Spawn Blog

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. 

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In the pursuit of uncovering the mysteries of Willapa Bay's elusive cutthroat trout, our journey leads us to yet another destination. With each expedition, we inch closer to unraveling the secrets that lie beneath the murky depths, guided by our unwavering passion for exploration.

This week, our sights were set on where the Bear River meets Willapa Bay in marine waters. This area holds promise of discovery beckoned amidst the challenging terrain. As we navigated through treacherous mud and deep holes, caution served as our steadfast companion, reminding us of the inherent risks of our endeavor.

Arriving at the water's edge, anticipation hung heavy in the air, fueled by the presence of chum fry swirling beneath the surface. It seemed a sure sign that success with coming.

Yet, despite our best efforts and the tantalizing allure of the chum fry, the elusive cutthroat remained elusive. Not a single strike, follow, or glimpse of this amazing fish. Instead, the river teemed with life—otters playing, eagles soaring, and the presence of what we suspect were sturgeon lurking in the depths.

Undeterred by this setback, we refuse to succumb to disillusionment. For coastal cutthroat, uncertainty reigns supreme, and the only constant is change itself. We fished the entire outgoing tide but as we have preached for years, this means nothing more than a check mark on a box. We spent years of trail and error on Puget Sound before we cracked the code and many days were spent just like this one. 

With each passing season, each shifting tide, we approach the bay with renewed determination, knowing that success lies not in immediate gratification, but in the patient pursuit of understanding. We will return to this spot, armed with the lessons of this trip, ready to confront the ever-changing tides, time or year, weather etc. 

It is not merely the thrill of the catch that drives us, but the journey itself—the unending quest for knowledge, the communion with nature, and the unwavering belief that with time and perseverance, we will unlock the secrets of Willapa Bay's elusive cutthroat.

So, as we press onward, fueled by hope and fueled by passion, we invite you to join us on this odyssey of discovery—a journey where every cast brings us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of Willapa Bay. 

Until next time, tight lines and happy hunting.

Conditions:

Cloudy 54 Degrees

Water Clarity - Good

Tide - Outgoing 

Date - April 2nd 2024

Time of Day 9am-1:15pm 

Chum Fry - Present 

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Nestled along the Pacific Northwest coast lies Willapa Bay, a place shrouded in mystery and teeming with life. For four years, we have called the city of Ilwaco home, surrounded by the allure of the bay's secrets. Among these mysteries is the elusive coastal cutthroat trout, rumored to inhabit these waters, yet their presence remains an enigma.

In our time here, we've become very acquainted with the freshwater realms where cutthroat thrive, debunking the misconception that they completely vanish during certain seasons. Sure some times of year are better than others but they persist year-round, a testament to their resilience and adaptability. In saying that we do know that they go in and out of the salt.  We have the tide water game figured out in the rivers but when it comes to Willapa Bay we dont know where they go. As April dawns upon us, the rivers surge with life as cutthroat feast on the abundance of chum fry, painting a breathtaking spectacle of nature's cycle.

However, as much as we long to delve into the vastness of Willapa Bay, its complexities pose a formidable challenge. Shallow waters, treacherous obstacles, and erratic weather patterns deter even the most seasoned explorers. Yet, we are undeterred in our quest to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the river's edge.

Our current strategy hinges on the chum fry, a beacon guiding us into uncharted territory. We hypothesize that where the fry roam, the cutthroat shall follow. It's a theory rooted in the understanding of nature's interconnectedness, where prey leads predators to their domain. It is also something we have witnessed time after time in Puget Sound.

This past weekend, we scoured the northern reaches of Long Island, where chum fry dance in abundance, tantalizing our senses with the promise of discovery. We fished almost the entire outgoing tide with crystal clear water. Yet, despite our vigilance, the elusive cutthroat elude our grasp, leaving us to ponder their whereabouts.

Perhaps it's premature, our timing misaligned with nature's rhythm as cutthroat linger in the rivers, savoring the remnants of the chum fry buffet. Or perhaps, there are intricacies yet to be unveiled, secrets hidden beneath the murky depths of Willapa Bay.

Nonetheless, our resolve remains unshaken. Armed with patience and perseverance, we continue our pursuit, determined to crack the code that eludes us. Different times of year, tides, weather will all be checked.  Each expedition brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of Willapa Bay and forging a deeper connection with its inhabitants.

