Spawn Blog

As the days inch closer to the reopening of the western Washington rivers, anticipation sets in among anglers, and at Spawn Fly Fish, we can hardly contain our excitement. The prospect of once again casting our lines into those pristine waters, chasing after coastal cutthroat, ignites a feeling that is hard to describe. With just one month left to prepare, it's time to ensure you're fully equipped for the upcoming season.

Gear Essentials:

1. Rod and Reel:

To tackle the coastal cutthroat, a rod and reel designed for trout fishing are essential. At Spawn Fly Fish, we swear by our 4wt rods paired with reels of matching weight. Specifically Pete is using the Echo Boost Fresh and Josh with a Gloomis NRX+ this year we may look to gain knowledge on many other rods in this weight class. As for your 5 or 6wt setups these rods can also get the job done but are often overkill when it comes to fighting the fish. The 4wt strikes the perfect balance, allowing for efficient small streamer turnover while still delivering the thrill of the fight when hooked up.

2. Lines:

Check your lines meticulously. Cracked lines can quickly turn a promising day on the water into a frustrating ordeal. We recommend Rio Creek or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity lines. The Creek is specialized for smaller waters but holds up well in our SW Washington rivers, while the Infinity line is versatile enough to handle any situation.

3. Leaders:

Ensure you're stocked up on leaders or leader material. For tapered leaders, nothing less than 3x will suffice in our opinion. For leaders, we generally prefer Maxima Ultragreen in 6-10lb strength 7-9ft! As you've heard us say before this fishery is not about your presentation to the water; it's about your presentation in the water.

4. Flies:

Your fly box should be brimming with favorites by now. If not, it's time to fill it up. Hot spots are key when the rivers reopen. Focus on weight rather than size or color. Essential patterns include Pink Droppers, Peach Bum variations, and various Wiggle Leech color schemes. Get those flies into the strike zone!

5. Accessories:

Don't forget the essentials: low-light polarized glasses to track the fish's movements, a small pack for your leader, nippers, hemostats, water bottle, a snack for energy, and, of course, a trout net for landing those beauties.

Conclusion:

With all these items in your arsenal, you'll undoubtedly be primed for an incredible year of fishing for coastal cutthroat. At Spawn Fly Fish, we cherish these moments on the water, and we're thrilled to share our passion with fellow anglers. As the rivers reopen, let's embrace the opportunity to connect with nature, hone our skills, and create lasting memories. Get ready, gear up, and let the countdown begin! Everything you need is right here at Spawn!

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Guess what's happening again this year? It's time to get excited for the fishing derby! As advocates for youth engagement in outdoor activities, Spawn Fly Fish and Klineline Kids Fishing have been working behind the scenes, and we're thrilled to share some exciting news with you.

Today, 200 rods will be picked up from Klineline in Vancouver, Washington and be transported to Ilwaco, Washington. We're proud to announce that every kid who signs up for this year's Black Lake Fishing Derby in Ilwaco will again be able to receive a brand new rod and reel combo to take home! That's right - every single participant in the derby will have their own gear to continue exploring the world of fishing.

We understand that access to gear can be a barrier for many young people interested in fishing, so we're continuing our commitment to breaking down those barriers. By providing each kid with their own rod and reel, we hope to encourage more children to get outdoors and participate in fishing.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we're passionate about introducing young people to the joys of fishing, and we believe this project will help ensure that love for the outdoors is passed down through generations. By empowering kids with the tools they need to fish independently, we aim to create lifelong memories with friends and family in the great outdoors.

The true hero in all of this is Klineline! Partnering with Klineline Kids Fishing has been an incredible experience, and we're proud to work alongside them to make this project a reality. Together, we're dedicated to ensuring that every child has the chance to experience the thrill of fishing and create lasting memories outdoors.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Klineline Kids Fishing and Bill Czech for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible. https://klineline-kf.org/ learn more about this amazing organization. Klinelines support of Spawn Fly Fish is what has made this all possible not only do they support the youth of this community but they make a continuous effort to support small businesses like ours. 

Ready to sign up? Click below to join the fun!

https://ilwaco-wa.gov/black-lake-fishing-derby-registration/

Free rods are only for kids.

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In the world of fishing, there are times when the rivers are closed, the ocean is mean and the lakes grow still. Yet, for those in Western Washington who know where to look, there exists a hidden gem that shines brightest during these lulls – Puget Sound. 

Last weekend, on April 14th, we set our sights on Olympia, Washington, where the sun kissed the water, and the temperature hovered in the mid-60s. Armed with an array of articulated shrimp flies on Spawn Micro Jig Shanks, we launched into the sound around 8:30 am, just in time for high slack tide at 8:45. Excitement pulsed through the air as we made our way to our first beach, eager to see what the day held in store.

Sunny days can present their challenges, but for us, wind and water clarity are the only obstacles worth mentioning and on this day the water was clear and the wind laid low. As we reached our first beach, we found the cutthroat laying still, biding their time until the perfect moment to strike. It was slow going at first, with a fish here and there, but we knew that perseverance would pay off.

