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Fishmas 2018

Fishmas 2018

Posted by Logan on Jan 2nd 2019

Staff profiles and Gift Card List

LOGAN

Logan, why do you fish?

I look at my fly-fishing as a large puzzle or problem solving process. I want to catch fish in a specific way and with all the variables during a day on the water, a lot of pieces must align correctly to find what I’m looking for. Sometimes it is a large trout rising to mayflies, and other times it is a tailing bonefish or a steelhead willing to grab. I find this approach stimulating yet relaxing because I must work hard and research to put myself in the right place at the right time. On the water, I am forced to slow down and observe what’s happening in front of me before making a move. This style of fishing is typically low success, but the long days and methodical fishing provide high rewards.

I also use fishing as an excuse to explore the inter-mountain west, spending time walking, floating, or sitting by the campfire in areas I wouldn’t have visited without my fly rod.

Logan what are some of the products you use/want/love?

1.Patagonia Snap Dry Hoody

- I recently acquired a Patagonia Snap Dry Hoody and finally put it through its paces on a Steelhead trip this fall. The jacket is wind and water-resistant and is a great piece to layer up with or to wear on it’s own during warmer days. On this trip, our temps were fair for the time of year, and we had intermittent rain and breeze. This versatile jacket gave me confidence that if the weather changed half way through a run, I wouldn’t have to stop fishing or run back to the boat.

2. Hatch 7+ Blue Water

- High end, quality gear is an investment. In demanding situations, a reel that is reliable and can handle some heavy use and abuse gives me peace of mind. When I tie in to my first Permit the last thing I want to worry about is my reel seizing up or falling apart. Hatch Reels check all the boxes. The 7+ size is on my list because it is a good crossover size that covers both saltwater and steelhead fishing. The limited “Blue Water” color is just plain slick!

3. 905 R.L. Winston “Pure”

-My favorite trout-fishing situations typically involve smaller flies, light tackle (5-6x tippet, long leaders), and angry fish. Having a slow/medium action fly rod allows me to delicately lay down a small bug, and also provides give when I set the hook or when the fish takes off running. The 9 foot, 5 weight size is for me, with a good blend of finesse and backbone.

4.Smith/Howler brothers “Outback” Sunglasses

- One of the most overlooked pieces of technical fishing gear is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. If you can’t spot the fish before they spot you, your chances of catching fish are going to decrease dramatically. For those who aren’t in a position to own multiple sets of high-end sunglasses it’s nice to have one pair that performs on the water and looks good while out and about.

5.Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout

6. Rising Stellar Scissors

7. Black Hole Duffel Bags + Cubes (have + want more)

- Until my trip to Belize this past May, I’d been lacking a good duffel bag. I picked up a Patagonia Black Hole 60L because it can be carried, it’s spacious, it has good pockets without being complicated, and it has backpack straps which make carrying a breeze. Since that trip I’ve been using it as a gear bag and “over-nighter” for my weekend excursions. I have been pleased with its admirable performance. even on multi-day float trips. The fabric is super durable and water-resistant and hasn't let me down. If you need to stay more organized, try adding some Black Hole Cubes to keep things separate and easy to find. I can’t put enough emphasis on being organized and knowing where your stuff is when you need it!

8.Simms Wool Half-Finger gloves

9. Simms ColdWeather Pants

Happy Holidays and Merry Gift Card Exchange! 

Staff Profile and Fishmas List

Nicole




Nicole, why do you fish?

I like to fish because it encompasses both hard and soft skills, tangible and intangible rewards, and an awareness of the natural world that is a welcome relief from the daily grind. By spending time studying the hatches, learning the cast, mastering patience, the mends and every other element that is woven into the art, I feel more connected to myself and the rivers.

Nicole, what items you want/use/love?

Grayl Water Purifier and Filter

Long days out on the water has highlighted the importance of staying hydrated to me. Carrying water gets heavy, but with Grayl you can filter water at any point in your day and as fisher-people water is never is short supply. Getting dehydrated isn't fun and can be dangerous on warm summer days. Being able to filter water for myself and others is a wonderful addition to my fishing kit.

Smith Chromapop Polarized glasses

As a relatively knew person to fly-fishing I have been amazed at the visibility a good pair of polarized glasses offer to an angler. Being able to see fish make a move for your fly, or pass it up- is as exciting as landing the trout itself. Polarized lenses filter reflected light, which reduces glare. This reduction in glare helps with being able to see below the surface to the fish and makes it possible to spot the fish I want to catch.

