For a limited time, when you purchase a pair of the Patagonia River walker Wading Boots ($150), you will receive a FREE pair of Patagonia neoprene insulator socks. This combo is great for summer wet wading. Patagonia Island Hopper Long Sleeve Shirts ($80.00) are BUY 1 GET 1 FREE!

Stop by the shop or order online at Davidson River Outfitters.

Hook: Tiemko 200R #6
Eyes: Extra small lead dumbell
Tail: Red Fox Tail
Body: Red Fox Tail w/ crystal flash

To order these materials, go to www.davidsonflyfishing.com!

Tie your own Estaz Zonker using the following materials:

Hook: Tiemco Bass 8089 #2
Eyes: Small lead dumbbell
Tail: Olive zonker
Body: Root beer estaz

To Order These Materials Online Go To, DavidsonFlyFishing.com!

Tip #1: Check your lighting and shadows.

Lighting and shadows are the most crucial elements to control when taking a quality photograph. Obviously, catching that trophy fish cannot always happen during the most optimal times of daylight. Avoid shooting your subject directly into the sun because this can cause harsh shadowing along the face and body. One way you can eliminate shadows on sunny days is by using your flash to fill in the dark spots of your subject. This will prevent the person from being completely in silhouette while the rest of the image is bright. Make sure that your subject removes his/her sunglasses and raises his/her hat up a bit to aid in reducing shadows. During overcast days, try taking pictures with and without flash. Most digital cameras these days have a cloudy day option. 

Tip #2: Use a tripod.

Sure, there are many situations that you wouldn’t want to carry a tripod along. However, this handy tool is essential for preventing blurry photos. When photographing fish, most people do not have the stability to hold the camera long enough for the fish to stop flopping around and eventually introduce camera shake. Most tripods these days are less than $60, which makes a tripod a wise investment.

Tip #3: Get close to what you are photographing.

The goal here is to fill the picture area with the subject you are photographing. Getting closer to your subject also allows the photograph to show more color and details of the day’s catch. Spawning colors of Rainbow Trout, defined spots and a hook jaw of a male Brown Trout are all distinguishing characteristics that should be captured in a quality photograph. Be conscious not only of what you are intending to photograph but what may be behind the scene of your photograph. When people are admiring your trophy fishing photo, you want them to stay focused on you and your catch. Be aware of objects like an old rusty wash machine in the river, old corn cans laying on the bank, or “No Trespassing” signs in the background, which can negatively affect the quality of the experience, even when you have permission to fish private waters.

Tip #4: Show the fish, not your fingers.

This photograph is the moment of truth. The worst thing you can do is catch a trophy fish and have a photograph of nothing but the head of the fish and all your fingers. The best advice here is to put the net in between your legs, wet your hands, and gently reach in to grab the fish. Place one thumb long the top of the head and the other thumb just above where the tail begins. Wrap your fingertips along the bottom of the gill plates to the belly and along the end of the belly toward the tail. After you have control of the fish, extend your arms to whoever is taking the photograph. If the fish gets jumpy, you can just lower the fish back into the net, and repeat the previous steps.

Tip #5: Take more than one picture.

Once the fish is secured in the net, snap a few shots of the angler holding the fish. Make sure you get several photographs from different angles that include the angler and some that are just of the fish itself. Some of these shots can include capturing the angler just before he/she releases the fish back into the water, or a macro shot of the fly hanging out of the fish’s mouth. The object here is to get a variety of different photos to use in case some are not as quality as others. Usually, the best pictures are the ones that are not staged or taken when the subject is not aware that they are being photographed.

Remember that we are practicing Catch & Release so use good judgment when handling the fish, and try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible.

To enter your trophy photo in our “Fish of the Month Challenge,” email us at bstrickland@davidsonflyfishing.com!

Kevin is back with stories you would not believe unless we had the pictures to back it up. Argentina 2009 was another success both in numbers and in size. This year, 5 anglers traveled across the remote stretches of Argentina, floating and wading 4 different rivers in 10 days. While some fish were caught on the usual assortment of dries, the minnow hatch proved to be the most productive of all. Several fish were landed that surpassed the double digit mark— not in inches but in pounds! If you are looking for some amazing fishing, scenery, and cultural food, then check out our destination page at www.davidsonflyfishing.com and give us a call. This trip is usually limited to 8 anglers so don’t miss out on the action because deposits from this year’s group have already been processed.

Think you have caught the best fish of the month? Well take a photo of it, and submit it for us to see! From June 2009 to December 2009, we want to challenge you for the best catch each month. To enter, submit the following: a photo of your catch, its species, the lake or stream in which you were fishing, the date of the catch, and an email address. Each photo will be judged by 4 of our top guides, and a winner will be announced each month on our website. The winner will also receive 1 dozen guide choice flies free. All photographs will be judged on quality of fish, clarity of photo, particular species caught, and creativity of photo. Strut your stuff, and submit your photo today. ONLY ONE PHOTO CAN BE SUBMITTED PER ANGLER EACH MONTH.

Submit your photos and information to bstrickland@davidsonflyfishing.com!

The start of spring 2009 has brought us some desperately needed warm sunny days, and the smallmouth fishing is heating up. We have been fishing on and off between warm fronts and periods of rain but are seeing several nice-sized smallmouths being caught in deep pockets on baitfish patterns and various crawfish imitations. Concentrate your efforts deep and close to structure until water temps increase. Over the next few weeks, stop in the shop and get stocked up because the action will soon be off the hook.

Here is an up to date list of fly tying and rod building classes that we will be teaching.

This year all of our classes are free, we will suppl tools and the instructor all you have to supply is willingness to learn and purchase the materials that you will use to tie with.

Beginning fly tying classes will be 6-9 p.m.

Jan. 7, 14, 18 and 21

Students will learn to tie the San Juan Worm, Woolly Bugger, Brassie, Hare’s Ear Nymph and Elk Hair Caddis. All tools and materials are supplied. Students will also receive Davidson River Outfitters’ fly tying manual.

Rod building classes will be 6-9 p.m.

Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27

The classes will cover selection of materials, wrapping guides and epoxy coating. Students bring a roll of 1-in. masking tape, a quarter-inch round chain saw file, sharp fine-point scissors and rod components (rod blank, handle guides and reel seat, which can be ordered through Davidson River Outfitters).

Advanced fly tying classes

Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24

The advanced classes will cover the Prince Nymph, Kevin’s Stonefly, Bead-Head Pheasant Tail, Cahill, Stimulator and Parachute Adams. All tools and materials are supplied. Students will also receive Davidson River Outfitters’ fly tying manual.

Smallmouth Bass Fly Tying Class

March 3,10,17,24

Learn to tie productive and attractive flies for Bass and Panfish.  Flies will include Clouser Minnow, The Creature, Poppers and many more.

Here is hopping Ms. Claus brings you a new Sage Rod for Christmas.<–>