Spawn Blog

Sep 18, 2024

Spawn Fly Fish: The Best Fly Shop in the Pacific Northwest

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.

Sep 13, 2024

Updated Blog: Coho Fishing in Baker Bay – Navigating the State Park Closure

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.

Sep 10, 2024

The Ultimate Bristol Bay Float Trip

Many factors culminated in making this year’s Kanektok float so special, camaraderie, scenery, camping, bears, fishing, water levels among them. I’d been going annually since 2010, guided at first, but the flexibility of DIY soon made itself apparent, I love the planning and logistics it takes! This year my partner was Eric Ward from Maine, a big game guide, experienced outdoorsman in general, the most important factor in a successful trip. Eric did all the rowing, his use the boga grip and pliers made the release of many fish easy.

The trip began a day early, we were flown into Pegati Lake by Renfro outfitters out of Bethel. One of Paul Hansen’s guides had two tents already set up and very generously offered one for us to use, the clients weren’t due in for a few days. Good thing, as the weather moved in that night, heavy rain and heavier winds proved no match for the ‘bombproof’ shelter. We welcomed the dry and warmth the next day, as soon as we hit the river the next, the wind died significantly.

For the next two weeks camping became more familiar, set up and tear down of the raft, tarp and tents got a lot faster. Shock cord, Loop Aliens and sand bags were sure helped. Little improvements make a huge impact! We saw a dozen or so bear ranging from medium sized to huge. One very close encounter with one bear who was so focused on catching the Pink salmon it was after, I don’t think it even registered us in the raft floating by. The same with all the other bear we saw, I’m convinced they really don’t care about us humans as long as we’re respectful and use common sense. Realize we’re not on top of the food chain, it’s their country!

And now what you’ve all been waiting for, the fishing! Bottom line, the best ever. Especially for Dolly Varden Char and Coho Salmon. The key for the Dolly Varden was to find spawning sockeye, look for the red! The char become laser focused on the ‘egg drop’, a well drifted bead will not be refused. In places the river bottom was black with Coho Salmon. And less numbers of Pink, Chum and Sockeye Salmon, Arctic Grayling and Rainbow Trout were landed. Beads up high, streamers down low, although we found Dollie’s from top to bottom, including a 5 1/2 pound Char down fairly low. For the Coho I used a sink tip line, Eric stuck with a

floater. I used a 7 wt rod, Eric an 8. None of which seemed to matter one bit! The key seemed to be water level, which was high, it afforded us and the fish access to areas not normally fished. This proved to be extremely effective!

Streamer Flies. I used the ‘Double Trouble’ exclusively. Articulated with an Ahrex 2/0 trailer, attached directly to a 30 mm shank from Spawn. Insta Jig tungsten beads for weight, Spawn Polliwog or Leech Leather tails, and Fulling Mill micro flash dubbing in a loop for bodies. Legs versus flash as an accent, a brush collar finishes the fly. Contrasting colors, you couldn’t go wrong with pink. Orange, red and purple too. Eric used a simple ‘Devil Leech’, again it really didn’t seem to matter!

In conclusion, the 2024 Kanektok float was the best of all! The best companion, the ‘chosen’ river, the best fishing. Scenery, wildlife and camping to boot. All wrapped in one big package, to last long enough until the next time…

Guest writer:

Bob Erickson

Alaskasignatureflies on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSignatureFlies

Aug 30, 2024

The Harsh Reality of SW Washington Fisheries

People are always asking us what, where, when, and how to participate in the fisheries we showcase around our shop. The truth is, they aren't easy. Fishing in Southwest Washington is not for the faint of heart. This is what we consider a very unforgiving place, and there’s a reason why. One term we frequently use in the shop is "able" — not in reference to the overpriced nipper or excellent fly reels, but whether or not an individual is able to physically participate in our fisheries.

If you are planning to fish in the small rivers or jetty down here, you need to have a certain level of fitness. Almost all of our fisheries are hike-in fisheries. The hikes usually begin with a hill or a long walk on gravel roads and quickly transition into a bushwhacking experience. This requires both balance and fitness, not to mention a level of focus to ensure you don’t misstep and end up in a precarious situation.

Navigating the Jetty: A Simple Walk?