Stretch Rainshadow Jacket

With the weather turning colder this time of year I have found lots of opportunity to need this piece of gear. I spend quite a bit of time hiking to find the stretch of river that I am interested in fishing, and a waterproof layer is imperative for thermoregulation. Volatile weather is a given in Utah's back country during the winter months, and it is important to stay dry, warm, and safe while out fishing. The Stretch Rainshadow has the Patagonia H2No technology, which is both lightweight and waterproof. I love that it can easily be tucked into my kit and taken on my fishing adventures.

R1 Gloves

The quickest route to misery for me while out fishing is cold hands. The R1, provides insulation, and water resistance giving my hands the best possible chance at staying warm and dry. I have dropped gloves in the river,and gotten frustrated with the on/off routine, which always leads to chilly paws. With R1's you can keep your gloves on even while doing intricate and dexterous moves while fishing.

Guide Trip with Kigen

It would be an incredible opportunity to spend a day with Kigen on a local river. His knowledge of the water, entomology, line mending, casting, and everything else that is under the umbrella of fly-fishing, makes it an easy decision to want to go on a guide trip with him.

Casting Lessons

The cast is a vital aspect of the sport. Nick is a master, and his teaching ability and patience makes it hard to pass up any opportunity to cast with him. I want to be good at casting, and with Nick's help I make strides everyday towards that goal.

Fishpond Nomad Mid-length Net (River Armor)

Getting fish in as quickly as possible is a value I have while fishing. With the extra long handle, and it being as light weight as it is, the fishpond Nomad would be a wonderful addition to my kit.

Other delightful tangibles:

Staff Profiles and Fishmas List

WREN

More biscuits from Nick

No more vacuums

Best dog Hikes Utah -by Nicole and Wren

Staff Profile and Fishmas List

Andrew

Andrew, why do you fish?

I fish mostly because I fished with my father growing up and then learned to fly-fish in Alaska. I fell in love with the hunt for fish and the exploration aspect of exploring new water.

Andrew, what are some items you use/want/love?

We hope these gift ideas help with choosing the perfect gift for your fly-fisher person!

Happy Holidays and Merry Fishmas

Staff Profile and FishMas List

BLAINE

Blaine, why do you fish?

I fish to connect with nature and to appreciate the amazing world that we live in. I like the constant challenges that fly fishing presents, and I enjoy the process of navigating my way through these challenges.

Blaine, what items do you use/want/love?

Grayl Water Purifier- It is extremely convenient to always have the ability to drink clean water without the added weight, or responsibility to fill a water bottle.

Loon Lochsa- Its really nice to be able to use a liquid floatant on CDC and know that it won’t mat down the feathers too much.

Frogs Fanny- This product was introduced to me as "fly crack”. I was told that it helps flies float better than any other floatant and that fish can’t resist a fly with a dusting. Truth is, they can resist it. However, it really does help the flies float better than most floatants.

Simms Wool Half-finger Gloves-  Before these I never fished with gloves. Its nice to stay warm, and still enjoy mobility and sensation of my fingers.

Patagonia Fleece Pants-Certainly not fashionable to wear alone, and I do not suggest going out on a date in these. However, to wear under waders on a cold day, these are the best.

Patagonia Snap Dry Hoodie- This is a great lightweight jacket that works well as a shell on cold days and just great packable item on the more mellow weather days.

Simms Bugstopper Hoodie- I was pretty skeptical of the bug stopping powers possessed by this hoodie. Then I wore it on a super secretive river that was infested with mosquitoes and horse flies. While I did not come out of this completely unscathed, I did have much fewer bug bites than my fishing buddy who was not cloaked in bug stopping powers.

Smith Guides Choice Chroma Pop Sunglasses- Somehow Smith made seeing life in HD without watching TV possible. I really enjoy the clarity out of these glasses on and off the water. They make the clouds look a lot cooler than normal and they make trees look HD green (thats a real color with these glasses). They are great at breaking the glare off the water and have great coverage around the outside of your eyes.

Blaine, what item would you want to be given?

If I could be given any product in the store it would have to be an 8wt Scott Meridian. Lately I’ve been really wanting a big rod to help in the pursuit of big fish, and fish that I don’t normally catch. Its a goal of mine to knock a few new fish species off the bucket list and I think this rod could help me do that. 

