Stonefly ANZ 2024 by Adventure Entertainment

™

AUD/NZD $9.95

AU.YETI.COM / NZ.YETI.COM

Simms G3 Wader and Boot are designed to go the extra distance... then keep on going

m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

SUPER TROUT

Minimal friction, boosted line speed, super result.

What started life as a long belly tournament line has quickly become an in house favourite for just about any trout fishing situation. Super Trout is great for delivering close up, but with its long extended head gives incredible aerial control and allows super long range mending on nymph/indicator rigs.

P VC FREE SINCE 1984

m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

It only takes one session to land the fish of a lifetime

m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

THE PURIST FORM OF FLY FISHING The new Purist II from Lamson delivers pure stoke with this game changing lightweight reel. m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

THE INEOS GRENADIER IS A NO-NONSENSE 4X4. Rigorously tested in the heat of the Australian outback or put to work in the snowy Victorian High Country by the team at Mt. Buller, the Grenadier is built on purpose to be rugged, durable, and able to tackle the toughest terrain at the greatest extremes. Experience the seriously capable INEOS Grenadier today.

Visit us at ineosgrenadier.com Prototype vehicle image. Some features may not be representative of ﬁnal vehicle speciﬁcations. Terms & Conditions apply.

™

Contents

Stonefly Magazine

Welcome to the 2024 RISE F3T

EDITORS Toby Ryston-Pratt, Nick Reygaert

About the RISE F3T

The F3T Celebrates 18 years

Artistry and Adventure

The RISE Fly Fishing Film Tour

Guide Highlight

RISE F3T Tour Schedule

Host the F3T: Reeling in Success for a Cause

Jurassic 2.0

Behind the Lens: Rio de Gigantes

Behind the Lens: The Backcountry Dream

Behind the Lens: Visibility

Behind the Lens: Costa's Marlin Fly Project

Behind the Lens: What Lies Above

Behind the Lens: Only the Salmon Knows

Behind the Lens: Transitions - The Bow

Reel Products, Reel Reviews

Patagonia Forra Boots Review

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes Review are trademarks of

The Final Word

DESIGNER Marine Raynard 2024 FILMMAKERS Tyler Soares, Helmut Zaderer, Kate Wilson, Fred Campbell, Renaud Furlotte, Perrin James & Wiley Watson, Simon Kay, Johan Kok, Harrison Hughes and Steve Schwartz 2024 FLY FISHING FILM TOUR CREW Nick Reygaert, Moses Arthur, Lara Gamboa, Frely Langgoyan, Daphne Anapurus, Mel Bermejo, Gwen Bermejo, Mark Omilla COVER IMAGE Jake Berry cradling a solid brown trout and living the NZ dream. Image by Nick Reygaert. THIS PAGE IMAGE A quiet moment captured by Arian Stephens. See Visibility, page 38. VISIT US ONLINE flyfilmtour.com/home/au - flyfilmtour.com/home/nz PARTNERSHIPS Toby Ryston-Pratt [email protected] +61 413 183 804 PUBLISHER Adventure Entertainment ABN 79 612 294 569 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY Stonefly acknowledges and shows respect for theTraditional Custodians of Australia and Aotearoa, and their Elders, past, present and emerging. STONEFLY™ AND F3TFISH™ ADVENTURE ENTERTAINMENT

FlyFishingFilmTour

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 10 / 20 24

FlyFishFilmTour

WE LCOME

WELCOME TO THE 2024 RISE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR Welcome to the 2024 edition of the annual RISE Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) presented by Costa & Yeti! Last year our team had the privilege to take the reins of the Fly Fishing Film Tour, and one of the first things we decided we had to do was bring back the Stonefly Magazine. Stonefly is an annual publication that for many years accompanied the North American F3T as a value-add for attendees, partners and local fly shops. Considering the popularity of Stonefly in the US it seemed like a good idea to adapt the concept for the Australian and New Zealand tour and introduce the magazine albeit with a more down under flavour. Over the next 66 A4 pages, we take you behind the scenes of the F3T, allowing access to insider information from the filmmakers. We also highlight the great work and community spirit of Taupo legend, Didymo Dave. Some prominent Taupo locals run a RISE screening every year to raise funds and awareness so that he can continue his tireless work. A great example of the fly community supporting a screening and getting great results in the process. The Fly Fishing Film Tour is unique in showcasing films produced by the fly fishing community itself. Each year the tour receives dozens of submissions and our panel of judges reviews them meticulously to pick the best films for inclusion in the tour. In this year’s Stonefly we showcase a great film from Kiwi filmmaker Johan Kok. Lately, discussion and debates have been raging regarding the increased pressure on the trout fishing resource in NZ and how it should be managed. His

film poses the question, 'Does the backcountry dream still exist?'. I’ll let the visuals speak for themselves. We also go behind the lens of six of the other films in the line up to share the story of how they came together: Rio Marie, Visibility, What Lies Above, Only the Salmon Knows, Transitions and a special F3T edit of Costa’s Marlin Project. Check out the dates of our national tour shows, we also supply information about our independent promoter program. If you, your shop or your club want to raise funding for a good cause, hosting a film screening is a great way to go about it. We also share our 2024 poster artwork and introduce you to Piper Nunn, this year’s F3T featured artist. Considering that the trout season is only a few weeks away from opening, the gear review section is a must read with the latest and greatest from our sponsors. This year’s Fly Fishing Film Tour is special as for the first time it will combine with the Rise Fly Fishing Film Tour to deliver F3T across the globe. In addition to 200+ shows in North America, the 2024 F3T will go to Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, South America, the UK and more. Cheers Toby F3T Owner Founder & CEO Adventure Entertainment

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 12 / 20 24

AB OUT T HE TOUR

ABOUT THE RISE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR WORDS BY NICK REYGAERT | IMAGE BY CHRIS REYGAERT The genesis for a fly fishing film tour was born between a few young trout bums standing around a fire, having a few beers, in the afterglow of an epic dry fly session on a Patagonian springcreek. That moment was during the filming of the seminal Trout Bum Diaries – Patagonia. We thought a film tour would be a great way to generate some DVD sales (remember those) and get some buzz going in the fly fishing community.

It was the right idea at the right time.

In the almost 20 years since that moment, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. The four guys I made the film with formed a company called AEG (Angling Exploration Group) and they started the Fly Fishing Film Tour. Back then the concept of a fishing film tour was generally regarded as a crazy idea that wouldn’t have legs. Little did anyone know how the media landscape would evolve; those were the days before YouTube and social media platforms.

The combined world tour comprises more than 250 shows across the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Indonesia, France, Germany and more.

The new concept hit the sweet spot with fly fishing audiences who were keen for some excitement in the off season. Through the contributions of many people over the years, over the next decade, the tour grew organically, garnering the support of many local fly shops and the industry as a whole. The festival platform was a springboard for fly fishing filmmakers to reach a larger audience and connect with sponsors. The advent of accessible, budget friendly, high-spec cameras brought with it a wave of great films and the tour helpd launch quite a few careers.

During the same timeframe I started the RISE Festival which has gone on to annually tour in 12 countries throughout Oceania, Europe and South America. Just recently, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) joined forces with RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival to form the world’s biggest fly fishing film tour.

Combining both tours brings with it many benefits including a greater pool for film selection, the free Stonefly magazine and some great audience giveaways and prize draws. Filmmakers also benefit through larger exposure and better access to sponsorship and filmmaker funding. Which all makes perfect sense on a commercial level but personally this union has a more profound effect than just a better product. It is poetic that through the meandering bends of time the two tours followed their destiny to become one. Nick Reygaert RISE Founder & F3T Film Curation Manager

“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” - Norman Maclean Adventure Entertainment is a global digital media business with offices in Boulder, Colorado and on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in Australia. We are adventurers and fly fisher people at heart who specialise in running community focused film tours, publishing niche adventure and outdoor magazines and digital platforms. In 2023, Adventure Entertainment acquired the USA based Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) and the international RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival and is thrilled to now be bringing those tours together. The combination of F3T and RISE makes the combined tour the most expansive fly fishing event of any kind in the world. Thank you for being part of it! STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 14 / 20 24

F LY F I S HI NG F I L M TOUR P OST E RS

THE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR CELEBRATES ITS 18TH YEAR

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 16 / 20 24

F LY FI S HI NG F I L M TOUR P OST E RS

Introducing our 2024 tour poster STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

17 / 20 24

F E AT URE D ART I ST - P I P E R NUNN

ARTISTRY AND ADVENTURE with featured artist Piper Nunn This year’s Fly Fishing Film Tour official poster was created by artist Piper Nunn, and today she shares with us how fly fishing inspires her artwork. As an avid fly angler, adventurer and acrylic artist Piper Nunn has been featured as F3T’s artist – so incredibly fitting as she has a love for the great outdoors, in particular rivers and streams where wild fish populations are in abundance. Her artwork comes from creativity drawn by connection, where she believes it’s a powerful tool putting together the outdoor world with people in a bid to inspire and protect. Born in Colorado, Piper’s love for the great outdoors derived from a young age where she would go camping and hiking in the mountains. Her love for fly fishing came later in life, and thanks the scenery of Colorado for her passion and art inspiration. She began painting six years ago, but the intensity to be more serious about it started four years ago. Her journey well and truly began three years ago when Piper decided to turn her love of painting into a business, and she hasn’t look back since. Fly fishing inspires Piper because of how it allows her to connect with rivers and the areas that surround them, where she can fully immerse herself in everything around her from the water’s edge to the trees in the distance. And so why does she love painting fish? It allows her to focus on the small details. She has said previously that when she catches a fish, she takes into consideration all the minute details and beautiful intricacies of the animal, and painting gives her an opportunity to spend more time studying those details and bringing them to life on a canvas.

