Join Fly Fusion Magazine Editors Derek Bird and Jim McLennan for season three of the wildly popular Fly Fusion Series as they explore the prairies and East slope of the Rocky Mountains. Confronted by back-country closures and wildfires the hosts embrace mounting challenges and find themselves lost, but in the right direction, while exploring new and familiar water for willing trout.
RIO–The RIO Creek line is designed for small creeks and streams with a taper design that loads at close range but has enough body and head length when a longer cast is needed. It is ideal for nymphs, dries and small streamers, and its supple, coldwater core provides tangle-free performance. RIO’s MaxFloat Tip ensures the line does not sink. Available in WF0-WF4F options in green/yellow coloration for $79.99.
The InTouch Big Nasty Sink Tip line is a multiple density sink tip line designed to cast large and heavy flies thanks to its front-loaded weight distribution and ultra-low stretch ConnectCore. The seamless blend of three or four densities ensures a smooth transition of energy when casting and the best depth control while fishing. It is available in float/hover/intermediate (F/H/I), float/hover/intermediate/sink 3 F/H/I/S3), and a float/intermediate/sink 3/sink 5 design (F/I/S3/S5). The different densities are designed to give anglers the option of fishing at different depths, with the F/H/I an ideal choice for fishing in the top two feet of the water column, the F/H/I/S3 a great line for fishing 2-4 feet in depth, and the F/I/S3/S5 being perfect for fishing between 4-8 feet in depth. Available in August for $99.99
For anglers heading deep into the jungle in pursuit of peacock bass, dorado, or pacu, the DirectCore Jungle Series from RIO is the line of choice. Its powerful front taper delivers large flies with ease, while the easy annealing, low-memory core lays perfectly straight. The hard, tropical coating ensures it will not wilt in the extreme heat. There is a full floating line option and a F/I that has a floating running line with a 30-foot intermediate head with 10-feet of that being clear. The F/S3 is a floating line with the front 20-feet being type 3 sinking (3-4ips). The F/S6 is a floating line with the front 20-feet being a type 6 sinking line (6-7ips). Available at RIO dealers in August for $119.99.
Trout anglers can make an easy choice for leader selection with RIO’s Powerflex Trout Selection. This selection pack contains three different 9-foot trout leaders each being one of the most popular sizes. Consumers can choose between two selections: a 9ft – 3X, 4X, and 5X leader, and the other with a 9ft – 4X, 5X, and 6X leader in. MSRP $12.99.
RIO also adds a new length in its popular Fluoroflex Trout Leaders with 7.5-foot lengths from 5X to 0X for $14.99.
Our friends at Patagonia have just announced two of their most innovative fly fishing products to date — the new Foot Tractor Wading Boots and River Salt Wading Boots. These boots are the culmination of years of hard work and research and development in collaboration with Danner, the iconic boot maker and Vibram, maker of high performance outsoles. Patagonia’s and Danner’s quest to build the most durable and highest performing wading boots possible has led to what Patagonia contends are the best boots they have ever made and possibly the last ones anglers will ever need to buy.
To achieve their goals of maximum durability and performance in a long-lasting U.S.A.-made boot, Patagonia paired their expertise in fly fishing and product innovation with Danner’s proud tradition of quality and craftsmanship. Made by hand in Portland, Oregon, both boots are engineered for the most demanding wading and fishing. And with treated full-grain leather and stitch-down construction, they’re designed not only for durability but also to be resoled and even completely recrafted as they wear to keep them on the water and out of the landfill.
The collaboration between Patagonia and Danner began with the idea of offering the best fly fishing boots made in the U.S. For both companies, this meant creating boots that are durable, lightweight, quick drying, and comfortable. “These Danner-built boots are the ultimate fusion of performance, durability, and quality,” notes Chris Gaggia, global marketing manager at Patagonia. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome of our work with Danner, and we’re proud to have a product that will surely endure.”
