Spawn Blog

At Spawn Fly Fish, we know that not everyone is a fly fisherman, but the creativity and excitement of tying jigs is just as exhilarating! Whether you’re targeting crappie, coho, or even going after lingcod and halibut, we’ve got you covered with the best materials available for your jig tying needs. There’s something special about creating your own lure and then watching it work its magic in the water. If you're looking to dive into the world of jig tying, you're in the right place.

As we gear up for the long winter ahead, now is the perfect time to step into the arena and tie up your first jig. Unlike fly tying, there isn’t a great all-in-one starter kit for jig tying, so we’re here to break down the essential materials you’ll need to get started.

Essential Materials for Jig Tying

When it comes to jig tying, there are a few core materials that you’ll see over and over again: marabou, chenille, rabbit strips, legs, and flash. Inside each of these categories, there are countless options, and we’re here to help you navigate through them.

Thread

First off, let’s talk about thread. You’ll want something durable, especially for jig tying where heavier materials and fish are involved. Avoid lighter threads like 8/0, which are more common in fly tying. Instead, go with something strong, like Veevus 140 Power Thread. This thread lets you really crank down on your materials without worrying about breakage—saving you frustration while building your perfect jig.

Marabou

For jig tying, standard Hareline or FishHunter marabou will be your go-to. You don’t need extra select or spey marabou when you’re just starting out. Marabou is key for creating a lot of movement in the water, making it a staple for a wide variety of jig patterns.

Chenille

Chenille adds bulk and flash to your jigs. There are countless types and sizes, but you’ll want to avoid anything labeled midge or nymph sizes for now. One of the most popular choices is Cactus Chenille in medium—it’s a great starting point and perfect for building jigs that catch fish.

Rabbit Strips

Rabbit strips bring incredible lifelike movement to your jigs. Most jig tiers reach for Magnum rabbit strips for the tail. These strips are wider, adding bulk and movement. Pair this with a matching crosscut rabbit strip for the body. The crosscut strips lay flat and wrap nicely around the hook, creating a smooth, flowing body.

Legs

Jig tiers love experimenting with legs, and there are endless options out there. The Crazy Legs from Hareline are among the most popular for their durability and flexibility. You can add legs to create additional motion and attraction, making your jigs even more enticing.

Flash

Flash can be overwhelming because there are so many types. The two most popular choices among jig tiers are 1/69th Lateral Scale and Holographic Flashabou. Both of these add a subtle but critical bit of sparkle that will grab the attention of fish. At Spawn Fly Fish, we carry every color, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Head Cement

Once your jig is tied, you’ll need to ensure it stays together after multiple hookups. A good head cement is essential for locking everything in place after you’ve mastered the whip finish or half-hitch knot.

Tools You’ll Need

Although this blog focuses on materials, you’ll also need a few basic tools to get started: a vise, bobbin, scissors, and a whip finish tool.

Ready to Get Started?

Jig tying is an amazing way to connect with the water and get creative, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're tying for crappie, coho, lingcod, or even halibut, Spawn Fly Fish has all the materials you need to craft the perfect jig. This winter, why not try your hand at something new? We’re confident that once you tie your first jig, you’ll be hooked.

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Halloween in Washington doesn’t just mark the time for spooky costumes and trick-or-treating—it signals the beginning of one of the most thrilling fishing opportunities of the year: Chum Salmon season! As we approach late October, the rivers and streams in Southwest Washington and beyond come alive with chum salmon surging through our waterways. Whether you're in Puget Sound or venturing into the rivers of Southwest Washington, the arrival of these fish is impossible to miss.

By the time Halloween rolls around, you'll start seeing chum salmon jumping in Puget Sound and migrating up the rivers. In Southwest Washington, these fish flood into our systems in huge numbers. This time of year is perfect for anglers who are ready for a new challenge—a species that’s often overlooked but delivers an incredible fight.

Despite their abundance and strength, chum salmon often don’t get the recognition they deserve. We live in a region where harvesting fish to eat is a big part of the fishing culture. Since chum salmon aren’t as prized for their taste as they move into the rivers, they don’t always get the same love as other species like Chinook or coho. But if you’re a fly angler, you know the real value of these fish lies not on the dinner table, but in the adrenaline-pumping battle they bring to the end of your line.

Chum salmon, also known as "dogs" due to their gnarly teeth, are a powerhouse of a species. Their sheer strength makes for an exhilarating rush on the fly. Once hooked, they put on a display of raw power that’s hard to beat. There is not a fish in the PNW that has broken more rods for us!

What makes this time of year even more special is that a lot of the popular rivers begin to slow down in terms of fishing pressure. Many anglers in the region focus on species they can harvest, so as chum move into the rivers, you'll notice fewer crowds. This opens up a fantastic window for catch-and-release anglers who are here for the sport and the excitement, rather than the dinner plate.

For those willing to explore and try something different, chum salmon offer some of the most electric fishing experiences you’ll find in the fall. Not only do they take flies aggressively, but they also fight with everything they’ve got, making each hook-up a memorable one.