Believe it or not, Piper also has a degree in fisheries biology which she began pursuing when she first started painting – this proved a brilliant connection between the two, because as she learned about the biology of fish she began realising all the conservation issues in the fisheries world, which in turn provided her with more passion in her artwork. “I began to feel motivated and inspired to not only conserve fish populations and ecosystems, but to use my art as a way to connect others to nature and inspire them to protect our resources,” she reveals. “I think that my degree and the level of knowledge that I have about fish helped me to fine tune the accuracy and realism of my art, however the realistic aspect of my art also came with lots of practice and repetition.” Piper primarily paints with acrylic paint on reclaimed pine beetle kill wood and sometimes works with gouache, saying she loves painting on wood due to its nature, character and sustainability – the fact it’s all natural is the biggest tie into her reasonings for using the material. “The biggest change in my art was going from nature and landscape paintings to fish focused art,” she says. “This shift happened after discovering my love for fly fishing and resulted in the launch of my art business … I am most proud of the detail that I put into each piece.” Piper’s current pieces, as well as a request for commissions, are available through her website at pipernunn.art and you can also check her out on Instagram @piper_nunn

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 18 / 20 24

WELCOME TO YOUR

NEW DUNGEON

Fish get bored, try something new m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

Freshwater RAW REVEL RELAY

INSTINCTIVE PERFORMANCE, DEFINITIVE STYLE

Saltwater MEGA BLITZ SMASH

m a n i c t a c k l e p r o j e c t. c o m AS ANGLERS, WE SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY

T HE TOUR

THE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR The Hosted Show Program is an important part of the Film Tour and has been for over 18 years of operation. We have partnered with many individuals and organisations over the years and delivered numerous successful events that have raised thousands of dollars and lifted the profile of fly fishing in the local communities where these events run. Hosted F3T events are more than just a night of fishy films in your local cinema or theatre. Hosted F3T events bring fishing communities together by supporting conservation efforts, non-profits, fly shops and so much more. Thank you to all of the hosts, attendees and sponsors across the two nations that make this all possible year after year.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 2 0 / 20 24

G UI D E HI G HL I G HT

GUIDE HIGHLIGHT WORDS BY NICK REYGAERT | IMAGE BY JEFF FORSEE Many of you might recognise the face in the picture above, it belongs to Jeff Forsee. Jeff hosted many RISE F3T screenings in New Zealand over a four-year period, travelling around the country to spread the joy of fly fishing on the big screen. Jeff’s main gig is his guiding and travel business which has been gradually expanding over the last decade. In this guide highlight we dig a little deeper to see what shaped him and his road to emerging as one of New Zealand’s top guides. Jeff was born and raised in Southern Ohio where he caught his first fish at an age too young to remember. The passion started then and there and has fuelled a life of fishing adventures since. Although his heart and home are in the mountains he holds no bias towards species or water and is on a personal crusade to experience as much as the fishing world has to offer. With a passion for adventure and an insatiable curiosity he has found himself in some extremely remote corners of the earth with a fly rod in his hand. He cut his teeth as a fishing guide on the banks of the Kanektok River, working for the famed Deneki Outdoors’ Alaska West Lodge. In pursuit of perpetual summer and the endless season he has spent over a decade guiding in the northern and southern hemispheres. He has also been a long time head guide at Mongolia River Outfitters,

who lead wilderness float trips targeting the largest salmonid on the planet, the taimen. All of these roads eventually led to New Zealand, more specifically the shores of Lake Hāwea where Jeff lives with his partner Hillary and their young son Gus. Jeff and his business partner Jack operate Aotearoa Anglers out of Lake Hāwea. They can tailor-make guiding packages to help you access some of the world’s best trout fishing, including drift fishing by raft on the mighty Clutha River and backcountry missions by helicopter. Jeff is also a passionate photographer and has contributed to, and been featured, in many fly fishing publications, television shows and films around the world. He also volunteers for Casting for Recovery in the south of New Zealand and is a member of the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association. aotearoaanglers.com [email protected] +64 22 095 4700

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 2 2 / 20 24

RISE FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL 2024 AU/NZ TOUR SCHEDULE Check out the dates below and visit our website for tickets and full details. Is your city not on the list and you would like to get RISE to you? Please contact us by email [email protected] AUSTRALIA VIC MELBOURNE EAST AUGUST 14 CLASSIC CINEMAS 7:00PM VIC MELBOURNE AUGUST 15 SUN THEATRE 7:00 PM VIC BALLARAT AUGUST 16 BALLARAT FLYFISHERS CLUB ROOMS 7:30 PM VIC BOWRAL AUGUST 20 EMPIRE CINEMA 7:30PM ACT CANBERRA AUGUST 22 DENDY CINEMAS 6:30PM NSW TUMUT AUGUST 22 MONTREAL COMMUNITY THEATRE 7:00 PM VIC MANSFIELD AUGUST 23 ARMCHAIR CINEMA 7:30PM QLD BRISBANE AUGUST 27 FIVE STARS CINEMA NEW FARM 7:00PM TAS LAUNCESTON AUGUST 28 DU CANE BREWERY & DINING HALL 7:30PM TAS BURNIE AUGUST 29 METRO CINEMA 7:30PM

NSW SYDNEY AUGUST 29 RITZ CINEMAS 7:00PM

WA ALBANY SEPTEMBER 15 ORANA CINEMAS 6:30PM

TAS HOBART AUGUST 30 THE PEACOCK THEATRE 7:00PM

NSW CENTRAL COAST SEPTEMBER 19 AVOCA BEACH THEATRE 7:30PM

NSW BLUE MOUNTAINS SEPTEMBER 2 MOUNT VIC FLICKS 7:30PM

SA ADELAIDE SEPTEMBER 20 THE REGAL THEATRE 7:00PM

NSW SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES SEPTEMBER 4 GLEN STREET THEATRE 6:00PM

TAS ST. HELENS OCTOBER 06 EASY TIGER 3:30PM

NSW WOLLONGONG SEPTEMBER 4 GALA TWIN CINEMA 7:00PM NSW JINDABYNE SEPTEMBER 5 JINDABYNE CINEMA 7:00PM QLD MACKAY SEPTEMBER 6 COOK LECTURE THEATRE 7:00PM WA PERTH SEPTEMBER 10 LUNA LEEDERVILLE 6:45PM VIC BRIGHT SEPTEMBER 12 SUN BRIGHT CINEMA 7:00PM VIC ALBURY WONDONGA SEPTEMBER 12 THE LINCOLN ALBURY WODONGA 7:00PM

QLD CAIRNS OCTOBER 18 CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE 7:00PM

NEW ZEALAND AUCKLAND AUGUST 27 EVENT QUEEN STREET 6:30PM WELLINGTON AUGUST 28 PENTHOUSE CINEMA & CAFE 6:30PM ARROWTOWN AUGUST 30 DOROTHY BROWNS ARROWTOWN CINEMA 8:00PM

PALMERSTON NORTH SEPTEMBER 11 EVENT CINEMAS 7:00PM TAUPO SEPTEMBER 11 GREAT LAKE CENTRE TAUPO 7:00PM DUNEDIN SEPTEMBER 12 RIALTO CINEMAS DUNEDIN 7:30PM PAPAMOA SEPTEMBER 12 LUXE CINEMAS PAPAMOA 7:30PM TAURANGA SEPTEMBER 12 LUXE CINEMA 7:30PM CHRISTCHURCH SEPTEMBER 12 ACADEMY GOLD 6:00PM CHRISTCHURCH SEPTEMBER 14 ACADEMY GOLD 3:15PM CHRISTCHURCH SEPTEMBER 15 ACADEMY GOLD 3:15PM NAPIER SEPTEMBER 19 GLOBE THEATRETTE 7:30PM NEW PLYMOUTH SEPTEMBER 26 EVENT CINEMAS 6:30PM