We hope these gift ideas help with choosing the perfect gift for your fly-fisher person!


Happy Holidays and Merry Fishmas

Staff Profile and Fishmas List

KIGEN

(Head guide and fly geek)

Kigen, why do you fish?

I fly fish because it allows me to experience a needed connection with nature and the outdoors. I enjoy the places that fly fishing takes me and the experiences that I have on the water. Sights, sounds, smells, and the overall sense of being I have while fly fishing keeps me enthralled; the beautiful fish are a great bonus.

Kigen, what do you use/love/need/want?

1)Something I use: Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest- As a fishing guide and certified fly fanatic I carry way too many flies at any given time. I want to be prepared for anything. The Patagonia Sweet Pack Vest is the only system that allows me to carry all the flies I need and still have a whole backpack to use for my clients drinks and lunches, or for my own DSLR camera. This pack/vest hybrid holds it all comfortably and allows me to keep my fishing supplies in the right spot for easy access.

2)Something I use: Renzetti Presentation Series Vise - I tie several thousand flies a year and I find that my favorite vise has become the Renzetti presentation series. I like the clean design of the Renzetti and the well tapered jaws, features that give me easy access to the hook on small fly patterns I tie for local tail waters. I tie everything from size 30 midges to size 1 streamers on the Renzetti and it handles them all.

3) Something I love: Patagonia Insulated Jackets - I have to admit that I am a gear fanatic. With my fishing clothing, I desire the ability to stay comfortable in all possible weather conditions by layering a few different pieces. Two pieces that accomplish this goal and that I reach for again and again have become my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket and my Patagonia R1 Hoody. I find that between these two jackets I can cover many different weather conditions. For cool mornings in the early fall, I just wear the R1 Hoody, which keeps me warm before sunrise. As those fall mornings turn frosty, I switch to the Nano Puff Jacket, for its added warmth and wind-proofing. And finally as the snow begins to fly, I combine the two and find that I stay comfortable under most Utah winter conditions with these two pieces layered together.

4) Something I need: Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II - As a fly fishing guide I spend a ton of time out in the sun and rather than constantly slather on the lotion I prefer to just cover up. I have really found that one of the best options for sun protection is the Tropic Comfort Hoody which has a hood to cover up the back of my neck and thumb holes to protect the backs of my hands from excess sun exposure. Combine this shirt with the good sunhat and I really only need sunscreen on my nose, perfect!

5) Something I need:Tacky Fly Boxes - I have become a big fan of the tacky fly boxes and "the original" is still my favorite. These silicon slit boxes hold flies tightly and are the perfect size for the pockets on my Sweet Pack Vest. I can fit 3 tacky boxes in one pocket on my vest, and as the seasons change, I just swap out fly boxes for the upcoming hatches so that I am always prepared. My tacky boxes have proven bombproof, as I even ran over some of my fly boxes with my truck and am still using those boxes today!

6) Something I want: Western Rivers Flyfisher Leather Gloves - Although these probably aren't the most useful gloves for fishing. The new leather WRF gloves would be great for any cold weather activity including rowing the drift boat or shoveling snow. They are quite sharp looking and I have definitely been ogling over these since they arrived in the shop.

7) Something great for a beginner: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Fly Line - Many beginners start with kit rods that come with mediocre fly lines. I think the biggest upgrade they can make at the start of their fly fishing is to upgrade the kit fly line with a premium fly line. The new SA amplitude lines are my current favorite. I would suggest the Infinity Taper for most users, which I have found casts well under a variety of conditions and can present a dry fly with good delicacy. For the ultimate gift package combine this line with a private casting lesson, so that you can get the most out of the new equipment.

8) If I could be given anything in the shop: Winston Nimbus 9' 8 wt - I have wanted an 8 weight to expand my streamer fishing and to start fishing for some new larger gamefish. The new Winston Nimbus is a sweetheart of a rod that doesn't break the bank. We have the 4, 5, and 6 weight rods in the shop; they are a treat to cast and are great rods for the trout fishing we have throughout Utah and surrounding states.

We hope these gift ideas help with choosing the perfect gift for your fly-fisher person!

Happy Holidays and Merry Fishmas

Staff profile and Fish-Mas List

Spencer

Spencer, why do you fish?

