As I sit here, watching the rain pour down in early November, I’m reminded that the angler's view on weather is rarely simple. It wasn’t long ago that I was out on the water, reeling in fish after fish under moderately calm, clear skies. Last weekend was one of those weekends where everything felt dialed in. But when I see rain like this now, I know that this isn’t an end—it's a transition. And if you’re like me, you’re probably feeling that same tug of anticipation for what comes next: coho.

Coho have a special place in my heart, especially these big late-season B-run fish. They’re the full package—athletic, hard-fighting, unpredictable, and a sight to behold as they slash through the water. Don’t get me wrong; I love chum. They’re fighters, survivors, and they play a huge role in the ecosystem. But coho, especially this time of year, just check every box.

Here’s the thing about this rain: it’ll be the grand finale for chum season. I’m not a scientist but I do always observe, every year, like clockwork, the heavy rain arrives, and something shifts. Chum come flooding into the system, making it feel like the rivers are thick with them. It’s wild and chaotic. But as they spawn and reach the end of their journey, the chum start to change, turning into those white zombies, still purposeful but beginning to give themselves back to the river. Their final act is just as important as their fight; they’re leaving behind a legacy, infusing the entire ecosystem with nutrients, nourishing everything from insects to juvenile fish.

And the rain? It’s like nature’s reset button. It nudges those nearly-spent chum aside, spreading their nutrients far and wide, and with that, it opens up a new stage. Now, instead of contending with chum every cast, we get a fresh opportunity. The coho, no longer crowded out, become the main attraction. And it’s their time to shine.

This is when the magic happens. With the chum spawning mostly wrapped up, the river shifts, and it’s all about the coho. They’re eager, aggressive, and they have the river to themselves. They’re free to chase down flies, attack with abandon, and give you that unmatched thrill only coho can deliver. It’s a clean slate, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already gearing up.

So, yes, let this rain come. It may be the end of chum season, but it’s ushering in something even more exhilarating. For us anglers, every change in weather is a new angle, a new opportunity. And this rain, it’s the gateway to a season that promises hard hits, fast runs, and the thrill of the chase. 

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It's always good to be in the know and we don't want to keep anyone in the dark. The holidays are here, and we’re excited to announce that this year Spawn Fly Fish will be kicking off a massive Black Friday Sale on Friday November 29th! you won’t want to miss! While other retailers in other industries are already rolling out early deals, we want you to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends and get ready for something truly special on Friday. 

When the weekend begins, Spawn Fly Fish will be bringing you exceptional deals across our entire selection, plus the launch of several new products that have been highly anticipated! Our Black Friday sale isn’t just a chance to stock up on essentials; it’s a way to explore exciting, new items that we know will take your fly tying and fishing to the next level.

So mark your calendars, get ready to shop, and stay tuned for what’s coming. This Black Friday, we’re bringing you our biggest and best sale yet—and it’s all happening at Spawn Fly Fish!

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It’s pouring here in Southwest Washington, and while most might see the relentless rain as a mood killer, it’s actually a reason for excitement if you’re a fisherman. Sure, the grey skies and soggy mornings might be a downer for some, but if you love to fish, this is everything we could ask for.

In past weeks, our rivers have been getting some rain, but not a ton. The drop in temperatures brought falling leaves, and that picturesque autumn foliage has been steadily finding its way into the water, creating a murky mess. When leaves collect in the river, they not only add a tannin stain, turning our rivers brown but also limit the visibility for salmon. And when it comes to coho fishing, visibility is crucial.

The arrival of this heavy rain isn’t just washing away the gloom from our moods; it’s giving the rivers a much-needed flush. It’s going to push out those stubborn leaves and debris that have been clouding the waters. What we’ll soon have is that classic, winter-green colored water—a signal to many that it’s time to grab the rods and hit the rivers.

Fresh Fish and Better Conditions on the Horizon

This influx of rain won’t just clear up the visibility; it’s going to bring in fresh fish. High water acts like a neon sign, calling in waves of new coho and steelhead eager to make their push upstream. With each downpour, our odds of hooking into those chrome-bright fish increase.

For those who know, it’s all about timing. Keep an eye on the river gauges and fish the drop. As the water rises, debris gets flushed out, and as it begins to clear, that’s when the bite picks up. This clearing period after a significant rain event can be some of the most productive times for salmon fishing all season.

So, don’t let the gloomy weather get you down. Keep your gear ready, watch those flows, and wait for the water to drop and clear. Those crisp, wintery river conditions are on their way, and with them, fresh fish and hot fishing.

A Final Reminder

It’s easy to let the rain dampen your spirits, but for those who love to fish, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. The rain may pour, but so will the opportunities. Stay patient, monitor the river levels, and get ready to experience some of the best fishing of the season.

Good luck out there—stay positive, watch those flows, and remember that better days (and bigger fish) are coming!

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At Spawn Fly Fish, we take pride in being more than just another fly shop. What sets us apart isn’t just our massive selection of top-tier fly tying materials or the latest and greatest gear. It’s the personal touch and genuine connection you get every single time you interact with us. What many people don’t know is that our team consists of only three dedicated individuals. So whenever you talk to someone, whether it’s by phone, chat, email, or in-person at our shop, you’re speaking directly with one of the owners.

Personalized Service, Every Time

We believe that every customer deserves the level of service that you’d expect from speaking with the owner—because you are! This small team approach ensures that each interaction is genuine, knowledgeable, and focused on providing you with the best possible experience. It’s not just about making a sale; it’s about understanding your needs and sharing our expertise in a way that feels like talking shop with a friend.