WANAKA SEPTEMBER 01 CINEMA PARADISO 6:00PM CHARTWELL SEPTEMBER 9 EVENT CINEMAS CHARTWELL 7:00PM

FLYFILMTOUR.COM/SCHEDULE STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

2 3 / 20 24

PURCHASE TICKETS

HO ST T H E F 3T: RE E L I NG I N S UCCE S S F OR A WORT HY CAUS E

HOST THE F3T

REELING IN SUCCESS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE Every year more than 150 community organisations from around the world host their own screening of RISE F3T to support a cause or raise money for a non-profit organisation. In 2012 it came to the attention of a couple of keen fly fishers from Taupo, Tom Mounsey and Grant Bayley that the RISE Fly Fishing Film Tour was not coming to Taupo, which seemed strange given Taupo’s proximity to the Trout Fishing Capital of New Zealand – Turangi. Tom, a local lawyer, and Grant, a real estate agent and auctioneer with Bayleys in Taupo, reached out to Nick Reygaert, who was curating and promoting the tour to see if they could organise an independent screening of the event in Taupo. Nick readily gave his approval, and Taupo was duly added as an independent hosted screening. Tom and Grant then started looking around for a suitable charitable cause to donate the proceeds of the screening to, and didn’t have to look too far to realise that local legend David Cade – aka Didymo Dave – with his tireless advocacy for fresh water and the environment in the Taupo region was the logical choice. In an effort to maximise funds raised from the event, Tom and Grant set about gathering donated items from local sponsors for a charitable auction at intermission called by Grant Bayley. Local businesses including Trev Terrry Marine, Tongariro River Rafting, Fly and Gun Hunting and Fishing and Helisika and Taupo Rod and Tackle stepped up to support by donating products or services. Dave is well known in the local area, and further afield, for his environmental advocacy, which unfortunately at times has to

include swipes at freshwater anglers visiting the awa (river) who fail to take adequate steps to protect or respect their surrounds. He’s a vocal advocate on social media, and has an active presence in the region thanks to a signwritten ute donated by Taupo District Council, and fuelled by Harcourts owner Mary Louise-Johns. The ute often has the tray filled with rubbish picked up from the road margins, Hinemaiaia River valley and anywhere else that needs some sprucing up. Dave’s tireless efforts in the region have seen him recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list for services to conservation and biosecurity awareness. Dave has been a leading advocate for protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity and environment for more than 20 years, particularly against didymo infestation, initially as a Department of Conservation Freshwater Pests Ranger and subsequently on a voluntary basis as a vocal advocate for the Check, Clean and Dry campaign. This work began in the Taupo fishery and subsequently developed throughout the North Island. He thoughtfully engages freshwater users in any environment, from carparks to riverbanks, on correct biosecurity prevention methods and conservation practices to ensure the protection of the region’s waterways and surrounding environments. He visits schools, community organisations and fishing clubs to spread his conservation message. Mr David Cade has worked extensively with local iwi, actively mentoring young Māori and involving them in aquatic biosecurity advocacy work, weed control and predator trapping, which has developed pathways for positive life outcomes for many vulnerable young people. Not being engaged in any official capacity gives Dave the ability to sometimes use unconventional, under-the-radar methods to further his environmental aims, whether that means removal of

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 24 / 20 24

H O ST T H E F 3T: RE E L I NG I N S UCCE S S F OR A WORT HY CAUS E

invasive species, feral cats, or holding political figures to account for their lack of support. Many an MP has been on the receiving end if they fail to deliver sufficient resources for protection of the environment. He’s also out and about in the community regularly, with handmade signs urging people not to spread Alligator Weed or freshwater pests such as Gold Clams,, or generally encouraging people to be good citizens, and rewarding them when they are, or ringing a bell in support of Ironman competitors as they work their way around the course. Dave’s got a big local fan club, including the Didymo Dames, who meet regularly over coffee, and all chip in to make donations to further his environmental work. Over the ensuing years, the festival screenings have helped the team raise over $38,000 to go towards environmental causes, including the installation of trap lines up the Hinemaiaia River valley, which has seen a remarkable rebound of many native birds, with abundant Kereru, Tui, Bellbird, Fantail and Robin now found on the stream margins. Recognising the need for an official organisation to support Dave in his work, the Taupo Conservation and Community Charitable Trust was formed a few years ago and has official charitable status, allowing supporters to donate with confidence. It is administered through MMC Law Limited, a local law firm (with a fly in its logo) of which Tom Mounsey is a director. If you are in the area, and want to be part of a special event celebrating everything fly fishing with other keen Taupo fishers, while also supporting a worthy cause, come join in the fun on Wednesday 11 September.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

25 / 20 24

J UR AS S IC 2 . 0 – IT ' S T ROUT F I S HI NG JI M … B UT NOT AS WE K NOW I T

Jurassic 2.0

– It's trout fishing Jim … but not as we know it WORDS BY NICK REYGAERT | IMAGES BY LIONEL MACHADO

Captain's Log, Stardate 43198.7: The Enterprise remains in standard orbit while we investigate an extraordinary rainbow trout fishery in Southern Patagonia on the planet Earth. Yesterday Scotty, Chief Engineer of the Enterprise, and myself had a remarkable dry fly session where we nailed dozens of double figure rainbows on skated dry fly. One fish, pushing the 20lb bracket, reefed Scotty after ripping 50 metres of backing off his reel in a split second. That fish broke his spirit and the last I saw of him he was wandering along the shoreline mumbling, “I can’nae take anymore, Captain!” Lago Strobel or Jurassic Lake as it has been nicknamed, has garnered its fair share of the fly fishing limelight over the last decade and with good reason. This huge body of water cradled by the Andes Mountains on a high alpine plateau in Patagonia is a trout fishermen’s paradise. The lake has a huge head of fish and average size of the rainbows is around 8lb. If Dr. Spock had been asked to evaluate it, no doubt he would have concluded, ‘It’s trout fishing Jim … but not as we know it!’ I have been fishing the lake for 11 years during which time I have visited the Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge eight times for a total of 11 weeks fishing. While I don’t have it dialed, it would be fair to say that I have a solid understanding of the fishery. To begin to appreciate how and why Lago Strobel is capable of producing such huge rainbow trout it is best to look at the physical and biological characteristics that set this lake apart from almost any other water body on earth. The lake lies at 48°26’S - 71°11’W latitude which places in it on the Argentinian side of Patagonia but very close to the border with Chile. The alpine plateau surrounding the lake is approximately 1500m above sea level. A combination of cold winters and fierce winds make it very hard for trees to gain a foothold, the result is a rocky barren landscape that at times feels more like the moon than earth. It is a large lake, covering over 100ha and is a roughly circular shape with 65km of shore. On first impression it looks like an extinct volcanic caldera. Like other lakes of this type, Lago Strobel does not have an outflowing river. It is entirely self-contained with only evaporation and leaching to empty it of water. The reason for the incredible growth rates in the trout is quickly

understood when you turn over a rock in the lake shallows. Hundreds of scuds will cover the underside of every rock. These are big, juicy scuds that get bashed off the rocks by big waves whipped up by the furious winds. The result is a ‘scud soup’ that builds up along the shoreline and the trout gently fin their way through with mouths open and stomachs bulging. The History of Strobel - Highly Illogical... Lago Strobel is self-contained, therefore the wild trout which are so prolific in the Patagonia region never had the chance to naturally colonise the lake. In fact the fish only made it there by chance. The story goes that an estancia owner was keen to grow some trout in the small lagoons that dotted his property. He bought some fingerlings for stocking which arrived in several batches. One particular batch looked rather sick and the owner decided that he didn’t want to stock his water with such fish so he tossed them into the Rio Barrancosso. He never gave it another thought and no one ever fished the big lake as they thought it was barren. A few years later he was crossing the Rio Barrancosso on horseback and spooked a huge trout out of a pool. Making his way downstream he spooked many more fish. He realised that he now had a viable fishery in the main lake. Large, plentiful trout and great fishing is a common story for many lakes that have been newly colonised as food is plentiful. But often this phase is followed by a population crash when that food runs out. Fly fishing history is littered with ‘boom and bust’ fisheries, Lake Anawhenua in the 1990’s is a great example from NZ as well as Tamania’s Lake Pedder in the 1980’s. When I first started visiting Jurassic Lake I had strong suspicions that it would follow a similar fate. I could not have been more wrong! If anything I feel like the fishing has got better since I first visited 11 years ago. The Fishing - To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before... Before I went to Lago Strobel I was under the impression that most of the fishing would be blind casting streamers into deep water. While this was something I was more than happy to do to catch big trout, I am addicted to sight fishing. The crystal clear water means that sight fishing is very productive and on numerous occasions I was casting short lines to 10lb-plus fish as they cruised the shoreline. Heart pounding stuff!