The durability of both the Foot Tractor Wading Boots and River Salt Wading Boots are the result of stitch-down construction of waterproof full-grain leather and tough 1000-Denier nylon. The saline treated leather is waterproof, non-shrinking, and non-cracking. With technology that prevents swelling, these boots prevent water retention and maintain their appearance. Perforated drains clear water quickly, and nylon webbing saves weight while maintaining strength and support. Nylon-coated hardware also adds an additional element of durability. The stitch-down construction consists of interlocking thread that increases the durability of the boots while also allowing the boots to be resoled and recrafted by Danner. And both boots provide comfort and stability throughout from an insole board, an internal shank for arch support, a cushioned midsole for impact absorption, a wider platform for increased ankle support, and a lace-to-toe design that allows for a more customized fit over the top of the foot.
The River Salt Wading Boots feature low profile adjustable speed lacing evolved from Danner’s Marine Corps boots, and a bi-fit board combines shank, lasting board, and PU midsole into a single piece, thereby providing a lightweight platform. Additionally, a VIBRAM® Megagrip outsole with sticky rubber delivers impressive traction in an out of the water, as well as increased durability. The River Salt Wading Boots are designed specifically for the Middle Fork Packable Waders, wet wading, and the flats. They will be available in Feather Grey for $449.
The Foot Tractor Wading Boots have an adjustable lacing system and a 5mm rubber midsole. With a VIBRAM® Idrogrip outsole for durability and performance, anglers have the choice of sticky rubber ($499), felt ($499), and aluminum bar ($549) for their preference of best traction. The Foot Tractor Wading Boots will be available in Forge Grey.
And while Patagonia and Danner built these boots to endure, the companies’ shared values also brought them together to make boots that could very well be an angler’s ultimate boot purchase. Both boots have options for recrafting at Danner’s world-class facility in Portland, from replacing outsoles and hardware to repairing stitching and reconditioning the leather. Patagonia hopes that anglers will avoid the practice of sending boots to the landfill and will keep these boots in use for many years. This revolutionary approach cuts down on production, spending, and waste and provides the longest possible lifespan for these boots.
The Foot Tractor Wading Boots and River Salt Wading Bootswill be available February, 2019.
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (June 27, 2018) – RIO’s brand promise is to help anglers “Make the Connection” and with the launch of RIO Flies, that couldn’t be truer. From backing to line, leader, tippet, and now flies, RIO Products helps anglers make the connection to more fish across the globe.
“RIO has been known for its numerous products anglers can count on when it matters, so adding high-quality, competitively priced flies is a natural fit,” said Larry Barrett, president and CEO of Far Bank Enterprises, parent company of RIO Products. “We’re committed to utilizing our resources to ensure high inventory availability, and we’re excited to offer our specialty dealer partners a new product category that integrates into our current pricing and shipping programs.”
RIO’s entry into the fly category continues the brand philosophy of a core group of experts working intimately with RIO’s greater team of passionate anglers, territory representatives, and RIO ambassadors to identify, design, and select key patterns. RIO Flies are hand-tied by tiers with an eye for quality, and combined with world-class product imagery, the most thoughtful and competitive pricing structure in the category, and Far Bank’s easy-to-use electronic order system (EOS) to create a compelling new opportunity for RIO dealers and anglers everywhere.
RIO Flies for freshwater, saltwater, steelhead, and salmon will be available for purchase by fly fishing specialty shops immediately with a large selection of core patterns in multiple colors and sizes. In addition, specialty patterns for a wide variety of species developed by its in-house team of experienced anglers and fly tiers will be available. RIO Flies brings anglers the right fly for every fish.
Rod repairs are no fun for anyone. But the process can be made easier with modern technology, and Orvis has just introduced a new rod repair procedure that makes it seamless and quick for customers to return their rods for repair and track their progress. Visit Orvis online for details.
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (May 23, 2018) – RIO Products celebrates amateur film makers in the fly fishing arena with its second annual RIO Amateur Fly Fishing Film Awards. With many great films submitted for year two, Meris McHaney took away the grand prize for 2018 with her film Lucky.
McHaney wins an all-expenses paid trip to Idaho Falls to fish for three days with the RIO team, $300 value of RIO products, a $500 cash prize, and a “short film” category entry in the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) – courtesy of our media partner Fly Fusion magazine. The runner-up, “Matapedia” receives $500 worth of their choice of RIO Products.
