It has been a crazy January and into February so far. Sixty degrees in January? Probably not good for the ol' snow pack but it has created some unseasonably great fishing. We've had some crazy reports of good fishing for Skwala stones already and even on dries! It is super early for that but sounds great!
Also, some lakes are already staring to fish well in the local area and those lakes that open on March 1st may be off to a hot start.
Happy New Year! We're off to an interesting start after the crazy rain we received in December but the rivers have dropped and exposed lots of new changes. Rivers like the Skagit/Sauk, Skykomish, and probably just about every river have destroyed some great holes and probably created just as many new ones. The good news is that we still have some good fishing to be had in Washington in the month of January 2026.
Tight Lines Rod Racks offer easy transportation of your fly rods, whether it's single hand or two handed fly rods. If you fish on road systems and are in and out of your vehicle going from spot to spot, these rod racks will save you so much time. Stop wasting your time breaking down your rod, and spend more time fishing! Plus you'll look really cool driving down the road!
The cold of December is sneaking in but there are still some excellent fly fishing options available for anglers able to get some days on the water. The highlights are hatchery winter steelhead, some late season summer steelhead, the Yakima is still a viable option and some trout lakes certainly fish good in December as well. Time your fishing around warmer periods if possible. Usually there is a week or two of reasonably warn days in December and these can be the most productive days (and most comfortable days) to be out there.
There’s something special about chasing sea‑run cutthroat trout from the beaches of the Pacific Northwest. These wild fish are available year‑round, they’re aggressive, and they thrive in the saltwater environment just a short drive from home.
With the right gear, a thoughtful strategy, an eye for productive beach types, and a respect for the fish, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the most rewarding fisheries the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
When it comes to fly fishing, success isn’t just about the right rod or the perfect fly—it’s also about staying comfortable in the elements. Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters can be unpredictable, with conditions shifting from crisp mornings to damp afternoons. That’s where the mid layer comes in. Often overlooked, the mid layer is the unsung hero of your fly fishing kit, providing warmth, breathability, and adaptability between your base layer and outer shell.
Whether you're stepping into fly fishing for the first time or refining your gear for specific fisheries, choosing the right fly rod, reel and line setup is an important step. The right setup feels intuitive, casts smoothly, and matches your fishing environment and target species. The wrong one can turn into a frustrating situation where you're not able to take advantage of great fishing opportunities that may be presented to you.
This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a fly rod, reel and fly line for new anglers looking for their first fly rod.
It certainly looks like November out there with lots of rain, high rivers and gray skies. The good news is, there are still plenty of fly fishing opportunities out there for us fly flingers. Trout lakes can be great in November and most are still open until the end of the month, with many local favorites open all year long.
Also, steelhead are in the Columbia system rivers like the Deschutes, Grand Ronde, etc. Now is a great time to be on most of those rivers and the North Fork Stillaguamish is worth a look throughout the end of the month too.
It’s almost impossible to spend time in the Pacific Northwest fishing world and not know the reputation of G. Loomis rods — a benchmark for performance and craftsmanship for decades. When I cast the G. Loomis IMX PRO V2, I was stoked to find that everything I loved about those classic Loomis rods carried into this modern fly series. From the first few casts, the IMX PRO V2 impressed me with its light-in-hand feel and precise feedback. I enjoyed it so much I bought one. Since then, I’ve spent long days throwing the 6-weight with overweighted lines and heavy streamers, and the rod has remained comfortable and responsive throughout.
Built for the River. Refined for the Angler -- If you’re searching for a comprehensive Skwala Carbon Waders gear review, you’ve come to the right place. After spending a long day on the Green River in Washington state with the Skwala Carbon Waders, I can confidently say they’re among the best-designed waders I’ve ever worn.