The jetty might seem like a simple walk at first, but then you look up at the rock wall itself. To reach the water, you need to climb down — and back up — over rocks that are sometimes slippery and always sharp. You'll need exceptional balance and a ton of focus. Once you're at the water’s edge, you must remain securely balanced while ensuring you’re at a safe distance from crashing waves and slippery surfaces. This isn’t a place for a leisurely stroll; it’s a place where one wrong step could end your day.

The River: More Than Just a Walk in the Park

Once you reach the river, the challenges continue. You’ll have to walk across through the water, over logs and rocks, slog through swamps, and constantly be on the lookout for the best route up or downstream. It’s not a straightforward path. Every step requires calculation, every movement an adjustment. You’ll find yourself constantly gauging the safest, most efficient route, and it’s all done under the mental strain of knowing you’re often far from any help should something go wrong.

The Importance of Preparation: Come Fit

None of this is quick or easy. Participating in these fisheries requires stamina, balance, and the ability to hike all day long. If you want to join in, you need to come prepared. That means starting at home — walking up and down hills, climbing stairs, practicing your balance, and getting used to wearing a backpack for long distances. People often find themselves in situations they don’t want to be in simply because they failed in their preparation. Don’t let that happen to you!

Keep your body in shape, keep your mind sharp, and prepare! And remember, no matter how far you hike in, you always have to hike out. The rewards of these fisheries are significant, but so are the demands they place on you. Being "able" here isn't just a term — it's a necessity. Prepare well, and the harsh reality of SW Washington's fisheries will become a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure.

Aug 28, 2024

The Underrated Thrill of Shark Fishing in Washington: A Hidden Gem of Our Coastal Waters

Shark fishing in Washington is one of the most under appreciated fishing opportunities in the state, often overshadowed by more traditional and harvestable species. While shark fishing is incredibly popular in other parts of the world, it remains largely ignored or even ridiculed here in Washington. This is puzzling, given that sharks are incredible creatures—stunning, powerful, and capable of putting up a fight that any angler would relish. In Washington, however, shark species that aren’t targeted for their meat are frequently dismissed as a waste of time, seen as nothing more than a distraction from more "worthy" pursuits.

Our coastal fisheries offer ample opportunities for catch-and-release shark fishing, but they are often overlooked in favor of more traditional targets. The irony is that non-harvest species in other regions are celebrated and pursued passionately. For example, look at sturgeon fishing in the lower Columbia River: even though you can't keep sturgeon, this fishery is immensely popular. On any given day, you’ll find anglers eagerly battling these prehistoric giants, knowing full well that every catch will end with a release. The allure of the fight and the thrill of the chase keep them coming back.

Shark fishing off the Washington coast offers a similar experience but on the fly. Sharks are often abundant around the tuna grounds, drawn in by the scent and activity of bait stops. Once one tuna is gaffed, the likelihood of sharks appearing increases dramatically. These predators, often seen circling the boat, are sight hunters. They will readily chase down a fly, offering an exhilarating and challenging angling experience.

Fly Fishing for Sharks: An Unmatched Experience

Fly fishing for sharks off the coast of Washington is an absolute blast. Imagine casting a fly and watching as these predators turn and strike with speed and aggression. We use a single barbless hook for sharks, prioritizing quick and seamless releases. With the right release tools, the process is smooth, allowing you to safely release these incredible fish after an unforgettable fight.

The appeal of this fishery isn’t just in the catch; it’s in the raw, unfiltered interaction with a species that many anglers never have the chance to experience. Shark fishing tests your skills, your gear, and your nerve—qualities that any true angler respects. And yet, despite this, it remains a largely untapped resource in Washington.

Changing the Narrative: Sharks are Worth Pursuing

It’s time to change the narrative surrounding our fisheries, especially those that are overlooked simply because they aren’t harvestable. Just because you can't keep a fish doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing. The thrill of the catch, the beauty of the species, and the challenge of the fight are what draw us to fishing in the first place. Shark fishing embodies all of these qualities in a way that few other fisheries can match.

Off the coast of Washington, fly fishing for sharks is an experience unlike any other. The adrenaline rush, the sight of a shark chasing down your fly, and the sheer power of these animals are more than enough reason to give this fishery the recognition it deserves. As we continue to push the boundaries of what our fisheries can offer, it’s our hope that more anglers will see the value in targeting these remarkable fish, enjoying the thrill of the chase, and advocating for the preservation of these incredible species!