Spawn Blog

The Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is a species of dabbling duck known for its distinctive and oversized spatula-shaped bill. As many of you know we have been working at increasing our line of Spawn Super Select Feathers. Shovler has been heavily requested. Before we jump into the feathers themselves that we sell we wanted to tell you a bit about the duck itself. Here are some key points about the Northern Shoveler:

1. Physical Appearance: Male Northern Shovelers have striking plumage with iridescent green heads, white chest and neck, chestnut-colored sides, and a distinctive white stripe down the side. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage.

2. Habitat: They are commonly found in shallow freshwater habitats, including marshes, ponds, and lakes. They are widespread and can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.

3. Diet: Northern Shovelers are filter feeders. They use their large bills to sift through the water, collecting aquatic invertebrates, seeds, and vegetation.

Now what you've been waiting for... What feathers do we have here at Spawn and how can they be used. We will selling the flank feathers (side of duck between the wing and the tail). Within the flank feathers we will break them down into solid chestnut colored feathers and mottled feathers. Both are stunning the solid chestnut feathers will have a range of sizes from small to large while the mottled are generally larger feather. 

1. Flank Feathers: The flank feathers of ducks are often chosen for their softness, flexibility, and natural coloration. These feathers are commonly used to create wings, tails, and other components of fly patterns. The shoveler has some of the softest fibers we have sorted and will have incurable movement in the water. 

2. Uses in Fly Patterns: Flank feathers from ducks like the Northern Shoveler are used to imitate the natural appearance of insects, small fish, or other prey. The unique coloration and texture of these feathers add realism to the flies, making them more effective in enticing fish. Northern Shovler will have many uses with classic patterns but also we foresee them working into everything from carp to trout flies

3. Fly Tying Techniques: Fly tyers may use flank feathers for various patterns such as wet flies, nymphs, and streamers.The feathers are carefully selected, prepared, and tied onto the hook to mimic the movement and profile of natural prey. 

Fly tying with flank feathers from shovelers is both an art and a science, as anglers experiment with different patterns and materials to create effective imitations that attract fish. Northern Shoveler flank feathers, with their distinct coloration, can contribute to the success of certain fly patterns in different fishing situations. Shop our selection today and see what all the hype is about!

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Immerse yourself in the premier fly fishing experience at Spawn Fly Fish, a standout among Washington State's top fly shops. Our physical storefront has evolved into one of the best in the Pacific Northwest, underscoring our commitment to providing enthusiasts with an unparalleled shopping experience. 

In the last several years, we've expanded beyond our online presence, creating a community based brick and mortar fly that someday will be synonymous with the best there is. If you have visited our shop you know that the shop has more than quadrupled in size over the past two years, shedding its warehouse feel. Explore a haven of fly fishing essentials, with meticulously displayed rods, reels, waders, boots, lines, materials, and more throughout our shop. 

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to personalized service. Whether you arrive with a specific list or simply express your preferences, we can promptly retrieve items from our extensive inventory in the back. Our in-house warehouse boasts nearly 15,000 fly tying products, ensuring you have access to an extensive array of choices. Between what is on the floor and what is in the back we have you covered. 

For those in search of the ultimate fly fishing experience in Washington State, Spawn Fly Fish stands as a must-visit destination. Revel in the joy of perusing our expansive selection, expertly organized and ready for the water. Spawn Fly Fish – your ultimate fly fishing haven awaits in the heart of Washington State, where every cast is an adventure. 

Visit Ilwaco, Washington Today! 

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At Spawn Fly Fish, your premier online fly shop, we take pride in delivering top-notch products for anglers and tiers who are passionate about their craft. Our latest additions, the Streamer Bobbin and Steeltech Bobbin from Stonfo, are meticulously designed to enhance your tying experience. We got these in the shop on Friday and have had some time to take a deeper look!

