The Backstage Pass

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...

More and more, travelers are doing away with the traditional model of a dedicated fly fishing trip as a solo angler or with other fishermen and are instead looking to combine their trips with loved ones and friends. For that reason, we have compiled a collection of some of our favorite freshwater and saltwater...

Small-stream fly fishing is all about intimacy. Tight quarters, stealthy approaches, short accurate casts, and trout that demand finesse. The right rod transforms brush-lined creeks and mountain trickles into technical playgrounds — rods that load instantly, protect fine tippet, and land small flies with precision. Whether you’re bow-and-arrow casting in heavy timber or...