Closeout policy Closeouts 25% off rod unless price specified. 35% off rod only providing a reel and line value of $74.95 is sold with it . Rods; SAGE - SALT, ACCEL, BOLT, APPROACH LOOMIS - Pro4X WINSTON - NEXIS REDDINGTON - PROSPECTOR $240 BACKING - DACRON $0.10 /YD 20 AND 30 LB GEL SPUN - $0.30 / YD.

We dig the new Accel Series for Sage. These Rods use Generation 5 technology reimagined with new tapers and design. The fit and finish on these mid priced premium rods is second to none. If you liked the XP or Z rods these deserve a look. Any of the Accel rods would make a fabulous gift.

Sage says,

One of the greatest benefits of always pushing the limits of rod technology is that it gives us vital insights to rod design using previous technologies. Case in point: our new medium-fast action ACCEL family of rods. Created using our responsive Generation 5 technology, our all-new ACCEL benefits from key insights garnered through the development of Konnetic Technology®. Light and ultra-responsive to throw tight wind-busting loops, it’s like going back in time to bet on your favorite sports team with the score in hand—you’ve got a winner and you know it.

What do you get a fly angler that has everything? The answer is cold weather gear. It has often been said, "that there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing" and we couldn't agree more. We fish year round and if your angler is not it might be because they do not have the right gear to stay warm, dry and mobile in the cold weather. Above we have featured several of our favorite cold weather items. Simms Extreme Hat and Fold Over Mitts were game changers for us. Nothing keeps your head or hands warm and dry like these awesome pieces from Simms can. We also like Simms Gore-Tex windstopper jackets. We have several different styles and colors in stock.  The Simms Fall Run jacket is the ultimate in insulation layer featuring PrimaLoft insulation. It is equally at home under a G4 Jacket or as an out later running into the coffee shop.

We love UV everything. We put it in our trout and steelhead patterns. We also add just a little to most of our salt patternes. Any fly tyer would love to add these great materials to their tying table.

A New pack makes a great gift for the fly fisher in your life. Pictured are bags from Simms, Fishpond, Umpqua, Clear Creek and Sage.

A Marblehead Flyfisher shop box makes a great gift. We stock these rugged and affordable boxes in several different sizes and configurations. Pictured above is the largest option which makes a great box for the boat of for those monster streamer patterns that always get mangled in smaller boxes.

Why not try some new hooks. The shop is packed with hooks from Tiemco and Mustad. We have picked out two of our favorite styles here.

The 8089 NPis a nickel played version of everyone's favorite bass hook. We've tied flies on this hook that have caught striper, largemouth, smallmouth, bluefish, musky, snook, redfish, lady fish, jack and mangrove snapper.

The 2499 SPBL is the toughest little hook on the market. We use it to tie all of our egg, sucker spawn, and worm patterns. We even use it for some terrestrial and serendipity style patterns. The hook is extra strong and extra sticky with its barbless super point.

The Lamson Speedster is a large arbor reel with style. We love the Art Deco lines and super fast pick up the large arbor design offers. Like all Lamson reels the conical drag is maintenance free and will stop a truck.

What fly tyer wouldn't like a new vise. If the angler in your home doesn't have a Renzetti or other premium vise they may be due for an upgrade. A nice vise will last a lifetime and provide hours of enjoyment while not on the water.

We love the Redington Butter Sticks. So much is made over distance and throwing right loops into the wind. While the majority if our fishing is in close where these shorter fiberglass sticks shine. Whether your chasing brookies in a small stream or slamming sunfish on the Brandywine you need to experience the fun these rods provide. If you do not have a short glass stick in your arsenal you are missing out. We keep pulling ours out of the quiver.

  All sections of the White Clay will continue to receive good stockings of fish until the middle of May. This should allow for good, local fishing for quite some time.  