So, as the leaves change color and the spooky decorations come out, remember that something else exciting is happening in the water. The chum salmon are almost here, and you don’t want to miss out on one of the most thrilling fishing experiences of the year.

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As we find ourselves in late September, here at Spawn Fly Fish, we're reflecting on the cutthroat season that's nearly behind us in the local rivers we love to fish. But just because the rivers are slowing down (for cutthroat) doesn’t mean the excitement is over—Puget Sound is gearing up for another incredible winter of cutthroat fishing!

Down here in Southwest Washington, as the rain begins to fall, we know what that means: salmon are on their way. Soon, they’ll be pouring into our rivers in large numbers, offering incredible opportunities to land big fish on the fly. If you’ve been watching the bays, you’ve probably seen them rolling, jumping, and smashing bait, but as the rivers rise, they’ll make their way into all of our local systems. It’s the start of something special, but it also marks the end of the prime season for targeting cutthroat in our local rivers.

Sure, the cutthroat are still around, and occasionally you’ll run into one, but it’s time to retire the 4wt for now. When the salmon push in with such force, they tend to crowd out the cutthroat, making it harder for them to chase down flies. Whether they can’t see your fly because of all the salmon, a coho snatches it up first, or they’re just tucked away in hiding, it’s clear that the cutthroat fishing takes a backseat.

But while the local rivers slow down for cutthroat, Puget Sound is just heating up. October and November are some of the best months for cutthroat in the Sound, and we can’t wait to head north to where Spawn Fly Fish began to chase after this amazing species. The crisp fall air, the beautiful Puget Sound waters, and the thrill of targeting cutthroat make it our favorite time of year to fish this incredible region.

So, while we say goodbye to another cutthroat season in our local rivers, we're excited for what's ahead. If you’re like us and itching for more, grab your gear and get ready for some of the best cutthroat fishing the Sound has to offer!

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Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Spawn Fly Fish has quickly established itself as the premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering an unmatched selection of fly tying materials. Our shop may be small, but what we lack in size, we make up for in passion, expertise, and inventory that is constantly growing to meet the needs of our diverse customer base.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we pride ourselves on being more than just another fly shop. We're an owner-operated business, which means that every time you call, email, or stop by, you’re speaking with someone who lives and breathes the sport. Our personalized approach guarantees that you're not just getting answers—you're getting the best information out there, tailored specifically to your needs.

One thing that sets us apart is our relentless commitment to stocking the largest and most comprehensive inventory of fly tying materials in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're looking for hard-to-find specialty items or the most popular materials, we make sure our shelves are full. And we’re always expanding! Our product range is growing based on feedback from you, our valued customers, and careful data-driven forecasting. If there’s something you need, we’ve got it—or we’ll get it.

Our goal is simple: to be the go-to shop for all your fly fishing needs. We’re here to help you perfect your craft, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting. And with every order, rest assured that you're getting expert advice from people who are just as passionate about fly fishing as you are.

Visit Spawn Fly Fish and experience the difference of a fly shop that puts knowledge, quality, and customer care first. 

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Coho fishing is heating up right now, especially along the jetty, where anglers are experiencing phenomenal action. However, as many of you may have heard, there is some unfortunate news that will affect all of us who love fishing this area. Starting September 15th, Cape Disappointment State Park will close for construction, cutting off access to some of the most popular spots without offering any real alternatives or clear communication to the community.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we've been disappointed with how this closure has been handled. With little to no information or community input throughout the process, it feels like the decision-makers have left us high and dry—literally. As a community of anglers, we're passionate about our fisheries and the experiences they provide, and the lack of solutions explored or presented by the state park is frustrating.

For those of you who have been enjoying the fantastic coho bite off the jetty, it's disheartening to know this opportunity is coming to an abrupt end with the park closure. However, we're committed to finding ways to keep you on the water and in the fish! Here are some alternatives to consider during this closure:

1. Boat Launch at Cape Disappointment: While the state park itself will be closed, we have been told that the boat launch at Cape Disappointment will remain open. This is crucial information for anyone who has a boat or kayak and is looking to get back on the water.

2. Sand Island as an Alternative: A short paddle or boat ride from the Cape Disappointment boat launch will take you to Sand Island. If you have an Oregon fishing license, you can access the sandy beach here and cast for coho. Fishing off Sand Island has been particularly productive during outgoing tides, offering a great chance to hook into some nice fish. Make sure to bring your waders, as some areas are best accessed by getting into the water.

Make the Most of It – While You Can

Until the closure on September 15th, we highly encourage you to make the most of the current coho run. The fishing on the jetty has been nothing short of spectacular, with fish being caught consistently throughout the day. Check out our previous blog post for some of our favorite spots around the jetty, and remember that timing is everything—focus on those tidal changes!

After the closure, we’ll be closely monitoring the situation and updating our community on any new access points or opportunities that arise. In the meantime, consider exploring Sand Island with your boat or kayak to continue chasing coho during this fall run.

We’re here to support you through these changes and help you navigate the uncertainties. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for updates on access points, fishing reports, and any news on the park’s closure. Let's keep our lines tight and voices loud as we advocate for better management of our treasured fisheries.

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