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 2 6 / 20 24

J UR ASS IC 2 . 0 – I T 'S T ROUT F I S HI NG JI M … B UT NOT AS WE K NOW I T

The other highlights of the experience are fishing the Barrancoso River where large rainbows stack up in pools. Since the lodge has exclusive access to 95% of the river the possibilities of finding fish are virtually endless. There is also a smaller separate system called Moro Creek that offers more than 10 miles of river between lagoons that produce rainbows in the 4 – 6 pound range. My favourite technique at Moro Creek is to skate mouse flies or large chernobyls to sighted fish – very exciting stuff! A few years ago, I was invited by the lodge (Estancia Laguna Verde) to explore a part of the lake I had not fished in previous trips. The lodge had recently acquired the fishing rights to another 15km of shoreline in the north-eastern part of the lake. Previously I had fished the bays and outcrops of 20km of the lake’s southern shoreline. By exploring this new water I would have fished roughly half of the lake so I was grateful for the opportunity. This new area goes under the name Pecho Blanco. Unfortunately the wind blew relentlessly for six days straight, luckily there are two big bays that are completely sheltered from the prevailing westerly wind. I managed to pull several double figure fish from these bays including a very large jack that would have nudged 16lb. One afternoon the wind completely dropped and I was able to fish the windward shore and had fantastic fishing. My summary of Pecho Blanco is that while the fishing can be fantastic it doesn’t have the variety of fishing options that are available at the main lodge (Estancia Laguna Verde) and this is reflected in the price for a week’s fishing. But for those on a modest budget it is a great opportunity to fish the fabled lake. The Weather – I canna' change the laws of physics, Captain! No article on Lago Strobel would be complete without mentioning the role the weather conditions play in the fishing and the experience. This is one of the windiest places on earth and when it decides to blow nothing can prepare you for the strength of it. Think howling North-Wester and than add 10 or 20 knots! But wind is a part of life here and like one guide said to me, it wouldn’t be the same place if it wasn’t for the wind. You need to learn to live with it and use it to your advantage. Invariably, evenings at the lodge are spent on the internet downloading the latest forecast so that the next day's fishing can be planned around the wind. The lake has many bays and the guides use these to the anglers' advantage so it very rare that you will be fishing straight into a gale. It doesn’t blow all the time, I have experienced spells of very calm weather where the wind totally dropped away for several days and the lake was like a mirror. Both the sight fishing and dry fly fishing went up a notch on these days and it was an absolute pleasure to walk around the shore sight fishing for large cruisers. Summary - Resistance is futile I have always considered New Zealand as the premier trout fishery on earth and I still do. Nothing I’ve experienced matches the variety and quality of trout fishing that we are lucky enough to still have in this country. But by the same measure I implore any fanatical trout fisherman to go to Jurassic Lake at least once in their life because it really is like something from another galaxy. Fish long and prosper, Reygaert out! Hosted Trip Info Gin-Clear’s hosted trips have become very popular because we absorb the cost of the host, you will pay no more than travelling alone. We also select what we believe are the prime weeks at our chosen destination, so you are hitting it right Travelling in a group from NZ and Australia makes the complications of foreign travel so much easier especially as our hosts are Spanish speakers and very accustomed to the Latin American culture. Gin-Clear is running hosted weeks to Jurassic Lake in November 2025 www.gincleartravel.com for more details. STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

27 / 20 24

F 3T B E HI ND T HE L E NS | RI O MARI E

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

RIO DE GIGANTES Commencing the 2024 F3T Behind the Lens series, we dedicated a moment to converse with Helmut Zaderer and his team regarding their cinematic creation, Rio de Gigantes. Hailing from Austria, the filmmaker guides us through his remarkable expedition into the jungle in pursuit of the elusive peacock bass. Flylords had the privilege of connecting with Helmut to delve deeper into the film, its awe-inspiring moments, and the collaborative process that brought it to life. Explore the comprehensive interview below for insights into the making of this captivating production. INTERVIEW BY NELSON OXLEY IMAGES SUPPLIED

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 2 8 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | RI O D E G I GANT E S

Flylords: Helmut, tell us a little about yourself. Helmut: I am an enthusiastic fly fisherman and photographer with a deep love for nature and travel. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the finest fishing destinations around the world. I vividly recall my first time fishing, guided by my father to a mountain stream when I was 5-6 years old. Everything seemed fascinating and thrilling to me at that time. Since then, I’ve been an angler, and this interest and passion have remained with me throughout my life. I’ve engaged in various forms of fishing, spending a considerable amount of time in the carp fishing scene, achieving notable success. Additionally, I participated in fishing competitions, acquiring valuable techniques. Fifteen years ago, I underwent a significant transformation and ventured into fly fishing. Since that pivotal moment, I exclusively use the fly fishing method. Flylords: How did this film turn into a reality? Helmut: Peacock bass unquestionably stand out as one of the most intriguing catches on a fly in the Amazon, and Rio Marie is an exceptional location. While I had previously targeted various peacock bass species, landing a trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds was an uncharted territory for me. The decision-making process for the film’s storyline was a lengthy and thoughtful one. The Marie River emerged as the prime destination for those seeking to reel in a trophy peacock bass, particularly the formidable Cichla Temensis, known to reach weights of up to 30 pounds. With only a week at our disposal, it became crucial to capture both the thrilling action of landing a trophy fish on camera and the breathtaking landscape through striking photographs. After extensive effort and countless casts, our persistence paid off, and

we were fortunate enough to encounter and film some trophy-sized fish, securing valuable footage for the project. Flylords: What is your inspiration, and the most memorable point from this film? Helmut: I initiated the documentation of my fly fishing journey twelve years ago, creating a travel report and photo album for each subsequent trip. In recent years, I expanded my endeavors to include filming and hosting trips. A significant development in this venture was forming a friendship with Vaidas Uselis during our experiences in the Seychelles. Vaidas frequently accompanies me on trips, and our shared adventures have given rise to collaborative filmmaking. Among the many memorable moments, one that stands out vividly is when Vaidas skillfully operated the drone, providing me with the opportunity to spot a genuine trophy fish in the clear and shallow waters. Regrettably, I was the sole angler to hook a small butterfly fish, which I used as bait to entice the true trophy peacock towards the boat. Rodrigo, then, successfully hooked and landed the impressive 20-pound fish. The unique combination of the moment and the captured shots evoked strong emotions. It remains a remarkable and cherished memory that I consider truly special. Flylords: What was the biggest challenge you faced in producing this film? Was it targeting, slow days, conditions, or getting the shot? Helmut: Like almost every film project, accumulating a plethora of compelling moments within a week poses a constant challenge. In today’s filmmaking landscape, it’s crucial to incorporate diverse situations and perspectives into a compelling narrative. Simultaneously fishing and filming is a formidable task, but my friend Vaidas is an absolute professional, maintaining unwavering activity on set. Very few situations result in ultimately unusable material due to his dedication.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

29 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IND T HE L E NS | RI O D E G I GANT E S

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 30 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | RI O D E G I GANT E S

While occasionally assisted by guides, our films are produced without additional personnel or resources; we simply fish and film. During this particular venture, we encountered a few quiet days and faced challenges in landing a trophy fish. However, the final days proved to be exceptional, and we successfully captured everything essential for a compelling film. Flylords: What message are you hoping viewers take away with? Helmut: I aspire for our films to be a source of inspiration, showcasing the finest fishing destinations worldwide. We aim to kindle an appreciation for nature and ignite the passion for fly fishing. Our shared love for this incredible hobby has not only connected us with

like-minded individuals but also fostered friendships across the globe. There’s a unique bond within the fly fishing community, and I believe that everyone who engages in this pursuit shares a love, appreciation, and commitment to protecting nature. Perhaps our films will motivate some viewers to embark on their own fishing adventures. Flylords: Do you happen to have any more exciting films in the works? Helmut: We have two film projects lined up for the next year. In February, we will be fishing and filming in the Seychelles for four weeks, covering Providence, Cosmoledo, and Alphonse. Following that, in September, we plan to travel to Tanzania to produce a film focused on tiger fish.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

31 / 20 24

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

THE BACKCOUNTRY DREAM INTERVIEW BY GIN-CLEAR MEDIA IMAGES BY JOHAN KOK

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 32 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | B ACKCOUNT RY D RE AMS

Next up in the 2024 F3T Behind the Lens lineup, we head to the North Island of New Zealand for a helicopter trip into the backcountry. New Zealand has long held a reputation for world class sight fishing for huge trout in crystal clear water with big dry flies – dream fly fishing – but with a growing population and significant pressure from tourist anglers and guides, the quality and quantity of the classic kiwi angling experience is under threat of becoming over-loved. Gin-Clear Media was lucky enough to catch up with filmmaker Johan Kok, to learn more about what went into the making of this film and to find out if he thinks the kiwi dream is still alive. Gin-Clear Media: You didn’t grow up in New Zealand. Can you tell us a little bit about where you are from and your journey to the angling paradise of Aotearoa. I grew up in a small city called Bloemfontein in the middle of South Africa among the semi-arid grasslands of the Free State province. During university, I visited friends in New Zealand a couple of times and eventually found myself moving permanently in 2003. Gin-Clear Media: At what age did you convert to the fly rod and why? My childhood was during the 80’s and 90’s in South Africa and Bloemfontein didn’t have much fly fishing. We did a lot of fishing but it was mainly course fishing for introduced carp or native species like yellowfish, mudfish and catfish. Trout were primarily in the Drakensberg, a mountain range that runs along the country's eastern side from north to south. Access to this fishing was through private lodges with stocked dams or stunning small streams and rivers. This was where I had my first fly fishing experience. A farm lodge near Lady Grey. We borrowed some rods they had and set out on the small farm stream to try our luck. Surprisingly, without any real knowledge, we caught a couple of trout and a yellowfish. I was hooked then but it would still be years before I took up fly fishing. During my first visit to Aotearoa, I learned about the amazing fly fishing on offer and knowing I was going to end up living in New Zealand I started my fly fishing journey. Trout still wasn’t my main target. Instead, I caught native species like yellowfish, and mudfish while also doing a little bit of saltwater fly fishing during summer holidays. I caught species like shad, African pompano and an array of small trevally in the subtropical waters of northern KwaZulu Natal. Once I finally arrived in New Zealand the fly fishing fever had truly set in. Gin-Clear Media: You’ve made a lot of fly fishing videos on YouTube, what got you into it and why do you like it? Making films has always been a dream of mine. I remember watching Patterns in the Grass and Eternal Enemies by Derek and Beverly Joubert as well as the various works of David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau. My dream was to be a wildlife filmmaker or photographer. My dad was a zoologist and supported my interests so he gave me my first real camera, his old Pentax K1000 with lots of slide film. So I started with photography. During high school I received a Sony Handycam with mini DV tapes and started the battle of producing videos with underpowered PCs, firewire connections and poor editing software. But I made stuff and learned along the way. Once in New Zealand, my interest in wildlife gave way to fly fishing. I pursued my passion for filmmaking, while working full-time, by doing an online Diploma in Digital Film at the Southern Institute of Technology. During this time, I made a lot of content for a guide friend's website.