  As mentioned earlier Rick and I spent last Sunday (4-7) fishing together. We had a great day fishing for wild Browns. I started with tandem nymph rig with a few fish taking the Walt's Worm. We then moved to a trib of the main river. The water level was alarmingly low (this was before the Friday storm) so I switched to a dry and dropper. After the warm days we had two weeks ago the water temp here was pushing 50 degrees and the bug action was great. We found BIG clingers in the water, as well as Caddis larva, smaller clingers and some Black Stones. I only managed 1 fish on the dropper, the red Copper John when all of a sudden the fish started to take the dry. At one point the dropper hung in a rock and I had to break it off. I didn't tie it back on and just fished with the dry. The fish were taking Stones. Rick was using his CDC Black Stone and I was fishing a Stimulator. Here are a few shots from that day. 

  The East Branch of the Brandywine is fishing well. Greg, one of our customers, spent a few nights up there last week and reported good top water action. Browns were rising to midges three nights in a row. CDC puffs, Sprout Midges and Griffiths Gnats are all productive patterns. Be sure to have a few Caddis imitations with you as well. We saw a blanket hatch of Caddis on the Brandywine while scouting for Shad last night. 

  The White Clay Fly Fishers had an outing on the West Branch of the Octoraro a week or so ago. All reports were positive about the outing and the fishing. The West branch has been fishing well for a month now. Attractor flies will work on the fresh stocked fish. As the fish are in the river for a bit they will become more acclimated to natural feeding habits. This is when you want to switch to more natural patterns. Pheasant Tails, Midge Larva, and Hares Ears are all great choices. Steve Burke wrote a great article summarizing the event, it was published in the clubs news letter that all members receive. If you are not a member you might want to check them out. They are a great organization. 

 As mentioned earlier we are keeping a close eye on the Shad, both Hickories and Americans. We have received a few spotty reports from Deer creek as well as the Brandywine. A scouting trip last night produced only marginal sightings of Hickories and no Americans. It was nice to knock the rust off of the two handed cast last night. Jared did manage to bring one Hickory to hand. We did see a true blanket hatch of Caddis right at dark. Believe me, nobody wants the Shad here more than me, it just isn't happening yet. We will put the word out as soon as we find them in fishable numbers. 

We got on the road at about 3:45, a little behind schedule so we would have to make up some time on the turnpike. We made it out there in about 2.5 hours. We had just enough time to pitch our tents (literally) and then sat down to a meal fit for kings.

After dinner it was campfire talk, passing the bottle of brandy, and a great relaxing time. I really enjoy this time each night. There is something about sitting around a fire and staring into the flames...a very calming feeling. We are all anxiously waiting for tomorrow.

Up at 6:00 and it is a mad dash to get ready, get rigged up, and head to the river. This river is open water, and I am the only fly fisherman I have ever seen up here in 20 years of making this trip. The crowds can be overwhelming at times so walking great distances is the norm. When we got to the water it was a little low, but running hard. Typical snow melt water. I opted to throw a streamer at the beginning. My plan was to prospect with the streamer and see what I see. When I find some fish I will switch to a nymph rig.

 It didn't take long to realize the fishing would be tough. To say the fishing was kinda tough is like saying Carrie Underwood is kinda hot. A quick check of the water temp showed it to be 38 degrees. I don't ever remember the mountain peaks covered with snow on opening day. We fished for several hours until we had to head back to the cabin for breakfast. The reports we're all the same a few fish, but not great action. I spent the morning swinging streamers. My thought was if I found a pod of fish I would switch to a nymph rig. Well, the fact that I never switched rigs should tell you how the morning went.

 Back at the cabin a spaghetti dinner that would make Clemensa proud was waiting for us. A huge dinner was just what the doctor ordered. A little pasta, and some good red wine will cure all ills. After dinner we had more campfire time and then off to bed.

 With the season open we were on the river by 6:30. Water temp was up a bit, not the fishing. With rain threatening we fished till about 9:30. Then we decided to head back and pack up the tents before they got soaked by rain. After quick breakfast and with storms coming we decided to cut our trip short and head home.

