Spawn Blog

If you're planning to explore the Colorado backcountry, especially if you're coming from sea level, this blog is for you. As someone who considers themselves young and fit, I thought a hike in the Rockies would be a breeze. I had done it so many times before. However, my body had other thoughts when I flew from the coast to Colorado and tackled a hike into the backcountry categorized as "difficult". Here's what I learned from my experience, and some advice to help you prepare better than I did.

The Reality of Altitude

Flying from the coast to the Rockies, I was excited to hit the trail. But as I climbed, I quickly found myself struggling with heavy breathing, frequent stops to catch my breath, and a constant need to drink water. This was a stark contrast to the ease I usually feel on hikes at lower altitudes. At 32 years old, I have always lived under the impression that I can tackle any challenge and face every obstacle, but the altitude doesn't discriminate by age or fitness level.

On my hike, which was just under 11 miles round trip with over 3,000 feet of elevation change, I carried 40 pounds of gear, including rods, reels, camping equipment, and food. The physical toll was significant. At the summit, I experienced a bloody nose, cracked lips, and a stomach ache—symptoms I had never dealt with before. The thin air and dry conditions at high altitudes can cause these issues, and they serve as a reminder of how crucial proper preparation is.

Lessons Learned and Advice

1. Cardio Training: Before embarking on a high-altitude hike, engage in regular cardio workouts. This helps improve your cardiovascular system's efficiency and can make a significant difference in how your body handles the reduced oxygen levels.

2. Hydration: No heavy boozin and start hydrating well before your hike. Dehydration can worsen altitude sickness, so drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your adventure and continue to hydrate throughout the hike. 

3. Pace Yourself: Take it slow, especially in the beginning. Your body needs time to adjust to the altitude, so don’t push yourself too hard too quickly. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

4. Pack Light: While you need to bring essential gear, try to minimize weight as much as possible. The extra pounds can add to the strain on your body and make the hike more difficult.

5. Acclimatization: If possible, spend a day at a higher altitude before your hike to let your body adjust. This can significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

6. Monitor Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience severe symptoms, it’s crucial to listen to your body. Thankfully I did not get sick but I could feel my body worsen and was smart about it. 

7. Protect Your Skin and Lips: The dry, thin air can lead to cracked lips and dry skin. Bring lip balm with SPF and a good moisturizer to keep your skin protected.

A Memorable Experience

Despite the challenges, every moment of the hike was worth it. The soreness I felt for nearly a week after returning was a reminder of the adventure and the beauty of the backcountry. While this hike may not be something I attempt at 60, for now, it remains a cherished experience I would recommend to everyone able.

In a follow-up blog, I'll dive into the fishing gear, flies, leader, and tippet I used. For now, take my advice to heart: if you're coming from the coast and heading into the Rockies, prepare beyond just your gear. Stay fit, hydrate, and respect the altitude. Your body will thank you, and you'll be able to fully enjoy the incredible experience the Colorado backcountry has to offer.

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In a perfect world, every fly tyer would own every cape in every color, at all the grades. Imagine a workspace brimming with premium feathers, organized in a spacious, dedicated area. Unfortunately, the reality for most of us is quite different. Space and budget constraints often limit the materials we can keep at our tying desk. This is where half capes from Whiting, a truly premier feather provider, come into play. Here are two compelling reasons why half capes stand out as the smart choice.

1. Space Efficiency

Most of us don’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire garage, room, or even a significant corner of the house to fly tying. Instead, we find ourselves turning to the container store or stacking bins in an attempt to organize and maximize our limited space. Yet, no matter how creative we get with storage solutions, space inevitably runs out.

Half capes offer a perfect solution. They provide all the feathers you need to create your ideal flies while taking up only a fraction of the space. The packaging of half capes is sleek, allowing you to fit three half capes into the space of one full cape. This is a significant advantage, as it means you’re no longer limited to one color due to space constraints. With half capes, you can acquire all the colors you need to create a diverse array of flies without worrying about storage.

2. Cost Savings

Quality feathers are an investment, and Whiting’s feathers are among the best. However, the cost of a full cape can be daunting, especially when you realize that a single full cape often contains enough feathers to last a lifetime. Half capes are a more budget-friendly option, offering the same high-quality feathers at a fraction of the cost.

By opting for a half cape, you pay for what you’re actually going to use. This not only makes high-quality feathers more accessible but also ensures you’re not overspending on materials that might sit unused. Half capes strike a balance between quality and affordability, allowing you to allocate your budget more effectively.

The two main benefits of choosing half capes—space efficiency and cost savings—allow you to spend more time doing what you love: tying flies and fishing. By saving on space and money, you can focus on creating the perfect flies and enjoying your time on the water.

So, next time you're considering an upgrade to your fly tying materials, remember that half capes from Whiting provide the ideal balance of quality, space management, and cost-effectiveness. Shop our large supply today!

ORDER NOW! 