Those videos did well on YouTube, so when I came back from a stint working in Australia, China and South Korea I decided to start my own channel to document my fishing as a creative outlet and it took off from there. I now find it has become an integral part of my fishing. I built up an audience and made many great friends either directly or indirectly via my YouTube videos, like Pawel. Gin-Clear Media: How did you decide to make a backcountry helicopter trip the subject of your film? Are these trips common for you? Helicopter trips are the stuff of dreams. I read about them in magazines, saw films and heard incredible stories from my guide mate who did trips with clients. I always wanted to do one, but it was never in my budget. Then came kids and time became the biggest challenge. My first heli trip was on a tight budget with my mate Lewis about three years ago. We flew to the closest and cheapest spot we could. The experience was amazing but the fishing was tough. It’s a well-known spot that gets a lot of pressure from anglers doing the relatively easy walk, hunters spin fishing and guides with helicopters. Those fish are tough to catch. For my next trip, I focused on finding some dream fishing. When the intel came in about a special spot, plans were made for a trip with Pawel. It still took us two years. Our first attempt didn’t work out and this trip was very nearly curtailed by the weather. I wanted to film the experience to find out if the famed dry fly fishing still exists or if it is gone for good. Gin-Clear Media: You had some pretty amazing fishing in the film. How does it compare to the other fishing you’ve experienced in NZ? Do you think the backcountry dream is still alive? I think most fly anglers will agree that there is nothing that compares

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

33 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D T HE L E NS | B ACKCOUNT RY D RE AMS

to a big trout in clear water swimming over and smashing a big cicada dry. Once the fishing turned on during our trip it was fish after fish, multiple big rainbows from every pool. All on dry flies. I had never experienced fishing like that before. So yes, the dream is still alive if you can find the places where it still exists, but it’s not everywhere. It took me years to find a few such spots. We need to treasure and protect these places to keep the dream alive. Gin-Clear Media: Do you think flying into the backcountry by helicopter is in a way cheating? And do you think helicopter fishing needs to be managed in some way to protect the quality of the experience? It’s a tough one. This particular spot is very remote. Not being able to use a helicopter would eliminate access by anyone who isn’t in excellent health and super fit. Removing helicopter access removes equal access opportunities, which I don’t think is fair to all anglers. However, if I walked in and a helicopter turned up I would probably be really upset. So that is something where management can improve. Currently, it is tough for anyone walking into these remote areas to find out if anyone will be flying into the area. There is no official booking system. First come, first served. Time will tell if the new designated waters scheme by Fish and Game will help address some of these challenges to protect our more fragile fisheries and provide equal opportunities to all anglers. Gin-Clear Media: Filmmaking inevitably comes with challenges. Can you share some memorable moments or obstacles encountered during the actual filming process? I was my own obstacle on this trip, forgetting all the microphones, which made getting good audio a real challenge. In particular, Pawel’s interview required some ingenuity. On top of that, I didn’t bring enough powerbanks to keep the cameras charged the entire trip. On the best STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 34 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | B ACKCOUNT RY D RE AMS

two days of fishing, we were limited in how much we could film. Gin-Clear Media: What was the best, worst, or weirdest moment of the trip? Take your pick. We didn’t have any bad moments on this trip, which is lucky because it’s a remote and dangerous place. The best moment happened while I was sitting on a log tying on a nymph rig in dreadful weather, having lost hope of any exceptional dry fly fishing. I spotted a trout and watched Pawel catch it on a big cicada dry fly. This moment set off something incredible for the rest of the trip. Gin-Clear Media: For people in the audience that might be headed to New Zealand to do a backcountry trip next season. Any tips, fly pattern recommendations, or anything else you think they ought to know before heading over? Think of safety first, do your research, know the safe river levels, understand the weather and know when to pull the pin. Especially if this is your first trip into the backcountry in New Zealand. Even if you are flying in with a helicopter there are many unseen dangers in the backcountry. Make sure you are prepared and always have a personal locator beacon as a minimum. You can hire them if you need to. Something as simple as a twisted ankle can cause big problems in these remote places and a flash flood can easily kill or strand you. No fishing is worth the risk, no matter how good it is. Gin-Clear Media: What is the overarching message you hope viewers take home after watching this film? How do you see the film making a tangible impact on viewers, and what specific actions do you hope your audience will take after watching? We are extremely lucky to have free access to incredible fly fishing throughout New Zealand and it is something we must treasure and not take for granted. I hope the film inspires anglers to seek out some incredible backcountry fisheries and responsibly share the experience with friends and family. Teach them how to respect, protect and value our trout fisheries. If more of us, especially future generations, enjoy and value this

incredible resource it is more likely to be protected. That’s one of the key reasons I share my experiences, even at the risk of it increasing pressure. Fish and Game license data shows a decline in license sales over time and as we all know perceptions around fishing and hunting around the world are changing. Without anglers, there is no fishery. Gin-Clear Media: What can we expect next from you? Any film ideas or adventures down the pipeline? I’m always adding new content to my YouTube channel but I do hope to film something special when I visit Aitutaki again in October. We will be chasing bonefish and I hope to get my first big giant trevally. The challenge is finding a unique story that has not been told before. Gin-Clear Media: Do you plan to attend any of the shows on the tour? I’ll be at the Auckland one and I’m sure Pawel will attend the Taupo one. Gin-Clear Media: Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked about already? I’m generally very open about fishing spots and sharing knowledge with other keen fly fishers. I like helping others and sharing the experiences I have. But that does need to be done responsibly. I remember a friend sharing a fishing spot with me years ago when I was just starting out. I went there multiple times over the summer and caught plenty of good fish, mainly big browns. Upon seeing the photos he wasn’t pleased and explained to me the fishery is sensitive with limited numbers and should only be visited once a season. That lesson stuck with me. I now try my best not to visit any spot more than once or twice during the summer season. It helps spread the pressure and gives me more opportunities to find new spots. Everyone has to start somewhere and won’t know everything, teach them the right way.

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

VISIBILITY Next in the 2024 F3T Behind the Lens interview series we head out to the Pacific Northwest to the remote Olympic Penisula. Steelhead guide Lael Paul Johnson takes us on an emotional journey through the Pacific Rainforest where he and his new friend Wesley find bliss through a winter steelheading trip. Flylords was lucky enough to catch up with Lael and filmmaker Tyler Soares to learn more about what went into the making of this film. INTERVIEW BY PATRICK PERRY IMAGES BY ARIAN STEVENS

F 3T B E HI ND T HE L E NS | VI S I B I L I T Y

Flylords: Tell us about yourselves. Lael: I am Captain Lael Paul Johnson, owner and guide for Fly Gyde, founder of the F•Y•S•H Foundation, photographer, fly tyer, writer, ambassador and above all, an obsessed steelhead fisherman. I’m originally from Topeka, Kansas where, after training in the army, I left in my early 20s to train as a surgical technologist and ended up in Seattle. I never left, and now I’m in my 10th year of living out a childhood dream of being a fishing guide in the Pacific Northwest. Tyler: I’m originally from New Milford, Connecticut. The first time I picked up a camera was while catching pike with a buddy of mine after school. We were so addicted but had no business buying $7 Dardevle lures at the rate we were losing them. After college, I moved to Los Angeles with my now wife. Over the last seven years I’ve worked in tech/marketing, launching products, and building brands. Over the last 6 months, I’ve made the transition to freelance full-time, combining everything I love doing and working with brands I believe in. Flylords: How did this film come to life? Lael: What would you do if you had 15 minutes to show the world who you are? I’d asked myself that for a long time. What do you want to represent your legacy if you get your chance? Are you waiting for a chance, or will you make an opportunity? After sorting through those questions over the years, my goal was to help people catch fish, but more importantly, to open doors for other anglers who looked like me, or make it easier for them than it was for me. Getting my story out and spreading the mission of the F•Y•S•H Foundation was best done by showcasing what has helped me in a short film, ultimately hoping to help others. Here’s how it all went down: The title Visibility is a perfect example of a double entendre – from a steelheaders perspective, water visibility is the only thing that can stop us. The second definition of visibility for me, on top of being a steelheader, was asking: How do I become noticed and successful in a

profession that typically has not been filled by anglers of color? How do I change that narrative so that I become the example? Those are two things I have been faced with my entire career, but I knew the only thing that could stop me is me, and not being able to show my gift to the world. Tyler was originally one of my clients who booked a steelhead trip in February of 2022 for him and his now fiancé, Lex. On the trip, we hooked one good one, it came off, Tyler filmed a little and we had fun. After we pulled out the boat, I grabbed my rod and went back to the river for an after-work sesh. Tyler asked if he could go with me, and that moment meant a lot to me. He showed me he was really into this and wanted more, even after a challenging day. In my eyes, a steelheader baby was born! As I was swinging, I told him more about myself and my plans for the year, and how I wanted to do this film project called Visibility. He then told me how he wanted to get into the outdoor industry as a filmmaker. Then, it was just two people opening up about future goals while standing in the water. I chose Tyler to be the one who would eventually direct this project because he was so passionate and excited about steelheading when I first met him. Tyler has the drive to do whatever he sets his mind to, and that’s who I needed. I can’t leave out the story’s connection to the F•Y•S•H Foundation. The F•Y•S•H Foundation is a non-profit I created with support from Ford’s Bronco Wild Fund to help others find better mental health through the transformative power of fishing and the outdoors. Without it, I don’t believe this project would resonate with so many people as it has. Understanding how fishing and the outdoors has helped me, it made me want to present that opportunity to others to help them too – regardless of their income, ability, or background. There was a need for this film. Partnering with an organisation that aims to help people find that too just made sense.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

