Spawn Blog

In the pursuit of any elusive fish, failure is often an unwelcome companion. Yet, in the realm of exploration, failure serves as a beacon, guiding us towards unforeseen discoveries and shaping the narrative of our journey. Such has been the case in our relentless quest for cutthroat in the marine waters of Willapa Bay.

Our latest trip into the unknown led us further north, where the North Nemah River converges with the bay. Armed with limited time and boundless determination, we set out at the crack of dawn, eager to uncover the secrets lurking beneath the surface. The tide was at its lowest, revealing a landscape both familiar and mysterious in its depths.

As we cast our lines and scanned the water, anticipation hung heavy in the air. Yet, as the hours passed, our hopes began to wane. Not a single fish graced our presence, nor did the telltale signs of their presence manifest. Even the once-abundant chum fry seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Undeterred by our initial setback, we made the decision to put our rods away and venture upstream, in search of answers. The rain, relentless in its descent, obscured our vision and tested our determination. Despite the deteriorating conditions, glimpses of fry darting beneath the surface offered a glimmer of hope.

However, our encounters with cutthroat proved worthless, mere flashes of silver in the murky pools was the closest we came to determining where the fish are. Our expedition seemed destined for disappointment. Yet, amidst the frustration and uncertainty, there existed a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in this quest. 

Our quest for cutthroat may be full of with challenges, but it is also rich in moments of awe and wonder. As we continue to navigate the waters of Willapa Bay, we do so with unwavering determination and a newfound appreciation for the journey itself. For it is in the relentless pursuit of our passions that we discover the true essence of exploration.

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We're thrilled to announce that our range of dry fly capes is now available both in-store and online at Spawn Fly Fish! While we've always prided ourselves on offering an exceptional selection of fly tying materials, we're excited to expand our reach and make these premium capes accessible to anglers everywhere.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we're committed to providing the best of the best, which is why we've increased our selection of Whiting Farms to bring you what we believe to be the very finest dry fly capes on the market. Known for their impeccable quality and consistency, Whiting Farms capes are a favorite among fly tyers worldwide.

But that's not all—we've taken it a step further to enhance your shopping experience. Each cape is numbered and photographed, allowing you to browse our selection with ease and confidence. While the capes are currently showcased within their packaging, we're already planning to photograph them outside the bags for an even better viewing experience in the near future.

Whether you're a seasoned fly tyer or just dipping your toes into the world of fly fishing, our dry fly capes from Whiting Farms are sure to impress. With a range of options to suit every preference and project, you'll find exactly what you need to take your fly tying to the next level.

Ready to explore our collection? Click the links below to browse our newly launched dry fly capes and start tying tomorrow! This selection WILL EXPAND!

Heritage Hackle!

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-heritage-hackle-cape?_pos=9&_sid=6aaa95f8d&_ss=r

Whiting Farms Silver Cape

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-dry-fly-hackle-silver-cape?_pos=1&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

Whiting Farms - Pro Grade Cape 

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-cape?_pos=2&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

Whiting Farms High and Dry Cape 

https://spawnflyfish.com/products/whiting-farms-high-and-dry-hackle-cape?_pos=3&_sid=97ef647d9&_ss=r

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When fishing for sea-run/coastal cutthroat in our rivers, anglers encounter numerous challenges, with one notable challenge being the depth at which they fish. Understanding the nuances of fishing at different water columns is crucial for success. The strategic use of weighted fly patterns is a valuable tool for effectively targeting fish at various depths. 

Enter the Pink Dropper—a tried and true pattern beloved by anglers chasing this elusive species here in our rivers. But here's the secret sauce: versatility lies not only in the pattern itself but in the weights of it. Picture this: a series of Pink Droppers, each identical in size and color, but distinguished by the weight of their tungsten beads. Here's where the magic happens—a 3.8mm tungsten bead, a 4.6mm, and a 5.5mm.

Now, why the fuss about bead size? It's simple—varying bead weights allow anglers to target different parts of the water column as the fly moves downstream with the current. Sometimes, sea-run cutthroat will eagerly chase a fly from the depths to the surface, while other times, they prefer to stay within a specific depth range, ignoring offerings that don't meet them on their terms. This is where the beauty of weighted flies shines through, providing anglers with the ability to present their flies exactly where the fish want them.

Let's break it down further. Imagine a scenario where you're targeting sea-run cutthroat in a river and YOU KNOW there's fish the run/hole. You start by probing the run with a Pink Dropper tied with a 3.8mm tungsten bead, allowing it to sink, but not very fast and not too deep. No takers? No problem. Swap it out for the 4.6mm variant, adjusting your presentation to target mid-water column. Still no luck? It's time to dive deep and add the to the 5.5mm bead, tempting those fish that just aren't willing to play at other depths. Time after time this works without the need to change leader or line. 

The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability. Whether you're fishing swift riffles, deep pools, having a range of varied weighted flies at your disposal empowers you to dial in your presentation. It's not about bombarding the water with random offerings—it's about understanding the behavior of sea-run cutthroat and meeting them on their terms.