I enjoy being in nature, (trout live in beautiful places), and I enjoy the challenge of hatch matching dry fly-fishing. Chasing hatches while tempting a snooty rising fish with a self-tied fly in an awesome setting are all elements of a perfect day for me. I love the sport of fly fishing.

Spencer what items do you use/want/love?

Spencer, if you could be given anything from the shop what would it be?

If I could be given anything from the shop it would be a: Patagonia snap dry hoody.The snap dry hoody fits really well, I can layer under it for cold weather situations, or I can wear it as is on more mild days. It is a really warm jacket that is a great wind blocker and a very durable as well.

We hope these gift ideas help with choosing the perfect gift for your fly-fisher person!

Happy Holidays and Merry Fish-Mas

Staff Profile and Fish-MAS List

NICK

Nick, why do you fish?

I fish because I love exploring new water, learning new techniques, and sharpening my skills. My learning extends into my downtime as I am an avid reader and student of the sport. In short, my fishing philosophy can be summed up as: vow to never stop learning, don’t rush,be thankful for any and every day, and focus on the quality experiences on the water. By doing these things I get more out of fishing than just the tangible results. My gear choices and how I fish reflect these principles, and the following gear selections on my “wish-list” will help anglers learn new tricks, and have more enjoyable fishing excursions.



Nick, what items do you use/want/love?

  • 3 wt. Fiberglass Fly-Rod (Livingston Rod Co., Scott F Series, Redington Butterstick)

A fiberglass fly rod is the perfect tool for our small streams around this state and the west. Fiberglass is a great material for making short casts, protecting tippets, and it makes every fish you catch (regardless of size) an absolute blast!

  • Sage 3110 ONE or PULSE Trout Spey

These two-handed trout rods are a GREAT way to explore our larger western rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Casting streamers, soft hackles, and dries-these rods can do it all…with the proper line, of course.

I fished in these waders over our annual Shop Trip this past summer, and I knew that I had to have a pair. They are super breathable, comfortable, and the fact that they pack up so small is just a bonus.

  • DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer Topographic Maps

These maps are an essential tool that I use to plan my upcoming fishing trips. They not only work when you have no internet service, they show fishing access points on them as well. My current collection consists of: Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington State.

  • WRF Coffee Mugs

These simple, attractive mugs keep my coffee warm, my Arnold Palmer’s cold, and look damn good doing it.

This latest generation of Litespeed Reels sports a new “bronze/tan” anodization, new drag knob, handle; all while maintaining a super light and tough frame. Definitely something that I would love to see under my tree this Fishmas.

  • Echo Micro Practice Rod

Echo’s Micro Practice Rods allow you to keep your fly-casting skills sharp-no matter the weather or season.

Happy Holidays and Merry Fish-MAS!


Nick, what is annoying to you?

Staff Profile and FishMas List

BRYCE

Bryce, why do you fish?

Fish, fresh or saltwater, live in amazing places. The opportunity to explore, experience, and travel both near and far with a fly rod in hand offers a perspective and adventure that is unrivaled.

Bryce, what products do you use/want/love?

  1. Patagonia Tough Puff Hoody
  2. Scott F Series Fly Rod
  3. Hardy Marquis Reel
  4. Rising Flask Pack
  5. Catch & Release Net Magnet
  6. Simms Riverbank Chukka Boots
  7. Patagonia Recycled Wool Ear Flap Cap
  8. Simms Coldweather Shirt
  9. Opinel Knife
  10. WRF Truck Gloves

Bryce, what item would make a fisher-persons life easier?

One of the most overlooked items I feel we have at the shop that everyone should have is the Fishpond Dakota Carry On bag. Whether you are just going out for the day or traveling the globe, all of my rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, extra flies, etc… for the outing are kept in this bag. Not only does it protect my most valued gear on journey, but with the internal organization of this bag I know when I arrive I will have everything I need for a successful outing.

Happy Holidays and Merry FishMas!


Staff Profile and FishMas List

KYLE

Kyle, why do you fish?

It offers me an ever evolving challenge, from the bugs and prey; creating new flies to fool fish, to new techniques; presenting flies well, there is always something to figure out. It is also true that the fish we chase live in pretty amazing places. From trout in high country lakes to bonefish on idyllic tropical flats, I enjoy the adventure of it and being out in nature.

Kyle, what items do you love/use/can't live without?

Kyle if you could be given any product in the store what would it be and why?