Meris said, “I created this film to capture the passion I have for fly fishing and wanted to show people how beautiful the Texas Coast is and how the sport brought me closer with my dad. I’m so fortunate to get to sight cast to fish so close to home and I felt like the story I’ve had with fly fishing needed to be shared. I’m so thankful RIO hosts such a great competition for amateur filmmakers. The whole company has been so amazing and all the buzz from the film is very exciting. I can’t wait to get to Idaho to fish with the RIO crew and get some great gear; I’m so lucky they believed in me and my story.”
The Viewer’s Choice Award saw a tie between Ken Tanaka with “Obsession” and Mike Silva with “A Fish-mas Story”. They both receive $1,000 worth of Sage, RIO and Redington products, and the runner up will receive $500 worth of RIO products of their choice. See all submissions here.
Oregon-based outdoor lifestyle companies Yakima Products and Poler Stuff have teamed up for the limited-edition SkyRise rooftop tent. The Yakima X Poler SkyRise is a new take on Yakima’s popular tent, featuring Poler’s signature fuzzy camo pattern.
Light, strong and easy to use, the SkyRise is perfect for weekend warriors, outdoor festivals and more. The rooftop tent sets up in just minutes and easily makes any terrain an overnight home – from rocky ground to a festival parking lot.
Thanks to the technologically-advanced materials and features, the SkyRise does more than just let people sleep off the ground: it also provides a premium camping experience, with a light tent body made of 210d nylon, a removable cover for an unparalleled view of the night sky, plus a cozy foam mattress.
“We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to partner with Yakima, and the SkyRise blew us away. It’s our ideal for outdoor living: it’s fun, eye-catching and original, and it makes you want to get out there,” said Benji Wagner, Founder at Poler. “It was really cool to collaborate with them and find a way to add some Poler flare to the rooftop tent.”
The Yakima X Poler SkyRise is available starting this month at yakima.com and select specialty retailers, as well as polerstuff.com and the brand’s flagship stores in Portland, Ore. and Laguna, Calif.
To celebrate the launch, Yakima and Poler have teamed up with for a Spring Adventuremobile Giveaway, including the new Yakima X Poler SkyRise, a Yakima roof rack system, and some Poler favorites, including the Napsack and Rucksack. The contest runs through the end of May and can be found at yakima.com. Additionally, the brands will host a launch party on Friday, April 6 at Poler’s flagship store in Portland, Ore.
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (April 2, 2018) – Building on the success of the InTouch Salmo/Steelhead Line, RIO Products, manufacturer of fine fly fishing lines, leaders, tippets, and accessories, brings anglers the InTouch Salmo/Steelhead F/S1 with its long hover head.
This line features a long “hovering” head seamlessly integrated into the floating rear taper and running line. The InTouch Salmo/Steelhead F/S1 sinks at one inch per second and is ideal for swinging just under the surface with small, light flies that tend to skate and for windy days when the wind can affect the swing, allowing the angler to mend and control the fly at long distances. The powerful, bullet front taper ensures the lines easily handles large steelhead and salmon flies, while the rear weight distribution makes this a great line for single handed or Spey casting.
Built with RIO’s ConnectCore ultra-low stretch core, anglers will have maximum sensitivity, control, and performance. Available in WF7F/S1 through WF9F/S1, this dual tone line comes in glacial/yellow and retails for $99.99.
Today the fly-fishing community mourns the loss of Bernard Victor “Lefty” Kreh, who passed away at the age of 93 at his home in Cockeysville, Maryland. It’s unlikely fly fishing is ever going to see an individual who will contribute as much as Lefty. Because of his contributions he earned numerous achievement awards including the American Sportfishing Association “Lifetime Achievement Award” and the Fly Tackle Trade Association “Lifetime Contribution Award”. In addition to his awards he also served as a Senior Advisor to Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International. Members of the Fly Fusion staff had the opportunity to cross paths with Lefty and always enjoyed the time spent with him. Fly Fusion’s President, Chris Bird, said, “It is a sad day today as the fly-fishing community deals with this loss. Lefty is an irreplaceable legend and we are grateful for him. We have been given an opportunity to create a life within fly-fishing only because of his tremendous contributions to the sport. He is to fly fishing what Michael Jordan was for basketball,” said Bird. “We lost the best today.” The Bird family sends its thoughts and prayers to Lefty’s family and those close to him.
