As larger rivers continue to suffer from overcrowding, more anglers are seeking refuge by opting to explore smaller water. While the fish are generally eager to rise to a well-presented dry fly, creek fishing offers unique challenges. The standard 9ft 5wt trout rod is too long, bulky, and overpowering for most small stream situations. G. Loomis designed the IMX-Pro Creek specifically to meet the challenges creek anglers face.
The Air 2 is being touted as the best all-purpose 5wt in the company's illustrious history and a challenger to the top trout rods on the market. Winston is known for making rods with a soulful touch that are perfectly tuned for technical dry fly fishing. However, due to their delicate nature, they often lack the backbone needed for dedicated nymphing and streamer fishing. If you are in the market for a new 5wt, read on to see if the Air 2 is the ultimate multi-purpose trout fishing tool.
An excellent pattern for matching caddis, terrestrial insects, Yellow Sallies, and other light-bodied adult stoneflies, the Stimulator can be used as an exact imitation or an effective attractor pattern. No matter how you fish the Stimulator, it is a pattern worth carrying in a few sizes all season long.
A streamer that's simple and can imitate a wide range of baitfish, the Bendback should always be in the box. Whether you're matching saltwater species like spearing and bay anchovies or freshwater baitfish like dace and emerald shiners, the Bendback can imitate them all.
One of those flies that gets an opinion out of almost every fly angler around, the Squirmy Wormy, may be controversial to some, but it flat out catches fish. An easy one to stock a whole box within just a night or two, this fly is packed with movement and does an excellent job at matching both terrestrial and aquatic worms. From farm pond bluegill to wild trout, this fly will fool them all.
Picking up where the Prince Nymph left off, the Psycho Prince brings an extra dose of flash to this effective nymph. One of those bugs that you can tie in a ton of different colors, all of which can be effective, the Psycho Prince Nymph is an excellent attractor pattern whether you are after wild brookies, stocked fish, or some fresh steelhead.
Gartside’s Soft Hackle Streamer is an essential pattern anywhere you go. You can rely on this fly to catch anything from freshwater species like trout and carp to saltwater fish like striped bass, snook, and jack. The Soft Hackle Streamer is an easy baitfish pattern to tie and can be constructed in just about any color scheme you can dream up. Swing it in a current, strip it back to you, or just dead drift it. The Soft Hackle Streamer has a natural movement that entices any predatory fish around
The Pheasant Tail is an essential fly you can turn to anytime fish are feeding on subsurface mayfly nymphs. The Pheasant Tail works as a general searching pattern and can imitate specific mayfly species, as well. It's particularly deadly when swinging through riffles before a hatch.
Mid-priced fly rods have almost become an afterthought in the fly fishing industry. Fly rod manufacturers prioritize promoting their premium flagship series or are eager to tap into the beginner market with affordable combos. Sage is looking to reverse this trend.
Straight from Pop Fleyes' book, the Semper Fleye will catch any species that eats other fish. The pattern swims well, has excellent movement, and is easy to tie. You will not want to leave the house without the Semper Fleye on your next striper outing.
