Spawn Blog

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.

Read more

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 

Read more

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.

Read more

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

Read more

When fishing for sea-run/coastal cutthroat in our rivers, anglers encounter numerous challenges, with one notable challenge being the depth at which they fish. Understanding the nuances of fishing at different water columns is crucial for success. The strategic use of weighted fly patterns is a valuable tool for effectively targeting fish at various depths. 

Enter the Pink Dropper—a tried and true pattern beloved by anglers chasing this elusive species here in our rivers. But here's the secret sauce: versatility lies not only in the pattern itself but in the weights of it. Picture this: a series of Pink Droppers, each identical in size and color, but distinguished by the weight of their tungsten beads. Here's where the magic happens—a 3.8mm tungsten bead, a 4.6mm, and a 5.5mm.

Now, why the fuss about bead size? It's simple—varying bead weights allow anglers to target different parts of the water column as the fly moves downstream with the current. Sometimes, sea-run cutthroat will eagerly chase a fly from the depths to the surface, while other times, they prefer to stay within a specific depth range, ignoring offerings that don't meet them on their terms. This is where the beauty of weighted flies shines through, providing anglers with the ability to present their flies exactly where the fish want them.

Let's break it down further. Imagine a scenario where you're targeting sea-run cutthroat in a river and YOU KNOW there's fish the run/hole. You start by probing the run with a Pink Dropper tied with a 3.8mm tungsten bead, allowing it to sink, but not very fast and not too deep. No takers? No problem. Swap it out for the 4.6mm variant, adjusting your presentation to target mid-water column. Still no luck? It's time to dive deep and add the to the 5.5mm bead, tempting those fish that just aren't willing to play at other depths. Time after time this works without the need to change leader or line. 

The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability. Whether you're fishing swift riffles, deep pools, having a range of varied weighted flies at your disposal empowers you to dial in your presentation. It's not about bombarding the water with random offerings—it's about understanding the behavior of sea-run cutthroat and meeting them on their terms.

In essence, fishing different water columns isn't just about covering all your bases—it's about speaking the language of the fish, engaging them in a conversation dictated by their preferences and behaviors. And with the strategic use of weighted fly patterns like the Pink Dropper, anglers gain a powerful tool that will increase their chances for success time after time. 

So, the next time you hit the river in pursuit of sea-run/coastal cutthroat, remember the importance of fishing different water columns. Arm yourself with a diverse selection of weighted fly patterns, and let the depths be your guide. 

Read more