameron Larsen provides his tips and ideas from his own personal experiences.

01/02/05 - Fly tying with Eyes
Joe Branham discusses the how's, why's and wherefores of including eyes in your fly tying. According to Joe, "Eyes, not only add cosmetics to the actual but, the general consensus is that by adding eyes to your flies, that the fly will get more takes." Try these different ideas!

12/21/04 - Rod Shop Roast
Russ Gooding has done it again. Another great product from Golden Witch, although not exactly related to crafting cane rods. But you're sure to enjoy it anyhow. Even if you don't own a rod shop or build rods.

12/01/04 - The Flopper (Fallen Hopper)
With the end of winter only a few months away, a sense of urgency swells in the minds of most serious fly tiers. Choosing what patterns one is going to fill their fly boxes with is not an easy decision for most, but stocking up with a few terrestrial patterns could never be wrong. Jason Akl offers you this suggestion.

06/10/04 - A Reason To Fish
The city workers never stopped me from going onto the old, broken-down pier, though one had said, "There aren't much fish here since we dredged last year." - By Randy Kadish

03/21/04 - Grand River Fly Tying Workshop
Fly tying unplugged - this one day workshop featuring Ian James' favorite Grand River flies is something you won't want to miss if you can help it!

01/23/04 - Trophy Atlantic Salmon Fishing Tips
Bill Bryden has been chasing, studying, catching, and guiding others in pursuit of Atlantic Salmon for years. If you'd like the inside scoop on fly fishing this awesome fish - and want ALL the secrets, this is the article for you. How to locate trophy lays, equipment to use, and other tips - Bill covers it all right here.

01/22/04 - Give Yourself A Hand
John Guldin discusses the merits of right hand and left hand retrieve when saltwater fly fishing. Some experts suggest that you should retrieve with your dominant hand. John points out that you shouldn't feel too badly if you have good reason to ignore the advice. [Editor note.. John says he's been fishing for 45 years. I thought it was closer to 60 years... ;) ]

06/13/03 - Simple Speys
If you are looking for a new late season fly pattern to chase after those lunker spawning steelhead and bewildered browns then this might just be the article you have been waiting for.

06/12/03 - Trout Trauma Puts Scientists On The Hook?
Alexander Schwab responds to the latest study that purports to show fish feel pain. A very important article for all anglers.

06/11/03 - Stalking the flats of Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico
I bowed my rod tip as the fish jumped. It was a barracuda, a large one of maybe 3 1/2 feet in length. It thrashed in the air as hurtled from right to left and landed in an explosion of water droplets. - Peter Cammann relates his experiences fly fishing for barracuda.

05/26/03 - Fly Tying - Softex Spawn
In the everlasting search for the perfect egg fly to drift this upcoming spring; one fly has set itself apart from all the rest. The soft touch spawn pattern incorporates all the great characteristics of the traditional egg flies with a few new secrets of its own.

05/24/03 - Hook, Line and Thinker
Alexander Schwab has written an informative book that every hunter and angler should read. Even non-anglers and non-hunters, who don't quite know where to take a stand on these issues would benefit from Schwab's work as he examines the philosophies behind the major animal rights movements in the world today.

05/11/03 - Saltwater, Silver Kings, and San Juan
Almost every morning, we met in the early hours by the locked gate of the Empress Hotel waiting for our taxi to take us to the Cangrejos Marina. On one fine morning, I was at the gate all right, only it was on the outside yelling to get back in. The other days saw some nice catches of tarpon - my first saltwater trip.

02/12/03 - An Uncertain Science
There's this perpetual fantasy most fly fishers have of one day unearthing an untouched piece of water nobody's ever heard about, crystal clear of course, and fairly bristling with a hardy strain of largely forgiving trout - browns, if there's a choice. The Uncertain Science of Locating Little Known, Unfished Fly Streams by Tom Sutcliffe.

01/14/03 - The Dark Side Of San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, has many attractions like surf, sand and sun, but for one man, it was the dark side that drew him there. Fly fishing in Puerto Rico - John Guldin provides tips and advice including casting, hooking, and fighting the mighty tarpon on the fly.