1. Streamer Bobbin: Crafting Excellence for Large Flies

Introducing our Streamer Bobbin, a powerhouse designed for anglers who love the thrill of tying large flies and streamers. At first glance, its big but not too big, for many this will be a comfortable size that compares to many other bobbins on the market in length. However, it definitely has a lot more weight than most this thing is heavy right out of the pack but we love it! Here's why this bobbin deserves a prime spot in your fly tying arsenal:

• Ergonomic Handle for Precision: The specially designed ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, providing the control needed for intricate streamer patterns. It feels smooth in the hand!
• Stainless Steel Strength: Crafted entirely from stainless steel, the sturdy structure guarantees durability and longevity, making it the ideal companion for tying large and dense materials.
• Optimal Weight for Tension: Weighing 42 grams, this bobbin strikes the perfect balance, maintaining optimal tension on the tying thread for a secure and consistent hold.
• Stability at Its Core: The central shaft ensures maximum stability, preventing any wobbling during the tying process, allowing for precise and controlled application.
• Adjustable Tension for Perfect Flies: Two knobs allow precise tension adjustments, enabling you to tailor the tension to your specific tying needs, whether you're working on intricate details or securing bulkier materials. This is far improved from the previous Stonfo disc bobbin I have previously used.
• Versatile Tube with Hardened Steel Bush: The large tube, reinforced with a hardened steel bush, accommodates voluminous materials like floss and microchenille, providing versatility in your streamer creations.
• Perfect Balance for Flawless Dubbing: Enjoy a perfectly balanced rotation, making this bobbin an ideal choice for achieving smooth and even dubbing, ensuring a professional finish to your streamer flies.

2. Steeltech Stonfo Bobbin Holder: Stainless Steel Precision

Our Steeltech Stonfo Bobbin embodies precision and strength, designed for anglers who appreciate the reliability of stainless steel and want to be right in on the action! Here's why it's an exceptional addition to your fly tying toolkit:

• Stainless Steel Excellence: Crafted entirely from stainless steel, this bobbin holder epitomizes strength and durability for long-lasting use, ensuring it stands the test of time.
• Optimal Weight for Tension: Weighing 35 grams, it strikes the perfect balance to maintain tension on the tying thread, ensuring a secure hold for meticulous fly tying. It is noticeably lighter and smaller than its big brother the Streamer Bobbin. 
• Stability at Its Core: The central shaft provides maximum stability for the spool, minimizing inconsistencies during tying and allowing for a controlled and precise application.
• Adjustable Tension for Superior Flies: Two knobs offer precise tension adjustments, giving you complete control over your tying process, ensuring your flies are of the highest quality. Again this thing is legit and actually holds the tension there is no room for error and you won't have any errors while using this!
• Hardened Steel Bush for Durability: The tube, reinforced with a strong hardened steel bush, prevents fraying, enhancing the tool's durability and ensuring it remains in top condition for numerous tying sessions.
• Perfect Balance for Dubbing Excellence: Enjoy perfectly balanced rotation, making this bobbin holder an ideal companion for achieving flawless dubbing, resulting in impeccable fly patterns.

We get it these are expensive there is no escaping that. We are here to tell you when it's worth it and when it isn't and we always do what we can to give you the best advice. During our short stent since these have been released we have been blown away! You will hands down love either of these options.  The Streamer Bobbin and Steeltech Stonfo Bobbin are both available here at Spawn Fly Fish your favorite online and brick and mortar fly shop. 

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In the world of fly fishing, every angler understands the importance of getting their fly to the right depth to entice the elusive catch. For years, the traditional solution has been split shot weights, which frankly are the worst. They suck to use, suck to cast and overall are just a product we would rather do without. Hareline Tungsten Puddy is a product that has anglers like us ditching split shot for good and embracing a new era of customizable and reusable weight.

