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AdventuresAngler holding a large brown trout from a drift boat on the Blackfoot, Montana

Streamer Fishing the Blackfoot, Montana — Big Browns (Day 2)

Day two on the Blackfoot with Jake — a 22-inch brown on the third cast, big browns on streamers all day, and Max on the dry-and-dropper through the prettiest canyon water there is.

Jun 15, 2026
AdventuresAngler holding a large rainbow trout on the Clark Fork River, Montana

Fly Fishing Montana With My Son — A Father's Day Float on the Clark Fork

Father's Day weekend on a quiet stretch of the Clark Fork with my son Max and Missoula Fly Guy Jake — about 35 fish, eight doubles, and a day neither of us will forget.

Jun 14, 2026
Fly Fishing AdventuresAngler in rain gear holding a rainbow trout on the Clark Fork, Montana

Fly Fishing the Clark Fork Below Missoula in the Rain (Day 3)

A cold, rain-soaked April day on the Clark Fork below Missoula — tough fishing, one gorgeous rainbow, and a hard-earned lesson on why good rain gear is non-negotiable in Montana. Day 3 of three.

Apr 22, 2026
Fly Fishing AdventuresAngler fly casting on Rock Creek with a canyon cliff behind, Montana

Fly Fishing Rock Creek, Montana — A Spring Dry-Fly Day (Day 2)

A hidden stretch of Rock Creek near Missoula with Jake and photographer Drew Baker — dry flies, the full El Rey G6 lineup, and a beautiful canyon all to ourselves. Day 2 of three.

Apr 21, 2026

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Fly Fishing AdventuresA vivid spawning cutthroat trout beside an El Rey G6 906-6 fly rod on Montana's Clark Fork

Spring Nymphing the Clark Fork Near Superior, Montana (Day 1)

Day 1 of three days in Montana with Jake: steady April nymphing on a rising Clark Fork near Superior — big nymphs, squirmy worms, and steady cutthroats from the jet boat.

Apr 20, 2026
Fly Fishing Pro TipsTop 5 Ways to Get Fly Rod Sections Unstuck (And Why They Get Stuck)

Top 5 Ways to Get Fly Rod Sections Unstuck (And Why They Get Stuck)

Fly rod stuck? Learn the top 5 ways to separate stuck fly rod sections, including the freezer trick, and why ferrules get stuck in the first place. Expert fly fishing tips.

Mar 26, 2026
Fly Fishing Pro TipsIf You Want to Fish More This Year, Start with the Calendar

If You Want to Fish More This Year, Start with the Calendar

Q: Why do so many anglers talk about “planning a trip” but never actually go? Because life fills the calendar first. Work, kids’ schedules, meetings, obligations — they all show up fast. Fishing tr...

Jan 2, 2026
Fly Fishing Pro TipsIt’s getting cold—what’s the smartest way to fish late fall trout, bass, and even carp on the fly?

It’s getting cold—what’s the smartest way to fish late fall trout, bass, and even carp on the fly?

🎣 Short Answer Slow down and get deliberate. For trout: streamers and nymphs shine. For bass: key on baitfish moves and temperature swings. For carp: target warming trends and make ultra-precise pr...

Nov 22, 2025
Why True Travel Rods Should Fit in Your Carry-On

Why True Travel Rods Should Fit in Your Carry-On

Q: What makes a real travel fly rod today? A: A true travel rod should disappear into your carry-on. Modern 6-section rods like the El Rey G6 Series pack down small enough to fit in your luggage—no...

Nov 8, 2025
Fly Fishing Pro TipsHow Six-Section Fly Rods Changed Travel Fishing Forever

How Six-Section Fly Rods Changed Travel Fishing Forever

Last month, we asked whether packable fly rods can really perform like traditional four-piece rods. The short answer was yes — today’s six-section rods cast, flex, and fight fish just as well as th...

Nov 1, 2025
Fly Fishing Pro TipsEl Jefe v2 saltwater fly rod, an 8 weight for flats fishing

The Best Saltwater Fly Rods: What Weight to Choose

Ask ten flats guides what the best saltwater fly rods are and you'll get one clear theme: more power than a trout rod, a reel that shrugs off salt, and enough backbone to punch a fly into the wind....

Oct 25, 2025
Fly Fishing Pro TipsAre Fly Rod Combos Worth It?

Are Fly Rod Combos Worth It?

