Category: Education

Education, Stories

Unorthodox Approach Pays Off

This is a tale of Tenkara, adaptability, and success. In early February, a couple of my fishing buddies and I embarked on an exploratory journey of a section of the Lower Yuba River we’d never fished. Located in western Nevada County, California, the Lower Yuba flows from Englebright Dam to the Feather River, but most fly fishing occurs on the 4-ish miles between the Highway 20 bridge crossing and Sycamore Grove, the take out point for watercraft. So, for our expedition, Sycamore Grove was our starting point and we hiked and waded downstream from there. Learn More “Unorthodox Approach Pays Off”

Education, Stories

Fly Fishing For Spring’s Gray Ghosts

The desperate urge strikes every year, sometimes as early as January, and it grows stronger with every warm day. Grayling come from the arctic, but ironically, we have to wait for winter’s grip to ebb before they re-emerge from the ethereal depths of imagination. So the memory of billowing iridescent sails takes hold, and I wait.

We need snow to fill our lakes and reservoirs so we can keep the forests lush and green through summer and to fill streams with cold, clear water for trout, char, and whitefish, and for something else too: Arctic Grayling. Learn More “Fly Fishing For Spring’s Gray Ghosts”

Education, Stories

What it takes to be an Umpqua Fly

Umpqua has been producing the highest quality flies—in fact, the company is only interested in bringing the best to market. So, how do we insure that our quality is actually the highest?

First and foremost—our fly selection is extremely extensive and extremely picky. Many of Umpqua’s flies are created by our Signature Royalty Tyers. We select the best flies that come from extremely talented and innovative tyers. The submissions are put through their paces—on and off the water. Read more about the process in our next article. Once a fly is selected by our Fly Selection Committee, we work closely with the tyer to make sure the design specs are exact. That way, our factories can (practically) perfectly produce their bug. Learn More “What it takes to be an Umpqua Fly”

Education

5 Aspects For Understanding Fly Tying Hooks

Wide Gape, Curved Shank, down eye, sproat bend, 2X long, 1x heavy…what does it all mean? If you are new to fly tying or even someone with more experience it can be a little intimidating to find the correct hook for the pattern you want to tie. Don’t fear! Although there are many manufacturers of fly tying hooks and many more variations of hooks from each, once you understand some of the basic principles you will be well suited to pick the right hook for the desired fly pattern. Learn More “5 Aspects For Understanding Fly Tying Hooks”

Education, Stories

Cabin Fever Fly Tying

Chasing winter steelhead can be more than a challenge as anglers fight changing water levels, punishing rain, and low returns of wild fish. A little hope can go a long way when it comes to the pursuit. Wherever you can find a glimmer of confidence swinging a fly, anglers grab at it. Tying beautiful flies in unique color patterns not only inspire confidence, but also help to enhance the experience. Decompressing from a day out in the elements in the cabin, sipping on an aged reserve, while chatter fills the small space is a perfect opportunity to tie something special. So, pack along your vise and materials for your next adventure into the wild as the days are short and the nights long. Learn More “Cabin Fever Fly Tying”