A Commitment to Your Experience

Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, we know that your experience matters. That’s why we go out of our way to offer personalized advice, share insights about the local fisheries, and even help you select the perfect materials for your next fly tying project. Our passion for fly fishing and our deep knowledge of the craft means you’re not just getting a recommendation—you’re getting advice you can trust from people who live and breathe this sport.

Expertise You Can Count On

At Spawn Fly Fish, we pride ourselves on being the most reliable source of fly tying materials and fishing gear in the Pacific Northwest. Our constantly growing inventory is a reflection of our commitment to the community, with every addition thoughtfully curated to support your success on the water. We know the thrill of landing a fish on a fly you tied yourself, and we’re here to make sure you have everything you need to experience that feeling again and again.

Connect with Us

When you walk through our doors, call us up, or chat with us online, you’re not just talking to a salesperson. You’re connecting with someone who shares your passion and understands the excitement of what we do. At Spawn Fly Fish, we believe that building relationships with our customers is just as important as offering quality products. That’s what makes us more than just a fly shop—we’re a community.

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Visiting the coast during winter can seem daunting with its wet, windy, and cold weather. But for those of us born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, there’s something undeniably captivating about the ocean, even during the stormiest months. The beauty of the coastline, combined with the tranquility of quieter seasons, provides more than enough reasons to plan your coastal getaway. And, of course, if you’re headed to the coast, there’s one essential item you should never leave behind—a fly rod.

The winter months along the Washington coast are about more than just the fishing; they’re about the whole experience. But if you’re coming, you should be prepared to make the most of the diverse angling opportunities. Here’s a breakdown, month by month, of what to expect and what to bring on your coastal winter adventure.

November: King Tides, Coho, and Chum Salmon

During this month, you can target both chum and coho salmon. Early in November, chum are still prevalent, but as the month progresses, coho fishing becomes red hot. These fish are eager to take a fly and put up a serious fight, so an 8wt or 9wt rod is a must for these hard-charging fish.

But don’t forget, the coast offers much more than just fishing this time of year. November marks the beginning of our annual the King Tides, which shape our local ecosystems and create exciting opportunities for site seeing and photography. Not only that but between crabbing, razor clam digs, beachcombing, mushroom picking, and hunting, there’s something for everyone. So pack your gear and don’t let the rain keep you away—November is packed with opportunity.

December: Coho and Steelhead Make a Splash

December’s allure is similar to November’s but with the added holiday charm and the anticipation of “Crab Pot Christmas” events. Coho fishing remains excellent, making your 8wt rod indispensable. But as the coho season winds down, December is when the first steelhead of the season begin to trickle into our rivers, especially in systems with active hatcheries.

Steelhead are a dream fish for many anglers, offering a challenge that demands dedication and skill. While these silver ghosts start to appear in December, be sure to keep a lighter rod handy as well. Our local lakes remain well-stocked with rainbow trout, and you never know when the rivers may be too high for safe fishing due to storms and rainfall.

January: Storm Watching and Steelhead Pursuit

January signals a new season and a fresh start. There’s no better place to welcome the new year than on the coast, sipping hot coffee as you watch the powerful Pacific storms roll in. Fishing remains a viable option, with the focus fully shifting to steelhead. While the weather can be tough—sometimes seeing rivers rise and fall unpredictably—an 8wt rod is perfect for targeting steelhead in our smaller coastal rivers.

When the river flows are manageable, and the skies clear for those rare, stunning sunsets, the rewards are great. But even on stormy days, crabbing, clam digs, and beachcombing continue to be enjoyable coastal opportunities.

February: Steelhead Season in Full Swing

February is prime time for steelhead fishing in Southwest Washington. While the weather may test your patience, the steelhead fishing opportunities are well worth it. Don’t forget that trusty 8wt rod! If conditions line up just right, you may also encounter cutthroat trout that have been out of sight since November. These fish, previously overshadowed by the larger salmon, eagerly take flies, offering thrilling and unexpected action in February.

March: Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

As March rolls in, most of the region’s fisheries begin to wind down. Steelhead fishing may still be available in a few rivers, but this is also a time to look out for something special—the chum fry outmigration. If conditions are right and the rivers are open, you’ll find cutthroat aggressively feeding on the tiny, silver chum fry, boiling up in the rivers. A 4wt or 5wt rod is ideal for this action, and it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

For many anglers, March is a month for reflection on an amazing season and the anticipation of what’s to come. It’s the perfect time to relax, tie flies, and get lost in your favorite fishing book, all while preparing for the new season.

April: Preparing for the Cutthroat Season

By the time April arrives, fishing opportunities narrow down mostly to stocked lakes. But that doesn’t mean your coastal adventure should be canceled this is a perfect time to visit many of our local attractions including lighthouses, breweries museum and small businesses like ours that need a boost headed into spring and summer! 

Plan Your Coastal Adventure

Winter at the coast is a time of quiet beauty, with plenty of fishing and outdoor opportunities if you know where to look. Whether it’s chasing coho, battling steelhead, or simply enjoying the solitude of a winter storm, there’s always a reason to come to the coast—and always a reason to bring your fly rod.

And if you find yourself in Ilwaco, make sure to stop by Spawn Fly Fish. We’d love to hear about your adventures and help you make the most of your time on the water.

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