37 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | VI S I B I L I T Y

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 38 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | VI S I B I L I T Y

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 40 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | VI S I B I L I T Y

Flylords: What was your most memorable moment in the production of the film? Lael: On the second day of shooting, I was inches away from hooking into possibly the biggest steelhead I may have seen. It will have to be a creature of legend that I’ll chase for the rest of my life. We’re on schedule, launching the boat in the dark, and I decided to take the boat across the river and swing a run I know holds fish that will play ball. All is going well, but it’s a pretty deep, challenging spot, so I’m locked in dredging, big shit! 14-foot rod, Intermediate head, T-17, a fat Night Crawler, and a hook worthy of getting into Walter. I’m 3/4 of the way down, and I see a splash next to the fallen tree I’m swinging next to, and my heart beats fast! The cameras are on, so I just have to hook ’em. I got closer to the tree, and there was no more movement for about six or seven casts, but then something the size of a 25+ pound chinook broke the surface with a big splash, chasing my fly. It was a real HOLY #@!% type of moment that would have gone down as one of my greatest. That feeling epitomizes the excitement that steelheading can bring, with or without hooking a fish. When you are in that moment, the world disappears, and it’s just you, the forest, and the fish.

Tyler: Aside from Jimmy taking stand-up comedy breaks or eating his ramen noodles with pliers, I’ll never forget the morning of our final day. At 4:30am the guys were dumping boiling hot water to get ice off the boat. We pulled up to the river as the sun peeked over the mountains. We were awarded the most breathtaking panoramic view of snow covered trees and mountain tops. We just knew this was the day Lael would find what he was searching for. There was this silence in the air for the first hour, it was pure magic. Flylords: Tell us about the production, camera gear, and the production crew. Tyler: The entire film was shot handheld on the Sony FX3 with a 24-70 lens and a ton of batteries. I had to be nimble. The guys were mic’d up for a few scenes, but for the most part, the audio was from a Sennheiser MKE-600 shotgun mic via XLR, so I could have some audio control. I did everyone’s interview 1:1 apart from one another, so no one had a clue what the other had spoken about. I wanted it to be as organic as possible. Not an ounce of this film was fabricated. The only thing we had planned was a 4:30am wake-up call every day and flights back home.

A U S S I E F LY F I S H E R G U I D E D F LY F I S H I N G F O R T R O U T & M U R R AY C O D S N OW Y M O U N TA I N S | B L U E M O U N TA I N S | N E W E N G L A N D

B O O K T O DAY ! www.aussieflyfisher.com

[email protected]

+61 428 356 578

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

COSTA’S MARLIN FLY PROJECT TAPS INTO CONSERVATION, COMMUNITY SCIENCE AND EPIC FISHING INTERVIEW BY WILL POSTON IMAGES BY NICK PRICE PHOTOGRAPHY

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | COSTA'S MARL I N F LY P ROJE CT

If you have spent any time on social media in the last few years, you have likely stumbled across some insane fly-fishing content from Mag Bay. Chances are that clip involved a marlin slashing through a bait ball or chasing down a fly. Magdalena Bay has built quite the reputation in recent years as a world-class angling destination home to incredible numbers of striped marlin for portions of the year. Knowing this, Costa initiated the Marlin Fly Project to learn more about this incredible fishery to protect these fish and local communities for the long term. Late in 2022, dozens of Costa Pros and scientists traveled to Los Locos, Mag Bay to deploy 15 satellite tags into fly-caught marlin. The Costa crew successfully deployed all the tags in two days and made history with the first recorded billfish research campaign using exclusively fly fishing tackle. We recently sat down with Costa’s Conservation and Community Manager Joe Gugino to learn more about this awesome project – follow along for more on the Marlin Fly Project and some great stories! The 2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour features a special F3T edit of Costa's Marlin Project STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 44 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D T H E L E NS | COSTA'S MARL I N F LY P ROJE CT

Flylords: Before we get into the genesis and impact of this project… I’ve got to ask you first what everyone is thinking: 'Marlin on the fly?! How epic and borderline insane is this idea?' Joe: Yeah. Marlin on the fly. It is as insane as it sounds. You see all the epic photos and videos and you know it is going to be awesome, but I promise, it is even better than you think. I’ve heard stories of people doing this sort of thing around Mag Bay, but it seems like the boys of Los Locos have really put it on the map. It’s something everyone should experience in person. The fishery itself is incredible, and one that’s appreciated by so many, from divers and sportfishers to those crazy enough, like us, to pursue it on the fly … and from a panga! The visuals are amazing, but it’s the full experience. You run miles and miles (hours) on a panga out of Mag Bay and into the open ocean looking for the swirling vortex of frigates. Once you find them, you’ll start seeing the marlin slash through the water. Throw your fly in, get tight, and watch the acrobatics while line is just peeling off your reel … the whole thing is insane. And it doesn’t feel any more real once you get the marlin boatside. Your adrenaline is pumping and you’re just there reviving it and admiring its beauty before safely releasing it back … yeah, you gotta do it. Flylords: Tell us a little bit about how the Marlin Fly Project came to be. Joe: If you’re a fly angler who’s spent any amount of time on social media, chances are you have seen the awesome photos and ridiculous videos of the scene in Mag Bay. Naturally, we were drawn to it and wanted to experience it for ourselves. We didn’t want to exploit the resource or use the opportunity to just create epic content. We wanted to do something bigger, but we weren’t quite sure what that looked like. So our initial goal was to go down and see what might even be possible, because at Costa we’re always looking for ways to involve community and conservation in everything we do. Our first thought was maybe we could put on a Costa Marlin fly

tournament to help call attention to the area, and have the proceeds benefit a conservation partner. Capt. Cody Rubner and I worked on the idea and brought Costa Pros Capt. Brandon Cyr and Capt. Nick Labadie, who are familiar with fishing tournaments, down with us. And thanks to the recommendation from the Los Locos team, we also brought photographer Nick Price to document the experience and help us promote our plan that would come out of this mission. From the outside, it seemed like the pangas were a cool set-up to possibly have teams of two anglers, competing in a multi-day format. We thought it would be awesome to pair up Costa pros with unique connections (either similar fisheries or regions) to come down and compete and help bring awareness to the area, while connecting it all to a cause. It wasn’t completely formulated in our heads, but that’s why we went. As expected, we fell in love with the fishery. But even more so, we fell in love with the town and the community surrounding Mag Bay. In the days and weeks that followed, we all sort of knew that a tournament wasn’t the answer here … it was going to be some sort of conservation mission, and the community piece fit right in line with that. Not sure where to start, we began to have conversations with our partners at the Billfish Foundation and the International Game Fish Association to see if having data on this striped marlin population would be valuable. We were happy to learn at that point that any science we could get would be crucial, as little to none is really known about this species in this area of the world. And that’s when it clicked for us – what if we helped ensure the health and future of this Mag Bay fishery? We would go down and catch these fish, just like the Los Locos team, and deploy satellite tags to help fill some crucial data gaps. Given the Los Locos operation, it was important for us to catch fish on the fly, just like they do, as part of the study to help them prove they aren’t putting any more stress on the fish than the sportfish boats do.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

45 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | COSTA'S MARL I N F LY P ROJE CT

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 46 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D T H E L E NS | COSTA'S MARL I N F LY P ROJE CT