As we follow the chum fry, we embark on a journey of discovery. In the heart of Willapa Bay, where mysteries abound and adventure awaits, we stand ready to unlock the secrets that lie beneath the surface. Be sure to tune into this blog to see what we uncover.

Conditions:

Sunny 60 Degrees

Water Clarity - Crystal Clear 

Tide - High Outgoing 

Date - March 24, 2024

Time of Day 12:30-5:15pm 

Chum Fry - Present 

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At Spawn Fly Fish, we're passionate about providing anglers with the highest quality gear to enhance their fishing experience. That's why we're thrilled to announce that we are now the premier online fly shop for ALL your Ahrex hooks needs!

Ahrex hooks have earned a reputation for excellence in the fishing industry, and for good reason. Their commitment to precision engineering, innovative designs, and unparalleled durability makes them a favorite among anglers worldwide. And here at Spawn Fly Fish, we share that passion for Ahrex hooks wholeheartedly.

From the moment we started our journey, Ahrex hooks have been more than just a product to us; they've become trusted companions on our fishing adventures and one of our closest friends. Their reliability and performance have consistently exceeded our expectations, which is why we're proud to offer the complete range of Ahrex hooks for every single species.

Whether you're targeting trout with dry flies and nymphs, chasing big saltwater predators, or pursuing classic salmon, we have the perfect Ahrex hook for you. And as of today, you can explore our extensive selection of Ahrex hooks online, with hundreds of options available at your fingertips.

But why stop at browsing online when you can experience the quality of Ahrex hooks firsthand? We invite you to visit our store and see these exceptional hooks in person. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you and ensure you find the perfect hook for your fishing needs.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we believe that the right gear can make all the difference on the water. That's why we stand behind Ahrex hooks wholeheartedly and are confident that once you try them, you'll love them just as much as we do.

So whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, trust Spawn Fly Fish to provide you with the finest Ahrex hooks for your next fishing adventure. Shop online or visit us in-store today and experience the difference for yourself!

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Welcome back to the blog, where we dive deep into the hatch and all things fly fishing! Chum fry season is upon us, offering a thrilling time for anglers in Western Washington. We got out this week and put to work countless flies and found so much success. As the cutthroat eagerly strike, it's a prime moment to simplify our approach and focus on what truly matters in this fishery.

We tie some intricate Chum Fry Patterns that are showcased on YouTube that everyone should have in there box. However, if you can't tie or your limited in what you can tie, the truth is, success often lies in simplicity. Here are several patterns that may not be specifically designed for chum fry but will certainly get the job done throughout the season:

1. Spawn Simi Seal Leech: This fly embodies simplicity at its best. Crafted solely from Spawn Simi Seal, it's a breeze to tie and incredibly effective. Whether you're new to tying or a seasoned pro, this pattern is a must-have. Colors we recommend - Spawn Simi Seal Chum Fry, Polychaete, Salmon Smolt!

1. Carey Special (Peacock Variant): Keeping it simple and highlighting a fly with a long history, the Carey Special in Peacock is a winner. Strip it fast, and you'll find the cutthroat eagerly adding it to their menu of chum fry. 

2. Soccer Mom (Thin Mint Variant): Rio's Soccer Mom pattern, especially in Thin Mint, proves its worth in SW Washington waters. Its simplicity belies its effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to your chum fry lineup. For the soccer mom we only recommend the Thin Mint color way for matching this hatch. All the other color ways are fantastic but are needed at different times. 

3. Woolly Bugger Variant (Olive with Black): As simple as it gets, the Woolly Bugger in olive with black is a timeless classic. This is one simple pattern that many of us know. This week we used the Stable Bugger (simple variant of a bugger) and it was frankly on fire. Opt for sizes 10 or 8 and strip it fast for irresistible action that the fish won't be able to resist. 

Chum fry season presents an incredible opportunity for anglers, and you don't need to be a master tier to capitalize on it. Whether you lack the time or skills to tie intricate patterns, rest assured that these simple yet effective solutions are readily available at Spawn or for you to create yourself. For those of you eager for a challenge view and replicate some of our chum fry patterns on YouTube or create your own winners. No matter your preference get outside and fish!

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