WFS 567 – Northwest Fly Tyer and Fly Fishing Expo with Bob Elliott – Fly Fishing Show 2024

02/14/24 • 56 min

Presented By: Togiak River Lodge, Northern Rockies Adventures, TroutRoutes

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Bob Elliott, Chair at Northwest Fly Tyer and Fly Fishing Expo, shares his journey from learning on his own to becoming a lead instructor and a respected figure in the fly fishing community. Our chat takes us through the highly awaited fly fishing expo this 2024, a standout event blending tradition and new ideas, unlike any other fishing show. We'll reminisce about our earliest fly fishing memories and shine a spotlight on the Lin Betten Family Fly Fishers Club, which helps turn eager beginners into skilled anglers through community college courses.

Tune in as we explore the mix of competition and friendship fostered by local fly shops and the community, with events like the creative Bugs and Bamboo. We'll also discuss the significant impact of COVID-19 on these gatherings and the excitement surrounding the rise of Tenkara fishing. Sharing personal stories, including our initial doubts turned enjoyment of Tenkara fishing, we'll paint a vivid picture of the diverse fishing culture thriving in the Pacific Northwest.

Wrapping up, we'll give you an inside look at the upcoming fly fishing show, featuring 200 fly tiers and a variety of workshops catering to different interests like Euro nymphing and local fishing expertise. We'll highlight the family-friendly vibe, free entry, and kid-friendly activities, stressing the importance of passing on the love of fishing to the next generation. By spotlighting the contributions of key figures in the Oregon Council and introducing new attractions, we'll extend an invitation to an event sure to enhance the experience for all who join us.

(0:00:05) - Fly Fishing Clubs and Northwest Expo Northwest Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo, first memories of fly fishing, self-taught, lead instructor, Lin Betten Family Fly Fishers club, collaboration with certified instructors.

(0:14:22) - Bugs and Bamboo Local fly shops collaborate with community, COVID impact on event attendance, Tenkara fishing

(0:28:52) - Northwest Fly Show and Workshops Exciting fly fishing show with 200 fly tyers, workshops, family-friendly activities, and a social atmosphere with local shops and craft breweries.

(0:43:39) - Event Details and Reasons to Attend Team dynamics, ideal traits, contributions of members, innovative attractions, financial challenges, fundraising, and grants for fly fishing events.

(0:54:50) - Fly Fishing Event and Sponsorship Opportunities New sponsors, community engagement, National FFI Board, unique PNW fly fishing culture, event website for more information.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/567

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/567

Presented By: Togiak River Lodge, Northern Rockies Adventures, TroutRoutes

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

(0:14:22) - Bugs and Bamboo Local fly shops collaborate with community, COVID impact on event attendance, Tenkara fishing

(0:28:52) - Northwest Fly Show and Workshops Exciting fly fishing show with 200 fly tyers, workshops, family-friendly activities, and a social atmosphere with local shops and craft breweries.

(0:43:39) - Event Details and Reasons to Attend Team dynamics, ideal traits, contributions of members, innovative attractions, financial challenges, fundraising, and grants for fly fishing events.

(0:54:50) - Fly Fishing Event and Sponsorship Opportunities New sponsors, community engagement, National FFI Board, unique PNW fly fishing culture, event website for more information.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/567

Previous Episode

WFS 566 - Dry Fly Fishing Mastery with Jason Randall - Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival, Driftless Area

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/566

Presented By: Northern Rockies Adventures, Visit Helena, MT, TroutRoutes

Have you ever struggled to fish a dry fly? Today we have Jason Randall back on to break down dry fly fishing, the perfect dry dropper leader setup, and how to fish it.

Jason shares three invaluable tips, from his unique leader rigging with a tippet ring to the nuanced technique of twitching your fly, addressing common pitfalls in energy transfer during casting.

Tune in as we delve into the details, including the best knots for leaders, and discover the upcoming Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival.

Show Notes with Jason Randall on Dry Fly Fishing Mastery.

02:59 - Since our episode with Jason in April 2019, Jason has been actively involved in the fly fishing scene, initially concentrating on nymphing with the release of his book, "Nymph Masters: Fly-Fishing Secrets from Expert Anglers."

Subsequently, he shifted his focus to refining dry fly techniques, dedicating the past three years to developing leaders that allow the very best drag-free drift.

Photo via https://www.amazon.com/Nymph-Masters-Fly-Fishing-Secrets-Anglers/dp/0811716791

7:33 - Jason emphasizes the importance of an efficient leader for achieving the perfect dead drift in dry fly fishing. By using a well-designed, energy-efficient leader anglers can maintain better control, minimize tangles, and achieve an elegant cast.