Flylords: You guys went down to Mag Bay to study this population of striped marlin. What are you hoping to learn, how did you embark on this mission, and how can you leverage this science to protect this incredible resource? Joe: We wanted to find the best opportunity to learn as much as we could about them. We wanted to get satellite tags to have the most information possible, but satellite tags aren’t cheap. Costa was able to purchase eight tags from IGFA and TBF. Next thing we know Peter from the Billfish Foundation offers to donate an additional seven tags to bring us to a total of 15 satellite tags for the expedition. The first goal was to deploy all 15 tags, and after that an additional amount of spaghetti tags as well. The satellite tags will give us valuable information on post-release survivability, where the striped marlin swim, what depth, and what the water temperatures are. We aren’t entirely sure what will come out of this science, but the ultimate goal is to start to get a baseline on this fish, to be able to set up and protect these species down the road. Flylords: This project was no small feat, can you tell us more about the partnerships/team that made this possible? Joe: This project was a big lift from start to finish and required the utmost amount of coordination and planning from a year out, to during the trip, and bringing the story to life after the trip. In addition to all seven science and community partners we brought along the trip, plus the whole team at Los Locos and the San Carlos Community, we had over 40 people as part of the mission and even more supporting that. The core Marlin Fly Project team consisted of Cody Rubner, Hannah Trotter and myself. Before we went down, and after successfully securing the tags, we had to figure out a way to transport all the tags and tagging equipment into Mexico. That was all in addition to coordinating 20 people’s flights, from around the country into Baja, transporting everyone 5+ hours north from Cabo to San Carlos, lodging, fishing gear and scheduling. Cody was the main force behind all the logistics and communication between the scientists. We had an insane two days of travel for the entire team but once everyone was actually in San Carlos, the next big task was to find the fish, catch the fish and get the tags in the fish. The amount of coordination it took to make sure every boat was set up with the right combination of anglers, scientists and our content team to be set up for success while scattered across the ocean on pangas was no easy feat. Good news: We got all fifteen satellite tags deployed in just two days of fishing! Before leaving San Carlos, we celebrated the mission with our whole team and more people from the town at Mar Y Arena, the lodge we were all staying at. The Travel Creel team put out an awesome spread, and we all ate and danced together. After coming back from the trip, the hard work continued. Cody, Hannah and I worked closely with Perrin and Wiley to put the film together to accurately share the fish-stoke as well as tell the story. Hannah helped take the lead with all of our internal and partner comms to make sure we were aligned with a launch strategy, and eventually executed all external comms. This trip was a full team effort, but would not have happened or been brought to life the way it was without Cody and Hannah! STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

47 / 20 24

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

WHAT LIES ABOVE For the next film in the 2024 F3T Behind The Lens series we turn to the Yucatan for the film, What Lies Above. Some fantasize about catching a permit, and some fantasize about dry fly fishing … so, why not combine the two? The ultimate fantasy of catching permit on dries comes alive with this film.. To learn more about what went into its creation and what went on behind the scenes, we caught up with Simon Kay from Fly Fishing Nation. INTERVIEW BY ANDREW BRAKER IMAGES SUPPLIED

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | WHAT L I E S AB OVE

Flylords: What was the original inspiration behind this film? Simon: Believe it or not, going permit fishing in Mexico wasn’t actually a part of the original plan. My family and I were traveling and we ended up having to detour our travels through Mexico after running into visa issues. Chase from Xcalak on the Fly reached out and offered for us to stay at the lodge as we traveled through the area. While I was there, I ended up casually catching my first permit (and not just any old permit) – a permit on a floating crab! That moment would be ingrained in my brain forever. After my amazing experience in Xcalak, Chase and I began talking about trip number two. This time, the camera gear came along, and we did our best to film the experience that I loved so much on my first visit. Flylords: Catching a permit is hard, but catching one on a floating crab is even harder. Getting that on film has to be nearly impossible. How did you get that shot? Simon: I failed many times. The final shot is the result of multiple trips and many interactions with permit. It involved hard work by everyone: the guide, the angler, and the videographer. The angler probably hooked fifteen fish, two of them were captured semi-well on film, and one of them ended up being the final shot. Some eats happened just outside of frame, some had small waves that blocked the shot, some were out of focus. The final shot is still not perfect in my mind, but you could spend a lifetime trying to perfect that shot. Flylords: What do you hope that viewers take away from this film? Simon: My hope is that this film will give viewers a glimpse into this unique fishery in Xcalak. Catching a permit on a floating crab is an incredibly unique occurrence that deserves its own spotlight, but there’s STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

49 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IND T HE L E NS | WHAT L I E S AB OVE

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 50 / 20 24

F 3T B E HIN D T HE L E NS | WHAT L I E S AB OVE

more to this story than that. The reason these crabs are floating in the first place is because of the sargassum algae, and the sargassum is wrecking havoc on coastal waters in these areas. My hope is that viewers will pick up on the beauty and excitement in the film, as well as the nuance and complexity of the situation. Flylords: What is your greatest memory during the creation of the film that had nothing to do with fishing? Simon: The lodge has a deck that we referred to as “The deck of destiny.” After fishing and filming all day, we would get back to the lodge, have some fresh margaritas, play corn hole, play with the dogs (Captain and Fern), and eat the best empanadas I’ve ever had. The time spent with the guides and the locals on that deck were some of the best moments. Flylords: What camera equipment was used for this film? Simon: We used Lumix cameras and the Free Fly Wave for the slow motion shots. Flylords: What is unique about Xcalak, Mexico? Simon: Much of coastal Mexico is commercialized. It’s overpopulated, touristy, and has hotel frontage all the way down the coast. In contrast to those places, Xcalak feels almost untouched. You feel like you are stepping into a place from the past; it’s a place that feels like an adventure. It has either not yet been discovered, or it has been managed in a way to support the sustainability of the area.

Flylords: Simon, thanks for taking the time! Any parting words?

Flylords: What’s the next adventure on your mind?

Simon: I would like to give a special thanks to my partner, Susan, for letting me spend way too much time on the film and being away from family; the sponsors of the film Sage and Simms; Fly Fishing Nation Productions; all of the guides behind the scenes. Thank you all for supporting this film!

Simon: I just got back from filling at the Cosmo Atoll in the Seychelles. So, there will be a film coming down the line from that trip. We also have another film based in Italy coming soon. Stay tuned for an amazing story about Italian artists and the management of a special river.

We personally want to thank Simon for his time for the interview. If you are interested in following Simon, his adventures on the water, and his epic shots, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @si_onthefly.

FLY F IS H E R Y R AT IN GCSCESS A FISHING INSIGHTS Y FLIES INFO SEASONALIT

one life

so much water now you can explore it all brown trout

rainbow trout

SEASON

Tabanas

Peeping Caddis

Schroeder Hopper

/ 51 / flylife.com.au/locations STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

20 24

FISHERY

4.5 RATING

F 3T B E H IN D T H E L E NS | ONLY T HE SAL MON K NOWS

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

ONLY THE SALMON KNOWS Next in this year’s F3T Behind the Lens line-up, is Hooke’s 10th anniversary film Only the Salmon Knows. We sat down with Fred Campbell to learn more about this amazing film and its incredible adventures. From catching his personal best Atlantic salmon to exploring rivers that very few people have the chance to fish in their lifetime this film takes you on a journey of love and passion for these fish and their rivers. INTERVIEW BY LANDEN GERMAN IMAGES BY FRED CAMPBELL AND HOOKE

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 52 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D THE L E NS | ONLY T HE SAL MON K NOWS

Flylords: First, we want to congratulate you on 10 years of Hooke. This film has a ton of passion and personal meaning. Is there a message you are trying to convey through this short movie? Fred: I don’t know the movie it just happened. It’s tough to say. Sometimes things just happen, and you don’t really know why they happened. All three of the rivers in the film are wild rivers with private access and you have to win a draw tag to be able to fish them. That year my co-worker won the Causapscal draw, I won the Patapedia draw, and the Restigouche was through another friend. We just said you know what let’s film it and see what happens. And you know it all kind of aligned, the river gave back to me, the timing was great, and the water conditions were perfect. Flylords: Like most fishing films there’s so much footage filmed, and such a small amount gets used. What were some of your favorite moments that didn’t quite make the final cut? Fred: I don’t know. Haha there’s so much footage, I put it in the festival this year and I showed it at an Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) dinner as well. It was the best salmon fishing I’ve ever had, we have so many fish on camera. The first fish I hooked in the film we think was close to a 40lb-45lb salmon. I couldn’t move it and ended up losing it. It was a heartbreaker, we thought the film was screwed. But then the river just kept giving us chances. We chose not to focus on the fish catching and decided to make a more passion-driven film that focuses on the wildness of those rivers. Flylords: For those who don’t know a ton about Atlantic salmon, what makes them so unique in comparison to other salmon species and steelhead? Fred: There’s a lot of history with Atlantic salmon fishing it’s got a lot of heritage similar to steelhead. Like steelhead as soon as they hit freshwater they don’t eat. You’re hopeful that you will get a bite but in the back of your mind, you know that it probably won’t happen. Out here the average time spent between hooking a salmon is seven days of fishing. Nobody knows why they take the fly, some people believe that it irritates them others believe you have to imitate what they used to eat in the ocean. The water is so clear in these rivers you can see the fish most of the time. You can cast 1000 times at the fish and then for some reason the 1001st cast the fish will eat, but that’s the mystery of it, that’s why the film is called Only the Salmon Knows. Flylords: Why pole a canoe down a river instead of a drift boat or raft? Is there an advantage of the canoe versus a drift boat? Fred: It’s an unspoken rule. The canoes and poling canoes down the river are engrained in the heritage of Atlantic salmon fishing. We try to promote it as best as we can for the younger generation, it’s a piece of the culture that shouldn’t be done differently. However, there are no regulations that say you can’t use a raft or a drift boat but it’s not a great look. We’ve been seeing it slowly gain traction but the hardcore people and the old-timers want the younger generation to know that a wood canoe with a wooden pole is the traditional way. It’s better to arrive with an open mind and willingness to understand the traditional culture than to try to push something new. It’s a way to respect the river, the fish, and the culture of Atlantic salmon fishing. Flylords: What made these three rivers so special to you? Was there one river you had been wanting to fish more than the others? Fred: I hadn’t fished any of the rivers. I had fished the Restigouche at the mouth for the first Hooke film we shot but I wasn’t on the shoot. But the Causapscal and the Patapedia are permits that I’ve been trying to get for the last 15 years. There are 122 rivers in Quebec and there’s a tag for each one. It’s a very unique fishery. When driving through the Gaspe to other rivers you drive over the Causapscal and I had always dreamed of fishing it. It’s such a hard draw to win and there’s only one access to the river. The Causapscal is just mystical, it’s so pristine and wild. When I was a kid I worked at a sawmill in that area and I just remember hearing so many stories about it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me, some people win $50,000 on a scratch-off ticket but for me, I won this permit. Flylords: What fishing gear was brought on these expeditions? Were you guys fishing sinking heads, two-hand setups, or more traditional single-hand setups as well? Fred: For that time of year it was really high water but my rod of

