Fly Fishing Insider Newsletter featuring Fly-Fishing Retailer Show

Dear "Insider" Reader,
As you probably noticed, the last two issues were missing. That is because the whole crew has been on work overload. Because of a huge surge in retail business, guided trips and schools... we've been buried. Then throw in the Fly-Fishing Retailer Show and there is no time left for newsletters. Hopefully we have it back under control and you will be receiving weekly communication from us again.
Thank you very much for your business and continuing support.
Fish long & prosper,
Mark, Patty & Crew!

1 Fly-Fishing Retailer Show

Down town Denver, CO.

This is the fly fishing industry show held in the Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado each September. To most fly tackle manufacturers it is a big deal. To some fly shops it is too. We've been in business 23 years and because it has always been scheduled in the middle of my most important guide-trip season, ...I have never been there until this year. Patty went last year. She badgered meet into going this year. Yes, except for the time of year thing, for the most part I had a very good time. It was fun to meet in person, many people I had previously only talked to on the telephone. The residents of Colorado proved to be very hospitable. The show was very well organized. Every manufacturer that we met was warm and friendly. The displays were pretty awesome. The show was colorful and exciting. Here are the six top companies and their new merchandise that impressed me the most.

G. Loomis
From my perspective, these guys stole the show. They introduced their (24) brand new models of two-hand fly rods with a bag piper flown in from the Spey River Valley. Remember when I told you that Steve Choate had joined the G. Loomis pro staff and predicted that they were going to raise the bar on two hand fly rods? Well, it has happened. They did their home work and chose their selection of models to fit our rivers and the special angling challenged they offer. I cast three of their rods at the show. I found my new Deschutes stick. More about that later.

FLYH2O is the fastest growing fly company.

FLYH2O
This company is quickly emerging as the world's best fly manufacturer. Their booth offered an overwhelming selection of new and standard patterns that are rendered with great precision. Their flies own thirty-two (32) world records. They own the billfish world. They have nearly twice as many steelhead patterns as their closest competition. Since we live in steelhead country, this is prime importance to us. You will also watch our trout fly selection grow in 2005 with the addition of several new FLH2O patterns.

Tibor Reel
You know the models, Everglades, Riptide, Gulfstream and Pacific. These are some of the most renowned fly reels in the world. This is because they are nearly indestructible. Made primarily for saltwater use, they are also very popular in the Pacific Northwest as spey reels. The only drawback in the past was that was hard to change spools. Now there is a new "removable-spool" series. The spool venting has also slightly changed. They are awesome looking.

Tibor Gulfstream with a quick change spool.

Our freind, Pandy.

Simms
The leader in the fly fishing wader business is Simms. They also own the high end wading jacket and vest market. More fly fishing guides wear their gear than any other brand. There is good reason. It works. For 2005 they have introduced a line of waterproof packs and gear bags. The bag I most remember is a water proof fanny pack. Now theirs a pregnant idea for fishing saltwater flats. The lady in the picture is Pandy Scoggins, our personal contact at Simms. Pandy is one of the reasons why we have been the fastest growing Simms account in the Pacific Northwest three years straight.

Magic Tool
The most exciting new fly tying tool is the Magic Tool. It assists you in making buggy bodies from mixtures of dubbing and CDC or hair. We were also shown how to make CDC parachute flies. The applications for this tool are nearly endless.
Most noticeable trend: a lot of women are into fly fishing as their primary outdoor sport. Also noticeable is that a lot of women are taking lead roles in the industry.
We say welcome aboard ladies.

Winston
These guys came out with the B2X series of rods in 2004 and took the market by storm. They will be the leading series of fly rods for 2005. No reason to change! Winston is in this list because they have sense enough to know this. As the song says, "You've got to know when to hold them." This year there are two incredibly lightweight spey rods made from B2X, a 13' and 14', both in 8/9 weight. I cast them on the pool at the show and they felt really good. Sam Druckman (pictured second from left) is their

head designer. He and I discussed the the requirements for the ultimate Deschutes River steelhead stick. Looks like we are going to work together in the near future to cook one up.

THREE DAY WOMEN’S STEELHEAD SCHOOL NOVEMBER 7, 8, 9, & 10, 2004
	Save yourself five years of experimenting with trying to catch Steelhead on a fly; AND stay at the fabulous the Salmon River Retreat perched above the rapids of the Salmon River. Awarded B&B with most scenic view by Arrington’s National publication. Because of our unique location, we are able to offer high quality fly fishing schools and lodging with luxurious feather beds and hot tub to warm after a day on river. The Fly Fishing Shop boasts the most complete fly
fishing classroom on the west coast of North America. Our instructors are second to none in their dedication and understanding of the sport of fly fishing. Three days of instruction, fishing, gourmet food, AND massages upon request.

The event will include: 1. How to approach, read and fish steelhead water. 2. How to use single handed rods for specific situations. 3. Casting and fishing with two handed spey rods. 4. See and evaluate all types of steelhead fishing equipment and gear. 5. Application of skills on river in drift boat with instructor/guides. 6. Catching fish! (We hope!)	Salmon River Retreat
7. Gourmet brunch, sack lunch w/ hot soup, drinks, & dinner prepared by hostess. 8. Rods, reels, & flies will be provided – (You may also bring your own). 9. Three nights stay at Salmon River Retreat B&B. 10. Use of facilities at the Salmon River Retreat (experience that hot tub).

