If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into a gear-packing black hole before a fly fishing trip, welcome to the jungle. Literally. Fly fishing for golden dorado in Bolivia’s Amazon headwaters, particularly at the legendary Pluma Lodge, is not your average river run. Think machete-sharp teeth, acrobatic hook sets, and fish […]
How-To
132 posts
After returning from our first Fishwest-hosted trip to Bolivia, one thing became clear—when it comes to flies for golden dorado, what you pack matters. While we brought a variety of patterns, the jungle quickly taught us what was effective and what got ignored. The guides at the lodge have dialed […]
During the last few years, my devotion to sinking lines and large meaty streamers has produced many of the best trout of my life. But I’ve arguably become a worse fisherman, as I’ve paid less attention to the nuances of hatches and picky fish. I decided to change my approach […]
Fishing makes me happy. Being happy is a good thing. There are parts of fishing that don’t make me happy. One of those things is stepping into a cold river on a cold day and feeling my warm socks go cold as the lower parts of my waders fill up […]
The gates are open, the snow is melting, and Utah’s alpine season is here. The Uinta Mountains offer some of the most rewarding—and often overlooked—fly fishing in the West. Whether you’re hiking into a backcountry lake or sneaking along a tiny freestone stream, June is when things come alive. Here’s […]
Why Do It If Not Done Right? For reasons unclear, the topic of safe fish handling seems to elicit controversy nearly every time I stumble into an online fly fishing forum. Pictures of fish in the dirt, fish held by the gills, and fish held in all other manners of […]
The gates open, the snow fades, and the trailheads start calling. Early season in the Uintas is one of the most special times to be on the water—less pressure, hungry fish, and cold, clean streams. Here’s what to pack, what to expect, and how to make the most of those […]
Euro nymphing has become a go-to technique for targeting trout across Utah’s diverse fisheries. Whether you’re fishing the tailwaters of the Provo River or the high-country streams of the Uintas, this method gives you unmatched control, sensitivity, and efficiency. If you’re new to Euro nymphing or looking to fine-tune your […]
When it comes to nymphing the Provo River, one of the most effective techniques is the bounce rig—a setup designed to keep your flies bouncing naturally along the bottom, right where trout are feeding. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, mastering this rig can significantly improve […]
This blog was originally published in 2017, authored by our friend Lance Kittel – Owner of Pesca Vida fly fishing. This article has now been refreshed with updated insights, clearer instructions, and minor improvements. Our goal is to ensure the best DIY experience for anglers looking to transport their gear […]
Knot tying is one of the fundamental skills in fly fishing. Whether you’re securing your fly, connecting tippet to your leader, or crafting a loop-to-loop connection, a properly tied knot ensures strength and efficiency on the water. Here are four essential knots that every angler should master. Triple Surgeon’s Knot […]
Want to know what makes a good bonefish box for the Bahamas? You’re in luck because, I wanted to share my top five patterns for use in the Bahamas. One thing to note here: The range of sizes below will allow you to have a pattern that will work wether […]
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