Loon University: How To Cast Sinking Lines & Big Flies
Practical fly casting tips from Loon Outdoors’ Hogan Brown for handling big flies and heavy shooting heads from a boat with a simple touch-and-go cast.
Changing Seasons, Changing Tactics: Fall Fishing Tips From Loon Ambassadors
Fall fishing brings cooler water, changing conditions, and plenty of reasons to stay on the water. We reached out to Loon ambassadors Pete Erickson, Hogan Brown, and Paula Shearer to hear how they approach the season, from the fisheries they look forward to most to the tactics and tools they rely on as conditions change. Here are a few tips to keep in mind this fall.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FISHERY AND WHY?
Pete: I love to hit the stillwaters in the fall--fish are active again after a long hot summer hanging in the depths, and the weather is beautiful!
Hogan: I love to guide or take a day off to go fish the Lower Sacramento River for striped bass out of my hometown, Chico, CA. Some of the biggest stripers of the year come in the fall months.
Paula: My favorite Fall fishery is my home waters, the Bow River around Calgary. The Bow can be a super challenging river on the best of days, but during the fall season, the unpredictable weather and conditions can make it physically and technically difficult at times.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES TO FISHING/GUIDING IN THE FALL THAT YOU ARE FACED WITH?
Pete: When guiding in the fall, the shorter days catch me off guard. I get so used to the long summer days that I often end up rowing out in the dark during September/October because we got stuck on some fun fish miles up the river section. I've learned to bring extra warm clothes for my freezing cold clients.
Hogan: When guiding, the fall weather can change, and such shifts can be challenging as they affect fish behavior. Cold weather can also be a challenge when handling tools. Gloved hands are not the most agile.
WHAT IS ONE TIP FOR ANGLERS THAT WILL HELP THEM CATCH MORE FISH THIS FALL?
Pete: Be sure to rotate through your presentation modes - dry (big and small), streamers, and nymphing. Fall is much less straightforward than summer fishing.
Hogan: For bass and predator anglers, keep an eye on water temps and try to time your day around the best water temps for your fish species. Basically, when they will be the most active!
Paula: One tip for catching more fish is to avoid getting stuck in a routine. As conditions change, stay flexible and be willing to experiment with different techniques.
WHAT LOON PRODUCTS HELP YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES OR ARE ESSENTIAL TO YOUR FALL FISHING?
Pete: Line Up Kit: Fall fishing usually inspires me to clean my fly lines from tons of summer use. It's amazing how much more effective and enjoyable it is to cast a clean line.
Hogan: I have three Loon products that I consistently use in the fall. The Line Up Kit to clean dirty summer lines, Stanley's Ice Off Paste for those cold mornings, and the Quickdraw Tool Tether attached to the center console of my boat for quick access to my tools.
Paula: The Loon product that helps me most with changing fall conditions is Tin Drops. Fish constantly move between different depths this time of year, and Tin Drops make it easy to quickly adjust and fish different zones throughout the day.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE STREAMSIDE DRINK TO KEEP YOU WARM IN THE FALL?
Pete: An ice cold gin & tonic on the river usually keeps me nice and "warm".
Hogan: My favorite fall drink is simple - Makers Mark, Ginger Ale, and a twist of lime. The colder it is, the greater the ratio of Makers vs Ginger.
Paula: Nothing beats a rambler full of hot chocolate and Baileys!