What to bring:

Yourself with an Oregon fishing license!
Warm layered clothing.
Rain Coat (earth-tones for fishing)
Fleece under wear
Wool/synthetic blend socks for each day
Long Sleeve Shirts
White Hankies in zip lock bags for wiping glasses
Hat with bill
Waders (If needed call 503 622 3634)
Wading Shoes
Wading Belt
Sun glasses (Polaroid preferred)
Hooded fleece shirt with long sleeves
Warm jacket
Warm gloves
Small bag for personal belongings to put in boat.
Personal items

We plan to work together to accomplish a fantastic three days for everyone by reaching our goals and having fun doing it!

All this for $325.00 per day; with a three day total of $975.00 per person in a single room. Deposit required: $485.00.
Or $275.00 per day for those willing to share a room; with a three day total of $825.00.
Deposit required: $400.00.
This class is limited to maximum of 9, so sign up as soon as you can to get space.
See “General Class Policy and Refund Policy”.

Schedule of Activities:

November 7^th, Sunday
Arrive Sunday late afternoon and check in by 5 P. M.
Get Acquainted Dinner at 6 P. M.

November 8^th, Monday
Breakfast 7A.M. (prepare lunches)
Arrive Fly Fishing Shop 8 A.M.
Classroom instruction: Basic Approach

How do steelhead travel
Where do they rest?
Where do they strike?
What fly to select?
How to fish water?
Casting with single handed and spey rods.
Steelhead fishing equipment & gear

Return to Salmon River Retreat 4 P. M
Hot Tub option?!
Dinner 6 P.M.

November 9^th, Tuesday
Breakfast 7 A.M. (prepare lunches)
Meet at Fly Fishing Shop at 8 A. M.
Proceed to Clackamas River Float Trip One
Application of newly learned skills fishing from bank using drift boat to access locations.
Off River at 4 P. M.
Arrive Salmon River Retreat 5 P. M. (Maybe Hot Tub)
Dinner 6 P. M.

November 10^th, Wednesday
Breakfast 7 A.M. (prepare lunch)
Meet at Fly Fishing Shop at 8 A.M.
Proceed to Clackamas River Float Trip Two
Continue applying new skills and fishing different locations.
Off River 4 P. M.
Return to Fly Fishing Shop
Return to Salmon River Retreat to pick up gear
End of Event (How Sad!)

Thank you for joining our “Women’s Steelhead School”!!!

Derrick Fergus Beach Bug Flies

You probably remember my buddy, Derrick Fergus. He has been featured in several previous "Insiders", (02/24/02, 01/26/03). I asked Derrick what he thought the biggest advantage was for his new string-fly design. He said, "landing to hooking ratio. It's called the Beach Bug because it puts 'em on the beach. With the limber body and short shank hook, these flies land most of the steelhead & salmon that eat them". The feedback from our customers indicates that Derrick is telling it straight. People are landing most of the fish they are hooking with these flies.

Beach Bug, Black and Pink These flies are designed to buck water and provide material movement whether fished dead-drift or under tension. They may be a little over dressed for some anglers taste. Don't worry about it. Just take a needle or fine comb and thin them out if you like.
Item	Description	Size	Price	To Top
DFBBBP-04	Beach Bug, Black and Pink	4	3 for $5.85

Coho Are In Town!
	This year we had lots of rain in mid-September. Our local rivers are still running higher than the ten-year average. The Sandy and Clackamas Rivers have had a good run of hatchery Coho that returned earlier than normal. Many of these fish are Ocean bright and snappy. Size averages 5-15 pounds with an occasional

larger fish. New fish are trickling in even though the water flows are dropping. Expect another surge with the next rain. These Coho will eat a wide variety of flies such as Glo Bugs, Krystal Buggers, Flash-a-Bugger, Zonkers, Beach Bugs and Bunny Buggers. The three favorite colors seem to be fluorescent chartreuse, hot pink and olive. Most steelhead and heavy trout outfits are the right size for Coho. Expect a good fight. Some guys even use 10-weight out fits. Coho take dead drifted flies very much like nymph fishing for trout. They also like flies fished deep on the swing. Occasionally they will even take waking flies. Most of our local Coho are adipose fin clipped "keepers". When they are bright and shiny, they are good for the barbeque. Pictures courtesy of Andy Karamanos.

	*	Search	Catalog	Trips & Schools	Bargains
	Our Waters		Order Info		Events

Item	Description	Deposit	To Top
ST-CLASS-10	Women's Steelhead Fly Fishing School, November 7, 8, 9, 10. Single occupancy room. Price per person $975.00.	$485.00
ST-CLASS-11	Women's Steelhead Fly Fishing School, November 7, 8, 9, 10. Double occupancy room. Price per person $825.00.	$400.00

9 students only! First come, first served. Bring outdoor gear.
Deposits are non-refundable.	Balance Due: by 11/01/04

Beach Bug, Black and Chartreuse Buggy and impressionistic, this fly is tied with soft, water absorbent materials that come alive when wet.
Item	Description	Size	Price	To Top
DFBBBC-04	Beach Bug, Black and Chartreuse	4	3 for $5.85

Beach Bug, Purple and Chartreuse The string-fly design lends itself well to both floating line and sinking line presentations. These flies are tied in-the-round. There is no top or bottom.
Item	Description	Size	Price	To Top
DFBBPC-04	Beach Bug, Purple and Chartreuse	4	3 for $5.85

Beach Bug, Purple and Pink These flies are the very lightweight and are easy to cast with all sizes of rods that are commonly used for steelhead.
Item	Description	Size	Price	To Top
DFBBPP-04	Beach Bug, Purple and Pink	4	3 for $5.85