Experienced anglers are well-acquainted with the limitations of using split shot weights in their fishing endeavors. While these small lead or tin weights effectively aid in sinking your fly to the desired depth, they are not without their challenges. The process of attaching and detaching these weights can be cumbersome, significantly impacting the overall fishing experience. Problems such as weights coming off during casting and fishing, creating weak spots in your line, spilling in your bag, and the perpetual struggle to achieve the perfect amount of weight are common frustrations associated with traditional split shot weights.

The Hareline Tungsten Puddy is changing the game by providing a versatile and user-friendly alternative to split shot weights. Crafted from high-quality tungsten, this moldable putty offers anglers the ability to customize the weight according to their specific needs. The malleability of the puddy allows for precise adjustments, ensuring your fly sinks exactly to the desired depth without compromising the presentation.

One of the most significant advantages of the Hareline Tungsten Puddy is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional split shot weights, which are often discarded after a single use, the tungsten puddy is a long-lasting investment. A small amount can be reused repeatedly, making it not only economically efficient but also environmentally friendly by reducing the waste associated with disposable fishing accessories.

Using Hareline Tungsten Puddy is a breeze. Simply take a small amount of the puddy, mold it into a thin slab then roll it onto a swivel or tippet ring. The customizable nature of the puddy allows you to fine-tune the weight precisely, ensuring your fly is presented at the perfect depth.

Hareline Tungsten Puddy is a shining example of innovation, offering a customizable, reusable, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional split shot weights. Say goodbye to the hassle of split shot and hello to a more efficient, effective and enjoyable fly fishing adventure. Order now and checkout the video below!

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In recent times, local anglers have had something to cheer about as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) initiated an innovative program to stock hatchery surplus winter steelhead into our local lakes. These surplus steelhead, who have already made the journey back to hatchery programs, are now finding a new purpose, offering anglers a thrilling opportunity.

The Lifecycle of Hatchery Surplus Steelhead

Before we delve into this exciting program, let's take a moment to understand the lifecycle of these hatchery surplus steelhead. These fish start their journey as tiny fry in a hatchery, raised until they reach smolt size (typically at age 2). At this stage, they are released into rivers and streams, where they embark on their migratory journey to the ocean. Steelhead spend a significant portion of their lives (one to three additional years) in the saltwater before returning to their natal rivers to spawn.  

However, the surplus steelhead being stocked into our local lakes are no longer needed for hatchery programs. The WDFW recognized the opportunity to repurpose these fish to create additional angling opportunities while also addressing concerns about their impact on native steelhead populations.

Once surplus steelhead reach hatcheries, the WDFW has a vested interest in ensuring that they do not continue upstream and potentially spawn with natural origin (native) steelhead. WDFW has worked to mitigate the potential impacts of hatchery fish spawning naturally by integrating their hatchery programs with natural origin fish.  The intent is to collect as many of the returning hatchery fish as possible but if/when a hatchery fish does spawn with a wild fish the population impacts are lower. This action is crucial to safeguard the genetic integrity of native steelhead populations and protect the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems.

Why Our Local Lakes?

The WDFW identified Black Lake and Radar Ponds as ideal locations for stocking these surplus steelhead. What makes these choices particularly prudent is that they are not connected to waterways leading to other systems containing native steelhead or other anadromous fish. Therefore, stocking these lakes with surplus steelhead not only provides local anglers with exciting new fishing opportunities but also ensures that the surplus fish won't impact native populations.

A Win-Win Opportunity

This innovative program represents a win-win scenario. Anglers in our community can now enjoy the thrill of targeting steelhead in local lakes, an experience that was once reserved for the river. Moreover, the absence of native anadromous fish in these lakes means that surplus steelhead can thrive without ecological conflicts.

Additionally, it's worth noting that stocking lakes with fish is not without cost, but the stocking of surplus steelhead lies outside the regular expenses of stocking trout. It's an added benefit that enhances our local fishing experience without additional financial burden.

The hatchery surplus steelhead program is a fantastic opportunity for both anglers and the environment. By redirecting these surplus fish into our local lakes, the WDFW has created a second chance for them to contribute to our community, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities!

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