All in all it was a great trip. We got to see some good friends and meet a few new ones and spend some quality time with my family. The fishing was not great, but that is ok. Anytime you are on the river is a good time.


Oh yeah, We did manage to catch a few  fish. 


                                                                                                                                              Tight Lines...

 Well, things on the trout river may be looking up. The last time we fished  Rick and Terry went to the Gunpowder. It was one of those miserable Sunday afternoons a few weeks back. With water temps in the mid to high thirties, no bug activity and not much to show for the afternoon there was not much to report. I am happy to say this past week things were different. We have had several promising reports as well as a good first hand experience on the rivers this past week.  The good weather this past weekend had the fish active and the rivers full of fisherman willing to take advantage of that. My son, Tyler had a decent afternoon on the White Clay on Saturday. He only had a few hours to fish and brought a few fish to hand. We have had several customer reports stating the same thing, "if you can find a spot that hasn't had too much pressure there are fish to be had" one customer told me this weekend. The Clay is chock full of fish and the warmer weather should only make this local river fish even better. 

  Sunday afternoon commitments kept Terry and I from fishing together. The need to be home early sent he and Rick to the Brandywine. They spent the afternoon casting their two hand rods. Terry was trying his new 13 foot 8 weight NRX for the first time. I am sure there will be a review to follow, but the text I received Sunday night says it all; "this thing is a rocket"! Stay tuned, more to follow on this I am sure. Terry and Rick reported the water level looks good with temps in the mid forties. One interesting thing was the hatch of Early Black Stoneflies Sunday afternoon. This is the right time of year for them, but Terry said he can't recall ever seeing them on the Brandywine in numbers like he saw yesterday. This may be a good sign of things to come. 

 As I was on the river Sunday afternoon my phone started to ding. One Boot Ed had been on the West branch of the Octoraro earlier in the day. He sent me the three pictures posted below. He said in one of his texts that these are the best looking stocked browns he has seen in a while. Well, that big ole' Bow looks pretty good as well buddy. Nice pictures, thanks for sharing. 

  Octoraro water temps were in the mid to high forties with minimal bug activity  Terry D from our tying classes reported a great Caddis hatch while fishing a stretch of local private water. He and Paul R were fishing Saturday afternoon within a half hour of the shop. 


  Sunday found me on the water flying solo. This is the first time I have fished by myself in quite a while. I love being on the water with good friends and the camaraderie that goes along with it. I would never want to change that. I must say there is something zen like being on the river by yourself that I have also come to enjoy. I had a great day on Sunday fishing, thinking, learning, and clearing my head, oh yeah and catching a fish or two. 


  I got a late start and hit the water at about 2:15 in the afternoon. Part of the reason for the late start was because I was getting my new Umpqua Overlook 500 pack ready. I REALLY like this pack and I am sure after a few more outings with it I will post up a review. 

 The thermometer showed the water temp to be 46 when I started. As I was walking to the spot I wanted to start a hatch of Stoneflies started to come off. The air was full, and I mean full of Stoneflies for about 10 minutes. Then, like somebody flipped a switch it was over. It lasted just long enough for me to cut off my tandem nymph rig and tie on a dry and dropper. By the time I was finished re-rigging it was over, so back to the tandem nymph rig. As I type this I just realized, I rigged and re-rigged my set up three times before I even had a wet line! While flipping rocks I found Clinger Nymphs, Caddis Larva, and Midge larva. My most productive fly was one of my  nondescript patterns, basically a modified Hares Ear tied with SLF Sowbug tan dubbing.  

  All in all it was a great week to be out on the river. Hopefully you were able to get out and enjoy the weekend. Now that we are in the middle of March better weather and better fishing are right around the corner. If you had a good day locally or a great trip to somewhere exotic we would like to hear about it. Click here to check out our "picture sharing page" and see some of the recent photos we have received. Until next time.


                                                                                                                                    Tight lines...