In essence, fishing different water columns isn't just about covering all your bases—it's about speaking the language of the fish, engaging them in a conversation dictated by their preferences and behaviors. And with the strategic use of weighted fly patterns like the Pink Dropper, anglers gain a powerful tool that will increase their chances for success time after time. 

So, the next time you hit the river in pursuit of sea-run/coastal cutthroat, remember the importance of fishing different water columns. Arm yourself with a diverse selection of weighted fly patterns, and let the depths be your guide. 

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In the pursuit of uncovering the mysteries of Willapa Bay's elusive cutthroat trout, our journey leads us to yet another destination. With each expedition, we inch closer to unraveling the secrets that lie beneath the murky depths, guided by our unwavering passion for exploration.

This week, our sights were set on where the Bear River meets Willapa Bay in marine waters. This area holds promise of discovery beckoned amidst the challenging terrain. As we navigated through treacherous mud and deep holes, caution served as our steadfast companion, reminding us of the inherent risks of our endeavor.

Arriving at the water's edge, anticipation hung heavy in the air, fueled by the presence of chum fry swirling beneath the surface. It seemed a sure sign that success with coming.

Yet, despite our best efforts and the tantalizing allure of the chum fry, the elusive cutthroat remained elusive. Not a single strike, follow, or glimpse of this amazing fish. Instead, the river teemed with life—otters playing, eagles soaring, and the presence of what we suspect were sturgeon lurking in the depths.

Undeterred by this setback, we refuse to succumb to disillusionment. For coastal cutthroat, uncertainty reigns supreme, and the only constant is change itself. We fished the entire outgoing tide but as we have preached for years, this means nothing more than a check mark on a box. We spent years of trail and error on Puget Sound before we cracked the code and many days were spent just like this one. 

With each passing season, each shifting tide, we approach the bay with renewed determination, knowing that success lies not in immediate gratification, but in the patient pursuit of understanding. We will return to this spot, armed with the lessons of this trip, ready to confront the ever-changing tides, time or year, weather etc. 

It is not merely the thrill of the catch that drives us, but the journey itself—the unending quest for knowledge, the communion with nature, and the unwavering belief that with time and perseverance, we will unlock the secrets of Willapa Bay's elusive cutthroat.

So, as we press onward, fueled by hope and fueled by passion, we invite you to join us on this odyssey of discovery—a journey where every cast brings us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of Willapa Bay. 

Until next time, tight lines and happy hunting.

Conditions:

Cloudy 54 Degrees

Water Clarity - Good

Tide - Outgoing 

Date - April 2nd 2024

Time of Day 9am-1:15pm 

Chum Fry - Present 

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Nestled along the Pacific Northwest coast lies Willapa Bay, a place shrouded in mystery and teeming with life. For four years, we have called the city of Ilwaco home, surrounded by the allure of the bay's secrets. Among these mysteries is the elusive coastal cutthroat trout, rumored to inhabit these waters, yet their presence remains an enigma.

In our time here, we've become very acquainted with the freshwater realms where cutthroat thrive, debunking the misconception that they completely vanish during certain seasons. Sure some times of year are better than others but they persist year-round, a testament to their resilience and adaptability. In saying that we do know that they go in and out of the salt.  We have the tide water game figured out in the rivers but when it comes to Willapa Bay we dont know where they go. As April dawns upon us, the rivers surge with life as cutthroat feast on the abundance of chum fry, painting a breathtaking spectacle of nature's cycle.

However, as much as we long to delve into the vastness of Willapa Bay, its complexities pose a formidable challenge. Shallow waters, treacherous obstacles, and erratic weather patterns deter even the most seasoned explorers. Yet, we are undeterred in our quest to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the river's edge.

Our current strategy hinges on the chum fry, a beacon guiding us into uncharted territory. We hypothesize that where the fry roam, the cutthroat shall follow. It's a theory rooted in the understanding of nature's interconnectedness, where prey leads predators to their domain. It is also something we have witnessed time after time in Puget Sound.

This past weekend, we scoured the northern reaches of Long Island, where chum fry dance in abundance, tantalizing our senses with the promise of discovery. We fished almost the entire outgoing tide with crystal clear water. Yet, despite our vigilance, the elusive cutthroat elude our grasp, leaving us to ponder their whereabouts.

Perhaps it's premature, our timing misaligned with nature's rhythm as cutthroat linger in the rivers, savoring the remnants of the chum fry buffet. Or perhaps, there are intricacies yet to be unveiled, secrets hidden beneath the murky depths of Willapa Bay.

Nonetheless, our resolve remains unshaken. Armed with patience and perseverance, we continue our pursuit, determined to crack the code that eludes us. Different times of year, tides, weather will all be checked.  Each expedition brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries of Willapa Bay and forging a deeper connection with its inhabitants.

As we follow the chum fry, we embark on a journey of discovery. In the heart of Willapa Bay, where mysteries abound and adventure awaits, we stand ready to unlock the secrets that lie beneath the surface. Be sure to tune into this blog to see what we uncover.

Conditions:

Sunny 60 Degrees

Water Clarity - Crystal Clear 

Tide - High Outgoing 

Date - March 24, 2024

Time of Day 12:30-5:15pm 

Chum Fry - Present 

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