A Failure Of Modern Fly Design

A Failure Of Modern Fly Design

“The best flies evolve to solve problems: fishing problems. Always have, always will. But cast a critical eye at fly design today, and a different methodology comes into view. You’ll see flies developed to solve problems, alright. Just not fishing problems.

Large wholesale fly companies have come to rely on the introduction of new fly patterns as a way to beef up sales. Same for fly shops. Independent fly tiers too. At all levels of distribution, new flies represent both monetary incentive and reward. Doesn’t matter a lick if the flies actually catch fish…”

Read the entire article on Substack.

Shadows in Bird Land

“In the context of reading water, it’s important to factor in the presence of shadows. The wind-blown tree branch that’s waving back and forth above the river surface is not a good trout magnet. On the other hand, that tall rocky wall or stand of thick willows casting a shadow over the river is a good place to direct your attention...”

Read the entire article on Substack.

Product Buzz

Flylab recently reviewed: the YETI Cayo Backpack, Rain Jackets, Freshwater Fly Rods. “While Cayo only claims water resistance and not full airtight waterproof performance, I just had one sloshing around on boats in the Sea of Cortez for a week. No problemo. In a few more weeks, I’m taking it duck hunting in northern Saskatchewan, and I’m sure it will do just as well there, in completely different environs.” The R.L. Winston Rod Company announces the AIR 2 TH fly rod series, utilizing the company’s award-winning AIR 2 graphite platform with NanoParticle resin system. “Designed with application specific lengths and grain windows, these two-handers are lighter, incredibly durable and deliver the deep loading Winston feel spey anglers have come to love.” Ombraz sunglasses is bringing back their Slate Dolomite frame ($175) in a limited edition release: “The all-new Ombraz Slate Dolomite is handcrafted and hand-painted in Italy, giving it a natural, earth-toned finish. Built from aerospace-grade TR-90 nylon and fitted with polarized Zeiss light brown optics, it’s engineered for versatile, everyday clarity.” From GearJunkie: The Best Fishing Waders of 2025. The Sitka Delta VentLite Zip GTX Wader, Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Waders and Skwala RS Waders received high marks. “A few years ago, a new Montana-based brand popped up, and it has been making waves since its inception. Skwala put its best foot forward with its RS Waders ($849), and it shows. Its quality and details rival the most time-honored brands in the fishing industry.” More from GearJunkie: The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025. “For dedicated anglers, selecting sunglasses is a lot more complicated than just finding a set that looks good. Variable Light Transmission, lens color and materials, and anti-fog features are all critical things to consider. There are more options out there than ever, and it’s easy to freeze up with indecision.” Smith Optics, Bajío and Costa Del Mar are tried and true and still lead the pack. Kaenon and Ombraz also make great glass, though they weren’t part of the testing cohort (slight miss). From Field Mag: A Buyer’s Guide to Shopping for Used Outdoor Gear. “Buying used isn’t just thrifty, it’s re-structural. Every purchase we redirect from new to used, from replace to repair, is a vote against overproduction and for a circular outdoor economy.” Lee Davison’s Favorite Inland Steelhead Setup. “As the founder of Ballistic Flylines, I routinely speak to fly-fishing clubs and demonstrate spey-casting techniques at spey claves and consumer shows. Consequently, I get a lot of questions concerning what spey gear I use in different places, especially on the Clearwater River.” It’s that time of year when every fly-fishing brand is putting gear on sale: Simms fall stuff, Madison River Fishing Company has piles of gear on sale + the Airflo, SA, RIO fly line sale, Epic Fly Rods have great Fly Rod & Reel Combos with awesome savings, BOTE SUP deals, Grundens End of Summer Sale, 3Bird Summer Sale, Stio Warehouse Sale.

Fly-fishing News

From ASGA: Striped bass release mortality is roughly half of what we’ve been told for decades. “Instead of 9%, the new data show mortality between 4.2% and 4.6% across all methods. For fly anglers, that number can drop below 4%. The rate for single hook artificials remains the lowest of all hook configurations, reemphasizing campaigns for conservation-driven gear choices. This has serious implications for striped bass management.” Orvis to Close 36 Locations by 2026: President Simon Perkins cited tariffs as one of the reasons for the company’s recent challenges. “Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizeable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape...” Revelyst Transforms Simms HQ Into Hub for Several Brands. “The longtime headquarters of Simms Fishing Products in Bozeman, Mont., is now a collaborative home for Simms and other Revelyst brands Bushnell, Blackhawk and Stone Glacier.” The Atlantic Salmon Federation and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund have announced the launch of salmon.info, a “comprehensive evidence-based resource for media professionals, policymakers and conservationists about the harmful effects of the salmon farming practices that produce one of the world’s most consumed fish.” If you’re a fly-fishing non-profit, this should have your attention: “Recently, GoFundMe, one of the largest fundraising platforms in the world, automatically created 1.4 million online donation pages for U.S. nonprofits. Sounds supportive, right? Here’s the problem: 1. These pages were created without the nonprofits’ permission. 2. Many organizations had no idea the pages existed. 3. Fees and default tips were added without nonprofit control. 4. The pages now often appear in search results before the nonprofit’s official website. So, millions of people could be donating online, thinking they are giving directly to a nonprofit, while the nonprofit never saw or approved the fundraising page representing their brand.”

Recent Press

“You guys have it together. Best job of integrating a good read along with current fly-fishing information. Keep it up.” – Terry, Flylab Fan

On the Failure Of Modern Fly Design: “They are seeing the same things the bass fishing industry struggles with in the fly-fishing space. Things like creating new products to drive sales with shiny new offerings, instead of helping anglers actually solve their fishing problems. The worst is the ‘version 7’ of their same old line of product. I’m all for innovation. But real innovation comes in processes as well. Like learning to bring newer technologies into lower price points with economies of scale and innovating on the production side as well as the creative side.” – Jason, Flylab Fan

On They Ain’t From Around Here: “How is it possible that this article does not mention the lost brook trout territory to non-native fish?” – Paul, Concerned Angler

Paul, good to think about, and we’ll pass along the info to Miles. Maybe he can tackle brook trout next…

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Stowing Fully-rigged Fly Rods in the Car

“Years ago, I spent a few weeks running around the wilds of Chile–getting in-and-out of cars and trucks from one fishing spot to the next. I finally stopped and paid attention to the proper way to “break-down” a fly rod, but still keep your entire rig intact, i.e. reducing the length of your fly rod by half to fit in smaller spaces...”

Read the entire article on Substack.

Partner Spotlight

J. Stockard Fly Fishing

For over 20 years, J. Stockard Fly Fishing has been the go-to place for high-quality fly tying equipment, materials and supplies. Their collection includes over 15,000 materials, hooks, tools and more, including all the major brands. Located in Connecticut, J. Stockard serves tyers across the U.S., Canada, and the world. Despite being one of the largest retailers of fly tying materials and supplies, J. Stockard stays true to its roots as a family-run operation with a customer-first ethos: deep product knowledge, reliable service and an earnest respect for the craft of fly tying. @jsflyfishing

Flylab member discount: Weekly discounts on all fly-tying products.

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.

From YETI: Japan to Jamaica. “In his pursuit of unearthing little-heard Jamaican music, Naoki ventured far from his home in Tokyo. A one-of-a-kind reggae researcher, he took on a vital role of documenting rare music for the public. Naoki then discovered another icon of Jamaican culture: tarpon fishing…” Finally, the brand is getting back to the films that put them on the map.