Jake is Yellow Dog’s program director for our U.S. programs. Originally from Virginia, Jake moved to Idaho in 2005 and started his career in the fly fishing industry at Henry's Fork Anglers, one of the most well-known destination fly shops in the Western United States. After leaving Idaho at the beginning of 2013, he relocated to Salt Lake City and worked for a top fly fishing e-commerce retailer, and then as a sales representative for some of the top brands in the industry. Jake is an unbelievable source of knowledge on all things having to do with fly fishing, and he now looks forward to traveling the globe pursuing his passion and helping others to do the same.
What is your favorite species (or hatch) to fish for and where?Â
Brown trout on the lower Henry’s Fork River because they like to eat dry flies in June. Any hatch in Harriman State Park on the Henry’s Fork River when trout are feeding.
Favorite Rod/Reel combo and why?
Right now, it’s my Scott Centric 4-weight with a Hatch Iconic 3 Plus reel. I like the 4-weight because it casts a single small dry fly really well but can also cast big hoppers when need be.
Favorite Fly Line(s)?
I’m not too picky about fly lines. I’ve got a bunch in my garage that have piled up over the years, so I’ll just grab one of those as long as it’s not too old.
Top Flies?
I would have to say either a beetle, ant, or rusty spinner. I just think that when trout get picky and you can’t figure out what they're taking on top, you can put one of those three flies over them, and if they want to eat, they will probably take it.
Preferred Waders and Boots?
I like the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Ultralight waders because they’re lightweight and packable. Right now I’m wearing the Patagonia Forra wading boot. It feels more like a lightweight hiking boot.
What do you use for leader and tippet and why does it work well for you?
I am not too loyal to one brand. In my opinion it all works the same. But I do prefer to use fluorocarbon for everything including dry flies. I just like to keep it consistent across the board. That way I know it’s strong and is going to hold when fighting fish.
Favorite Luggage and Pack System?
For luggage, I like anything from the Black Hole series from Patagonia. I have had some of those bags for almost 20 years.
As for packs, I run pretty light when wading – a couple of spools of tippet in one pocket, a puck or two worth of flies in the other pocket, and my lanyard. But when in a boat, I use the Patagonia Great Divider bag for everything. I’ve had that bag for close to 20 years.
Favorite Accessories or Must-Have Pieces of Gear?
A little bottle of my secret dry fly flotant – Albolene moisturizing cleanser and Ronsonol lighter fuel. I learned that one from my good friend, Shaun Lawson.
If you were forced to incorporate one piece of tying material into all of your flies, what would it be and why?
I would have to say foam because it floats, and I like flies that float.
What is the go-to hook?
TMC (Tiemco) 100 dry fly hook.
What would your next purchase be on the Yellow Dog site?
Whatever my wife doesn’t find out about.
What are your favorite destinations you've traveled to and why?
Wherever I just came from, or where I’m going next. I am pretty dang fortunate that I do not have to hop on a plane to catch trout. That said, when I do travel, I like to pursue something other than trout.
What lodges do you really want to visit outside of your territory?
I would like to go to Christmas Island, just because that's kind of my style with it being angler-focused and nothing fancy. And that way we could also stop in Hawaii for a few days for my wife to enjoy.
Which destinations would you want to travel to from a cultural perspective?
Somewhere in Europe.
