The Backstage Pass

While the salmonfly hatch often steals the spotlight, the golden stonefly hatch is arguably the more dependable, long-lasting, and productive hatch across much of the Rocky Mountain West. In Montana especially, golden stoneflies hatch more prolifically and steadily than their larger salmonfly cousins—often side-by-side early in the season before taking over as the...

When most anglers think about dry fly fishing, they picture trout rising to fully emerged adults—mayflies floating upright, caddis fluttering off the surface, or stoneflies skittering across a riffle. But before the classic “dry fly moment,” trout key in on another phase of the hatch—one that’s arguably more important, more consistent, and more...

Selecting the right hook for fly tying is a lot like choosing the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t grab a framing hammer to drive a finishing nail—or use a wrench when you need a screwdriver. In the same way, every fly pattern needs a hook that’s built for its specific purpose. ...

Euro nymphing—also known as tight-line or contact nymphing—is a modern fly-fishing technique that was born out of competitive angling in Europe and has now become one of the most effective ways to catch trout subsurface. Instead of casting traditional fly line and suspending nymphs under an indicator, euro nymphing relies on long, leader-driven...

In fly fishing, the 12-weight stands apart as a rod built for extremes. It’s not the stick you grab for a casual day on the flats or a light session inshore—it exists for moments when sheer power is the only answer. The 12-weight is the rod of choice for anglers who step into...

If fly rods are a toolbox, the 4-weight is one of the most precise and versatile instruments available. Sitting between the ultralight 2- and 3-weights and the more versatile 5- and 6-weights, a 4-weight fly rod is designed for finesse, feel, and control. It is the rod that allows you to place a...