 As the White Clay is now full of fish due to the club’s “Holiday Stocking” many of our thoughts turn to winter time fishing. The winter months can be some of the best fishing of the year. Due to the weather conditions we face during December, January and February they can be some of the toughest times to be out there. I would like to give some of our thoughts and insights as to how we dress for the tough months in hopes that you can extend your time on the water. Hypothermia is a serious consideration during this time and we want to be sure you are protected from the elements. Let’s start with our feet and work our way up.

  Layering is the key to staying warm in the winter and our feet are no different. We generally like to start off with a liner sock of some type. Polypropylene gets the nod here as it is the best material to wick sweat away from your feet, the key to keeping your feet warm. From here the temperature will determine the next layer for me. In mild times say 30 degrees and up a simple wading sock works for me. In extreme temps, 30 and below I will usually wear a liner sock, a cotton type crew sock and then a heavy wading sock like the Simms Extreme wading sock. This combo keeps my feet warm in the coldest of days. Play around with your sock combo until you find a system that works for you. One item of note; as you add layers of socks on your feet those wading boots that feel great in April and May might be too tight in January. Tight boots equal cold feet period! A sizeable investment for sure, but a pair of boots a size or two bigger can be a godsend.

  Next would be the body layers. Again the conditions will determine how many or how few layers you need. Anything that touches your skin needs to have some wicking properties. We all sweat and the key to staying warm is to get that perspiration away from your body. One of the newer products on the market that gets the nod from me is Merino Wool. A Merino wool base layer will go a long way to keeping your body temperature regulated. My next layer would be some sort of fleece. Simms and Redington both have several different types of fleece in different weights to fit your needs. From light weight shirts and pants to heavy weight crew tops and extremely warm one piece “jumpsuits.”There is a product for everybody. To this I will usually add a Windstopper jacket of sorts and this combo seems to keep me warm on most excursions. On those extreme days I might add a mid weight or heavy weight layer of fleece on top of a light weight layer. The key is to have interchangeability in your system so you can adapt to the changing climate.

  Hands head and face. We all have heard the saying that you loose most of your body heat through your head. If that is the case lets cover it with a quality hat to prevent that from happening. “Beanie” type hats are fine in mild temperatures; I wear them all the time.  I particularly like the visor type of hats from Simms and Loomis. The next step up would be the Extreme hat from Simms. We call it the “Elmer Fudd” at the shop for obvious reasons. Insulated to the max with ear flaps to boot if any hat is going to keep you warm this is the one. Not the most asthetically pleasing hat, but when it is 10 degrees keeping warm is the priority. Remember this isn’t a fashion show. To this I might add one of the polar Buffs. This insulated, fleece lined “collar” is designed to keep your neck warm, and can be worn on your face like a half mask. Both are a priority in order to keep warm. Last but not least are gloves. I like the fingerless models so I can have some dexterity when tying knots. Actually I believe it is impossible to tie knots with gloves on. If you are prone to               cold fingers one of the fold over mitts may be better. These have a fingerless glove inside and a mitten flap that will fold over the entire thing. A great idea, but fishing with mittens on will take a little getting use to. In the winter time try to touch as little water as possible. Once you get your hands cold in February it is tough to get warm them back up without leaving the river. Some of those hand warmers stuffed in your top wader pocket and help with this.

  During the winter season, especially during bitter times I try to always fish with a partner. Safety in numbers goes a long way when it is 20 degrees out. I try not to stand in the water for extended periods of time. If you feel your self getting cold get out and go for a little walk. The foot traffic on the rivers is usually light this time of year. Many times I can walk for ten or 15 minutes to get warmed back up and return to the same spot. Also I always carry a “fall in bag”. If I do happen to take a spill (and believe me I do) I have a warm, dry set of clothes waiting for me at the truck. If you do go in the water this time of year IMMEDITEALY get out and head to the truck. As I said earlier Hypothermia is no joke and needs to be taken seriously. Get out, get dry and go home. The fish will be there tomorrow.

  Hopefully these tips will keep you warm and out on the river this winter. Have a safe and fun filled winter season. We hope you catch a ton of fish. Tight lines…