08/23/02 - To Bead Or Not To Bead - That Is The Question
"Do you tie nymphs with bead heads or without? In this day and age, probably both. However, keep in mind if you are a tyro tier that bead heads and cone heads have not been around all that long. You may have many nymphs in your boxes without the little gold bead. What to do?" John Guldin provides this tip for all those beadless nymphs in the your fly box.

08/03/02 -Solitude In The Middle Of Town
Imagine that you are standing in a river that both smallmouth bass and brown trout called home. Imagine that you you are the only person fishing it. Imagine excellent salmon and steelhead runs. Canada's Saugeen River offers a great angling experience almost all year round.

07/31/02 - Tying The Japanese Beetle
Looking for something that will bring the worst out in trout? There's a silver lining to the cloud of Japanese Beetle infestations in some parts of the country. Grab a cup of coffee and learn to create a great immitation with John Guldin.

05/12/02 - Fly Diversity
"Sometimes, even fly fishers get tunnel vision and continue down that tunnel blinded by what is considered the norm where their flies are concerned. Maybe it is time to break out of the norm and see what happens." Saltwater expert Joe Branham provides his thoughts.

05/11/02 - Longer Hauling For Longer Distance
"Dont worry if you once tried long hauling and your casts, like mine, filled with slack and often just collapsed. Hauling defects, Ive learned after hours and hours of trial and error, are easily corrected." Get some help from long distance competitor Randy Kadish.

05/02/02 - Barefoot On The Bow
Take off your shoes! John Guldin explains how going barefoot could improve your fly casting while fishing from a skiff or flats boat on saltwater.

05/01/02 - Tying The Copper and Orange Buzzer
Looking for a great trout nymph pattern? Ian James provides step by step tying instructions for this pattern, which is well known on both sides of the Atlantic for its fish producing abilities. It's also simple to tie.

04/05/02 - An Angler Meditates On Fly Casting
"The sun reflected off the lawn as if it reflected off a calm trout-filled pool, or maybe thats what I imagined, because a part of me wished that, instead of going to the park to practice fly casting, I was going to a winding, country stream to fish." Randall Kadish reflects on fly casting and spirituality.

04/04/02 - The Legend Of Shorty McFane
Next time you see a kid showing a little interest in what you love to do stop for a moment and carefully show him or her how you become involved. Even with your own flaws the experience could make a difference in their lives. By Doc Knoll.

03/02/02 - Tying Saltwater Flies
When some tiers see the words Salt Water and Fly Tying together they feel intimidated and are very reluctant to venture into that are of tying. This is understandable to a point because there was not, until recently, a definitive source for this type of tying. Joe Branham offers this advice from his extraordinary experiences tying for saltwater.

03/01/02 - A Fly Fishing Certainty: No Exceptions
Very few statements can be made with 100% certainty in life or, more importantly, in fly fishing. But, this is one: Big Fish Eat Little Fish! This basic statement of the prey-predator relationship is well known by saltwater fly anglers. John Guldin shows you how to tie very productive patterns with a new synthetic material.

02/15/02 - Outfish The Hardware Throwers
Are your hardware throwing steelheaders out fishing you? Try tying up this Blue Thunder! Your fly rod just might start outfishing the guys with spin fishing rods. Especially good for winter and spring steelhead.

02/01/02 - Land The Fly In The Water, Not In Your Ear
Just a few things to keep in mind will help you become a better fly caster. Randy Kadish provides advice to help you enjoy fly fishing more.

01/07/02 - The Muncher Fly - A Great Fly Fishing Pattern
Five fish enticing triggers have been built into this fly, developed by Ontario fly fishing guide, Ian James. This fly says Eat Me.

01/06/02 - The Passing Of A Legend
Gary Lafontaine has been regarded as one of the top fly tying instructors in the world. Sadly, Friday marked the occassion of his death.

More Features...

2001 Features

2000 Features

1999 Features

1998 Features

From The Bench: The Muncher is a favorite of Ian James for carp, smallies, more.    Tie This!

The Doc's Rx: Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.    The Doc's Rx