Fly Fishing Arizona


Tying Flies

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It was a slow weekend here at the Smith household and I enjoyed the opportunity to sit and replenish some of the empty spots in my fly boxes. I picked up a really nice Wheatley Box as a souvenir while I was fishing in France and it sits patiently while I try to figure what to fill […]

Old Pueblo Chapter of Trout Unlimited

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I had a really unique opportunity last night to speak to the Old Pueblo Chapter of Trout Unlimited down in Tucson. Now, as a junior high teacher, I am used to waxing eloquently on topics of history and government in front of 12 and 13 year olds, but talking to a group of adults is […]

Arizona Fly Fishing: The White Mountains

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Labor Day weekend in Arizona can be a crazy time in the high country. It seems that everyone packs the tents and campers and head north to get out of the valley heat. Fishing on the Rim can be downright crowded and unproductive with the holiday weekend traffic so my buddy, Antonio, and I looked […]

Rambling Review – Katadyn MyBottle Purifier

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Rambling Review – Katadyn MyBottle Purifier Why: Staying hydrated is arguably the most important aspect of backcountry fly fishing in Arizona. Carrying enough water to stay hydrated for 12 hours on the stream can be borderline backbreaking, and if you are solely relying on carrying purified water, you run the risk of running out of drinkable […]

Fly Fishing Gear: My small stream essentials

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What is in my small stream fly fishing pack? It is always interesting to see what other fly fishermen deem as “must haves” in their pack or vest. I have been getting quite a few questions over the past few months about the gear that I pack in to some of the backcountry spots that […]

Fly Fishing Arizona: Backcountry Brown Trout

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It’s been raining in the high country and the creeks are in pristine condition. From even a week ago, everything is very green and the water looks healthy. Due to the storms the night before and the sky threatening more of the same, the fishing was very slow in the morning. Antonio and I both […]

Rambling Review – Cortland Trout Boss Fly Line

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Rambling Review – Cortland Trout Boss 5 Weight Fly Line Why: I am an average fly fisherman with a marginal cast. I need all the help I can get. Enter the new Cortland Trout Boss line. First impressions: The specifications –  The Trout Boss is a weight forward line with a total head length around 62ft. For […]

Fly Fishing Arizona – Heaven on Earth

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There’s not much to really say as the photos do most of the talking. I left home at 2:30 and met Antonio before heading up north. We hiked in early and found some willing fish to rise to foamy hoppers. Things are definitely slowing down from a few weeks ago and I think the high […]