  • A gift card always comes in handy when preparing for the next trip or I would love to get a new Scott G Series 9 foot 4 weight for fishing the ranch next summer.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and MERRY FISH-MAS


FISHMAS 2018

As fishing winds down for winter, we’re looking at the road ahead in anticipation for what the New Year may have in store. With this in mind and with the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to reload or fill in your quiver of gear with the things that you need for next season.

Many of you have spouses, family, and friends that will be shopping at Western Rivers for gifts. Instead of having them guess what you want, we encourage you to stop in or call and give us your wish list. 

We'll keep your "Fishmas List" on hand so your loved ones can easily shop for items you want. 

We also encourage you to check out the shop staff’s personal Fishmas Lists (below). We’ll highlight one of our employees each week and post a list of goodies they can’t live without or that they really want.


Steve (Our fearless leader)

Fishmas Wish List:

I’ve been playing the game of fly-fishing for a long time, and you’d think at this point I’d have everything I would want that falls under: "fly-fishing gear". I own a fly-fishing shop for goodness sake! But, I still get enamored by the latest and greatest due to the outstanding products being created by the industry.

My journey has shifted from being a generalist when it comes to my choice of gear, to being interested in specialized pieces that are suited to how and where I fish. Because my passion and style of trout fishing has evolved into dry-fly fishing in technical waters to rising fish, my gear choices matter. My steelheading journey has also become more specialized, and each gear choice I make is on purpose and with purpose.

From the rods I fish, to the flies I tie, to the clothes I wear, it’s all chosen to suit specific needs for where I fish and for the fish I pursue. Each item becomes part of my "Game".

However, in contrast to all of that, I am still a sucker for stuff that you just have to have.

Scott G Series: This rod falls under the category of something that I just have to have. It is an incredible rod. I already own a Scott 904 G2, the predecessor to the G series, which I love dearly, but when Jimmy came out with the new G Series (GS), I knew it was the rod I’d been looking for. The Scott GS 904 is the perfect fly rod for dry flies on Utah waters and for technical spring creeks like the Henry’s Fork. I need another 4wt like I need another hole in my head, but sometimes the word need doesn't do it justice. Put this one down as must have!

RIO LT DT Fly Line: This probably gives away my age since hardly anyone except us old guys fish a double taper (DT) line anymore. Because my gear matches my style, and my style is walking and wading, I choose the DT every time. There is no better line for fishing dry flies when wade fishing. Sorry, the RIO LT double taper is the best and it’s the line I use the most.

Patagonia Bomber Hoodie: If I had one piece of clothing from the store I can’t live without, it’s a Patagonia Bomber Hoodie. Of all the jackets I own, it’s my favorite fishing piece. I have all but worn out my first one. For fishing in cool to cold weather there is no substitute. I love this coat and, as my old one unravels, there isn’t another insulated jacket I’d choose over the Patagonia Bomber.

Hardy Perfect: This is another item that I don’t necessarily need, but I want. I love click and pawl reels, and Hardy reels in particular. The first reel I ever purchased was a Hardy and to date it’s the only new reel that I’ve ever owned. All my other Hardy reels were purchased after someone else broke them in. Since I don’t own a Hardy Perfect trout reel, and have been coveting one since Hardy started making them in England again, I think it’s time I broke one in for someone else.

Patagonia 90L Black Hole Bag: My son has my original Patagonia Black Hole bag. Back then there was only one. I beat the daylights out of that bag dragging it all over the world before passing it on to my son.  I have other Patagonia bags, but every time I’m headed somewhere, I wish I had a Black Hole bag. Now you have a number of options in the Black Hold line of bags when it comes to sizes, and I like the 90L the best. 

Opinel Pocket Knife: I had one of these knives, but lost it on my last trip to Argentina after using it to prepare a cigar following a long afternoon nap. I used it for years in many applications: preparing lunch, ranching with daughter, cutting anything (since it is so sharp), digging out splinters, sharpening sticks, and so on. These awesome knives come in handy regardless of how you recreate. They’re small, super sharp, handmade in France, and best of all very reasonable in price. I miss having one.

Patagonia Fjord Flannel Shirt: I have a fair number of these shirts. The problem is they never die and my wife after a while gets sick of them.  I tell her I need my old flannel shirts for fishing so I don’t trash my newer ones, but after 10 years even that excuse that doesn’t fly. So, I put in a request for a new one every holiday season.

Happy Holiday and Merry Fishmas


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