For us we were headed towards an unproductive day on the water which means catching under 20 fish, while a productive day can yield anywhere from 30 to 50+. It may sound unbelievable to some, but after spending countless hours honing our craft, we've learned to crack the code and unlock the secrets of these elusive creatures. It's important to mention that there is no such thing as a bad day on the water but productivity in our mind can be bad and we've always acknowledged the difference. 

As the tide began to shift, so did our luck. Moving from beach to beach, we chased the tide, hitting beaches that we have fished for a decade. The crystal-clear waters of Puget Sound offered us a front-row seat to the action, as each chase and follow unfolded before our eyes. This fishery from a beach is amazing, exciting and can be visual but from a boat the entire time is a show that you get to see first hand. It is truly a visual fishery.

And then, it happened – we hit our stride, hitting our favorite spots at just the right time. Cast after cast, the thrill of the chase was palpable as the cutthroat trout danced and darted around our flies. At one point, we had three fish in the net and hooked a fourth on the very next cast. It was a moment of pure exhilaration to see groups of cutthroat chasing down our flies, a true testament to the magic of Puget Sound fishing. 

As the tide ebbed and flowed, we continued to explore, probing different beaches and picking up fish all along the way. With miles of water stretching out before us, we reveled in the solitude and serenity of this special fishery

Overall, fishing in Puget Sound is nothing short of fantastic, especially during this time of year. As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, we can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to chase these incredible sea-run cutthroat. They may be elusive, but for those who dare to seek them out, the rewards are truly unparalleled. We love Puget Sound fishing, and we can't wait to see what adventures await us next.

Gear Used: 

Rods 4-6wt 

Fly Line - Outbound Short Floating 

Leader - Maxima 12lb Ultragreen

Flies - Steamboat Leech, Articulated Spawn Simi Seal Flies 

Polarized Sunglasses 

Conditions:

Sunny 64 Degrees

Water Clarity - Crystal Clear 

Tide - High Outgoing 

Date - April 14, 2024

Time of Day 8:30am -2:15pm 

Chum Fry - Present 

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In the pursuit of any elusive fish, failure is often an unwelcome companion. Yet, in the realm of exploration, failure serves as a beacon, guiding us towards unforeseen discoveries and shaping the narrative of our journey. Such has been the case in our relentless quest for cutthroat in the marine waters of Willapa Bay.

Our latest trip into the unknown led us further north, where the North Nemah River converges with the bay. Armed with limited time and boundless determination, we set out at the crack of dawn, eager to uncover the secrets lurking beneath the surface. The tide was at its lowest, revealing a landscape both familiar and mysterious in its depths.

As we cast our lines and scanned the water, anticipation hung heavy in the air. Yet, as the hours passed, our hopes began to wane. Not a single fish graced our presence, nor did the telltale signs of their presence manifest. Even the once-abundant chum fry seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Undeterred by our initial setback, we made the decision to put our rods away and venture upstream, in search of answers. The rain, relentless in its descent, obscured our vision and tested our determination. Despite the deteriorating conditions, glimpses of fry darting beneath the surface offered a glimmer of hope.

However, our encounters with cutthroat proved worthless, mere flashes of silver in the murky pools was the closest we came to determining where the fish are. Our expedition seemed destined for disappointment. Yet, amidst the frustration and uncertainty, there existed a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this quest. 

Our quest for cutthroat may be full of with challenges, but it is also rich in moments of awe and wonder. As we continue to navigate the waters of Willapa Bay, we do so with unwavering determination and a newfound appreciation for the journey itself. For it is in the relentless pursuit of our passions that we discover the true essence of exploration.

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We're thrilled to announce that our range of dry fly capes is now available both in-store and online at Spawn Fly Fish! While we've always prided ourselves on offering an exceptional selection of fly tying materials, we're excited to expand our reach and make these premium capes accessible to anglers everywhere.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we're committed to providing the best of the best, which is why we've increased our selection of Whiting Farms to bring you what we believe to be the very finest dry fly capes on the market. Known for their impeccable quality and consistency, Whiting Farms capes are a favorite among fly tyers worldwide.

But that's not all—we've taken it a step further to enhance your shopping experience. Each cape is numbered and photographed, allowing you to browse our selection with ease and confidence. While the capes are currently showcased within their packaging, we're already planning to photograph them outside the bags for an even better viewing experience in the near future.

Whether you're a seasoned fly tyer or just dipping your toes into the world of fly fishing, our dry fly capes from Whiting Farms are sure to impress. With a range of options to suit every preference and project, you'll find exactly what you need to take your fly tying to the next level.

Ready to explore our collection? Click the links below to browse our newly launched dry fly capes and start tying tomorrow! This selection WILL EXPAND!

Heritage Hackle!

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-heritage-hackle-cape?_pos=9&_sid=6aaa95f8d&_ss=r

Whiting Farms Silver Cape

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-dry-fly-hackle-silver-cape?_pos=1&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

Whiting Farms - Pro Grade Cape 

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-cape?_pos=2&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

Whiting Farms High and Dry Cape 

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-high-and-dry-hackle-cape?_pos=3&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

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