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When it comes to feathers for fly tying, making the right purchase can significantly enhance your experience and success on the water. At Spawn, we've extensively tested various products and definitively stated that the best buy on feathers for a fly tier is the Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack.

Why the Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack Stands Out

This pack is a treasure trove for fly tiers, offering an extensive range of feathers and types. Whether you're tying dry flies or working with hen and rooster feathers, this pack has it all. The variety ensures that you have the right materials for a wide array of patterns and techniques, making it a versatile addition to your fly tying arsenal.

The Element of Surprise

One of the unique aspects of the Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack is that you never quite know what you're going to get. This element of surprise might seem like a downside at first, but it's actually a fantastic opportunity for learning. As you explore the different feathers, you'll start to recognize their characteristics, understand their fibers, and master the art of wrapping feathers. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing your skills.

Building a Strong Foundation

For those new to fly tying, this variety pack is an essential tool. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the nuances of different feathers and their applications. By the time you're ready to invest in a more expensive option, like the Whiting Platinum Saddle, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to make the most of your purchase.

A Must-Have for Every Fly Tier

The Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack is a must-have for anyone serious about fly tying. It's an investment that pays off in terms of both learning and practical application. At Spawn, we highly recommend this pack to all fly tiers, whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire. Embrace the variety, hone your skills, and elevate your fly tying game with the Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack.

Order yours today here! 

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At Spawn Fly Fish, we take pride in offering top-notch fly tying materials to our valued customers. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnership with Whiting Farms, a name synonymous with quality in the fly tying community. As we continue to grow into your premier online fly shop, we're excited to announce the addition of several incredible products from Whiting Farms to our ever-expanding inventory.

Whiting Farms has long been a cornerstone in the world of fly tying. Known for their meticulous breeding and selection processes, Whiting Farms produces some of the finest fly tying feathers available. Their dedication to quality ensures that every cape, saddle, and skin they produce meets the highest standards, giving fly tiers the tools they need to create exceptional flies.

New Arrivals: Elevate Your Fly Tying Game

This week, we're thrilled to expand our selection with a variety of new offerings from Whiting Farms:

Silver Capes

Silver Capes are a favorite among fly tiers for their versatility and superior quality. Whether you're tying dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, these capes provide the perfect feathers for any pattern. Their consistent size and color make them a reliable choice for both novice and experienced tiers.

Fly Tiers Variety Packs

For those who love variety and flexibility, our new Fly Tiers Variety Packs are a must-have. These packs include a curated selection of feathers, giving you the freedom to experiment with different styles and techniques. Perfect for building your fly tying arsenal, these packs offer a little bit of everything to keep your creativity flowing.

Half Capes

Half Capes are an excellent option for tiers who want the quality of Whiting Farms' full capes but in a more manageable size. These capes are perfect for smaller tying projects or for those who are just getting started. They provide the same exceptional feathers, allowing you to create beautiful, professional-grade flies without the need for a full cape.

Guinea Fowl Skin

This product its truly nuts. Adding a unique touch to your flies has never been easier with our new Guinea Fowl Skin. Known for their distinctive spotted feathers, Guinea Fowl Skins are perfect for creating eye-catching patterns that stand out on the water. These skins are a great addition to any fly tier's collection, offering a range of possibilities for creative tying.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we are committed to being your go-to source for all fly tying materials. Our partnership with Whiting Farms is just one of the ways we strive to bring you the best products available. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to expanding our inventory with high-quality materials that meet your needs.

Visit our online shop today to explore our growing selection of Whiting Farms products. Whether you're a seasoned fly tier or just starting out, we have everything you need to take your fly tying to the next level. With Spawn Fly Fish, you can trust that you're getting the best materials, backed by a passion for fly tying.

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At Spawn Fly Fish, we pride ourselves on offering the finest fly tying materials to anglers across the country. Today, we're excited to announce the release of our newest Spawn Simi Seal Dubbing blend: UV Nightmare. This blend is a must-have addition to your fly tying arsenal, promising to elevate your fishing game to new heights.

The UV Nightmare blend is a carefully crafted mix of black, white, and red, designed to mimic the color schemes of successful salmon and steelhead jigs popular on the West Coast. Our innovative approach brings this proven color combination into the world of all species on the fly, making it a versatile and essential addition for any angler.

Our line of Spawn Simi Seal blends that incorporate black with UV accents are blazing hot, quickly becoming staples in fly boxes nationwide. The UV Nightmare continues this trend, adding an extra level of success and preparedness to your fly collection. The unique properties of UV materials enhance visibility and attraction in the water, making your flies irresistible to fish.

Spawn Owner Pete has meticulously perfected the UV Nightmare blend, ensuring it meets the high standards our customers expect. The result is a dubbing that is easy to work with, durable, and incredibly effective in the water. Whether you're targeting trout in a clear mountain stream or bass in murky waters, the UV Nightmare blend will give you the edge you need.

Today is the day to add this secret weapon to your fly box. The UV Nightmare blend is not just another dubbing; it's a game-changer that will make your flies stand out and catch more fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this blend is designed to help you succeed.

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