Question: Should I buy a fly rod combo or build my setup piece by piece? Answer: A fly rod combo is often the best value — especially for anglers who want a perfectly matched rod, reel, and line s...

Oct 18, 2025
Why We Made thisAre Packable Fly Rods as Good as Traditional Rods?

Are Packable Fly Rods as Good as Traditional Rods?

Question: Do travel rods with more sections lose performance compared to 4-piece rods? Answer: For years, packable rods had a bad reputation — more sections meant more weight and less sensitivity....

Oct 11, 2025
Why We Made thisWhat’s the best fly rod weight for beginners?

What’s the best fly rod weight for beginners?

Question: I’m new to fly fishing — which rod weight should I start with? Answer: The best fly rod weight for beginners is the 5 weight fly rod. It’s the most versatile size, perfect for learning d...

Oct 3, 2025
Fly Fishing Pro TipsWhat Size Fly Rod Do I Need for Streamer Fishing?

What Size Fly Rod Do I Need for Streamer Fishing?

Question: Which fly rod weight is best for streamer fishing, especially in the fall? Answer: Streamer fishing calls for more power — both to cast heavier flies and to handle aggressive fish. The m...

Oct 3, 2025
Fly Fishing Pro TipsEl Jefe v2 fly rod laid across a net — 5 weight vs 6 weight comparison

5 Weight vs 6 Weight Fly Rod: Complete Guide to 5/6 Rods

It's the most common gear question we get, and for good reason: the 5 weight vs 6 weight fly rod decision is the fork in the road for almost every trout angler building their first (or next) setup....

Oct 3, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresFly Fishing in the Austrian Alps – A Birthday Adventure

Fly Fishing in the Austrian Alps – A Birthday Adventure

This past August, my wife celebrated a big birthday. She’s always wanted to see the land her grandparents came from—her grandmother immigrated directly from Austria, landing at Ellis Island. So, we...

Sep 6, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresExploring the Wisconsin Driftless: Big Laughs, Small Streams, and Plenty of Trout

Exploring the Wisconsin Driftless: Big Laughs, Small Streams, and Plenty of Trout

At the end of July, I had a business meeting lined up in Chicago—and like any good angler with an ounce of foresight, I decided to turn it into a business and fishing trip. One of my partners, Max,...

Aug 23, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresHalibut, Lingcod, and Family Memories: A Day Aboard The Current Lady

Halibut, Lingcod, and Family Memories: A Day Aboard The Current Lady

Homer, Alaska | July 5, 2025 This wasn’t a fly fishing trip—but it was one I’ll never forget. During our recent trip to Alaska to scatter my dad’s ashes, I wanted to take Heather and Max on a few o...

Aug 7, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresFly Fishing the Kenai: A Family Adventure to Remember

Fly Fishing the Kenai: A Family Adventure to Remember

There are some places that just feel sacred. For our family, Alaska is one of them. This summer, my wife, son, and I traveled to Cooper Landing for a trip that was both emotional and unforgettable ...

Jul 18, 2025
Missouri River Fly Fishing Near Craig, Montana (Day 3)

Missouri River Fly Fishing Near Craig, Montana (Day 3)

Here’s Day 3 of your Montana fly fishing series — the perfect wrap-up to an unforgettable trip, with plenty of storytelling, gear highlights, and gratitude woven in:   If you’ve fly fished for a wh...

May 31, 2025
Upper Clark Fork Fly Fishing, Montana — Big Brown Trout (Day 2)

Upper Clark Fork Fly Fishing, Montana — Big Brown Trout (Day 2)

After a great start on Day 1 — and watching the Lower Clark Fork blow out right before our eyes — we knew we needed a new game plan. On Day 2, Jake and I decided to swing for the fences and head up...

May 24, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresClark Fork River Fly Fishing, Montana — Lower Clark Fork (Day 1)

Clark Fork River Fly Fishing, Montana — Lower Clark Fork (Day 1)

After a long stretch without much time on the water, I finally got away for a few days of fishing with my good friend and longtime guide, Jake Hensley — aka @missoulaflyguy. We’ve shared countless ...

May 17, 2025
Fly Fishing AdventuresMissoula, Montana Fly Fishing — Why Spring Is Prime Time

Missoula, Montana Fly Fishing — Why Spring Is Prime Time

I’m excited to share another guest blog from my good friend and professional guide, Jake Hensley — also known as @missoulaflyguy on Instagram. Jake is one of the best fly fishing guides I’ve ever h...

Apr 27, 2025