11:05 - Jason stresses the importance of choosing the right casting angle and the effectiveness of downstream presentations for managing challenging currents and maximizing the drift.

13:28 - Jason shares techniques for animating dry flies. He explains the rigging adjustments and movements that make a standard cast into a compelling lure for trout.

Dry Fly Fishing the Driftless Area

16:06 - We discuss the unique charm and technical challenges of the Driftless Area. We explore the diverse hatches and seasons that make the area a dynamic and rewarding destination for anglers.

19:00 - Jason describes his innovative dry fly leader. Jason uses a three or four-weight rod for spring creeks, and he refers to the upper 10 feet of his leader as the "standing section."

The wear section, experiencing more frequent changes, is adjusted daily based on fly changes and conditions. He notes its collaborative development with fellow anglers Devin Olsen, Ed Engle, and AK Best.

37:06 - Jason emphasizes the importance of mending early and frequently, especially on larger bodies of water. He advises breaking surface tension by snapping the line in a spiral fashion to prevent unwanted sounds and disturbance to the fly.

55:00 - Jason Randall discusses the Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival, emphasizing its family-friendly atmosphere. He shares his favorite beverage, the Moscow Mule, and expresses the joy of connecting with fellow anglers and learning from them at the shows.

1:02:00 - Jason Randall offers three key takeaways for dry dropper fishing:

Firstly, he emphasizes the importance of practice, suggesting anglers hone their casts and techniques at home. Secondly, he advocates approaching river outings with a focus on improvement and learning rather than just catching fish. Lastly, he stresses the value of preparation, encouraging anglers to do their homework on the water they'll be fishing to enhance their chances of success.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/566

Next Episode

WFS 568 - Catching Atlantic Salmon on a Dry Fly with Robert Chiasson - Margaree River, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/568

Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, Visit Helena, MT, Smitty's Fly Box

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Today, Robert Chiasson gives us his biggest tips and tactics on finding and catching Atlantic salmon on a dry fly. He also shares a story on what it felt like to land and see this 48-inch Atlantic salmon caught on the surface with a bomber.

Robert is the best person you can find if you want to fish the Margaree River and the waters of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. You'll find out how to dead drift a fly, how to fish a seam, how to find those fish in that seam with a dry, why the reach cast is a great cast to know, and the best hook for Atlantic salmon.

Episode Chapters with Robert Chiasson on Atlantic Salmon

1:20 - Robert grew up learning to salmon fish on the Chéticamp River and eventually became a guide there. He has been guiding regularly since 1992.

2:33 - The Margaree has the largest run of Atlantic Salmon in Cape Breton. He says that it's a very friendly and relaxed river to fish in. He tells more about the Margaree for those who are planning a fly fishing trip there.

7:42 - They fish from June to the end of October. In the first couple of weeks of June, they mostly fish wet flies. By mid to late June, they're heavy into the dry fly season. About 80% of his fly choices throughout the summer are dry flies.

10:30 - In the summer, he suggests using a one-handed rod because dries are better presented with single-handed rods. He also likes switch rods. In the fall, he prefers the larger and longer spey rods.

16:10 - We dig deeper into his recommended setup for catching Atlantic salmon in his area. He also gives an important note on Atlantic salmon fishing.

19:28 - He says that when you get into the river, the first thing to look at is the configuration of the flow, so look for the fastest-moving water. And then on the edge of the fast-moving water is the seam. That's where you'll find fish.

21:30 - Robert doesn't cast his dry flies upstream a lot because he likes to lead with the fly. He tells more about his cast presentation for Atlantic salmon.

24:06 - He describes to us what a good day fishing in the Margaree River looks like. He says that one a day is a good day.

30:58 - He tells us about the biggest Atlantic salmon he has seen which he grabbed the tail with two hands.

36:30 - We dig into reels, particularly the click and pawl versus a drag reel in catching Atlantic salmon.

42:05 - He describes how he builds a leader. Straight eight is what they fished growing up.

43:40 - He tells us how different is fishing in Labrador versus in the Margaree.

49:32 - He uses the Daiichi 2110 down eye for the hooks, which is his go-to hook for dry flies.

51:30 - He gives a valuable tip on not losing an Atlantic salmon.

55:40 - He shouts out to some conservation groups such as the Margaree Salmon Association, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Chéticamp River Salmon Association. They have done a lot of great work on Atlantic salmon conservation.

56:40 - He says that a big factor that affects the Atlantic salmon runs is commercial fishing in Greenland.

58:54 - He recommends some places to stay in for those who are planning to go to their area for a fly fishing trip.

1:00:03 - He tells us some history on the Margaree and Cape Breton.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/568