choice was an 11’5 7 weight with a floating line. We were throwing big flies and needed to reach the other bank. On the Restigouche, I used a 10" 7 weight single-hand rod out of the canoe which was a bit unique. Those are typically the two rods me and my buddies use. We don’t like going too big when you start to get into the 13’8’s, the 14’s it’s like fighting a fish on a tree. I prefer lighter tackle, sometimes we can use an intermediate line but you have to be careful out here cause a lot of rivers don’t allow sinking lines. It depends on the time of year and where but we aren’t allowed weighted flies as well, it’s complicated but that’s what keeps its tradition and makes it harder. Flylords: Was there a fly that you found that worked across all three rivers? What is your decision process for choosing flies? Fred: Yeah it’s crazy. Since it was the 10th anniversary of Hooke we asked our friend and amazing fly tier Marc Leblanc if he could invent a special fly for us. He likes to drink gin and loves Bombay Sapphire so he based that special fly off of that. He gave us a set but I only used that one fly cause it worked so well. When we got to the Restigouche we got introduced to a guy named Gilbert who had been fishing the river for 50 years! Gilbert gave us a simple orange fly and said this is what you need. I caught the 45" and the 48": on that fly, it was amazing. Flylords: We noticed that you flashed a HOOKE-branded beer after your first fish. What’s the story there? Fred: It’s so crazy you ask, typically it would be a cold beer but our guide on the Restigouche had started this crazy production of his own

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

53 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D T H E L E NS | ONLY T HE SAL MON K NOWS

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 54 / 20 24

F 3T B E H IN D THE L E NS | ONLY T HE SAL MON K NOWS

maple syrup. Before we started fishing we all drank some and then we caught that first fish and we all sipped some more! We think it brought us luck for that trip. Not only on that trip but on most trips we know we are going to walk a lot so we save the beer in the cooler to ensure we’ve got a nice cold beer to enjoy. “Also, That year we partnered with a local brewery in Quebec and made our own Hooke beer. It was super fun, they produced and sold it all around the region here. So while supplies lasted that was our beer of choice. That was a one-time thing and then more recently we made a gin which was really fun. Flylords: To wrap things up here Fred, a 48-inch Atlantic salmon! Has the search for a 50-inch fish started? Fred: No man. It’s not possible, it’s barely been heard of. The only places that 48" could’ve existed in the Northeast were those rivers. There are maybe 10 rivers in the world that MAY hold a 50" and you’d have to dedicate years of travelling to chase them. For some people, it’s their dream to ascend the tallest mountain, that 48" was the tallest mountain for me. It was perfect, we were able to film it, take great care of it, and release it. It kinda was the end for me, all my new projects are based more on conservation and giving back. It helped to close the 10-year chase for me. Our guide had been guiding the river for 30 years and he said that’s the biggest fish he’s ever netted. Not many people get graced by a fish like that, I soaked it all in. It could’ve never happened, it’s like a dream come true. The next step for me is to have a positive impact on Atlantic salmon. Flylords: Last but not least, with 10 years of Hooke what’s next? Is there a big film or project you’ve been working on? Fred: Yeah man, actually we just launched a new film called The Call of the Wild following the footsteps of Lee Wulf. He invented catch and release practices and the fly fishing vest among other things. He explored Newfoundland for 30 years under a contract with the Provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador. This film is going to focus on me following his footsteps and exploring his adventures. In 1938 he

ANYTIME.

stated that “Game fish were too important to only be caught once.” But it’s a constant evolution here at Hooke, we are always working on the next thing and looking for the next story to tell. We’ve got some great films on deck that were shot across Canada and then giving back to the local community and conversation organizations as well. From 2014 to now and beyond Hooke was started with the idea of catching Atlantic salmon and sharing the emotion that it brings. A huge thank you to Fred Campbell and the Hooke team, we can’t wait to see what you guys release in the future. If you haven’t already be sure to check out Hooke.ca and remember to get outside by the river. “We wanted to create distinctive productions and products, to share our passion with a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, and to get more people on the rivers with greater awareness for the environment and species preservation.

ANYWHERE.

Introducing the new Australian Made XRS™ Connect Handheld UHF CB Radio, XRS-660. Building on the market-leading innovation of GME’s popular range of XRS™ Connect UHF CB Radios, the Australian Made XRS-660 offers several exciting new features, including being the first Handheld UHF CB Radio to feature a Colour TFT LCD screen, providing the ultimate Handheld radio display for all environmental conditions – even in full sunlight.

F3T BEHIND THE LENS

TRANSITIONS - THE BOW Next up in the 2024 F3T Behind the Lens series is a film that showcases the beauty of spring’s shoulder season, where the lines between snow and sun are blurred. Transitions, a film by Kate Wilson, features herself, Garrett Wilson, and their friends as they search for large brown trout between turns on their local ski hill within the Bow Valley of Alberta, Canada. We sat down with Kate to find out more about what it’s like to spend her spring days skiing world-class slopes in the Canadian Rockies and fishing the banks of one of the most productive fisheries in Canada. INTERVIEW BY GIORGIA MENETRE IMAGES BY STEPHEN REED

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 56 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | T HE B OW

Flylords: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Kate: Hey, my name is Kate and I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, but now call the Crowsnest Pass home. I grew up as a competitive freestyle ski athlete and now work as a fisheries biologist and ski coach. When I’m not skiing or working, you can find me on the river fishing for trout in southern Alberta. Flylords: What was the inspiration behind making this film a reality? Kate: I have been making films in the ski industry for quite a few years, but decided I wanted to showcase both of my passions (fly fishing and skiing) within one film. I hadn’t seen a lot of crossover between the two activities, so I decided to pitch the idea to a few of my sponsors and see if I could make it happen, so here we are! The main inspiration was just to film something super authentic to me and something that would inspire others to take advantage of the shoulder season. Flylords: What was your favorite part about the filming process? Kate: I think my favorite part was working with my team and rolling with the punches throughout the entire process. Filming trips rarely go according to plan in my experience, but it was fun to work with my husband Garrett and our friends to make my dream come true. I was also super stoked to be able to include my friends in the project and work with our amazing filmer, Renaud, who put his heart and soul into the entire project and process. I also loved filming within my own backyard instead of traveling super far to an unknown place; Having that familiarity was really special. Flylords: What parallels have you found between your two loves of skiing and fly fishing? Kate: I think the main parallel between the two activities is that

connection you have to nature during both. They’re both totally unique in a lot of ways, but what I love about both is getting outside with great people, connecting with the natural environment and the challenge of the activities. From trying to master your cast to your turn on the hill and seeking out those special moments like hooking into a big brown or landing a trick in the park, it takes a lot of time and effort to make those things happen. The pursuit of both is something that really drives me. Flylords: What significance does the Bow play in your ability to take advantage of the spring season? Kate: Well, the glaciers that feed the Bow River are also a big part of why the skiing in the area stays good well into the spring and also supports the fishery year round. We’re also lucky that the Bow River is robust and can sustain year-round fishing opportunities which really lets us take advantage of the option of fishing within the spring. Flylords: What role has both the skiing and fishing community played in how you take advantage of the shoulder season? Kate: In the skiing community that shoulder season is really when I see people come out of the woodwork and hit the hill. It’s a great vibe and it’s just super nice to know that you can roll up to the hill and find a posse to go ride with. From a fishing standpoint, a lot of my friends are fly fishing guides, and the spring is the calm before the storm for them; it’s the best time for me to get out with them and catch up before the season gets busy. It’s also generally a time of year when I have more time off before the heavy fieldwork season gets going, so it’s kind of the perfect storm. Flylords: Describe the draw of hunting those big spring brown trout. Kate: Oh man, it’s super special just because it’s such a grind usually, that when you do find one of those fish it makes you realise how

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

57 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | T HE B OW

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 58 / 20 24

F 3T BE HI ND T HE L E NS | T HE B OW

special they really are. You know they exist, but when you hook into one there’s no better feeling. It’s also a cool opportunity during the spring because the rainbows are off-spawning, so you can really hone in and target those big browns. Flylords: Were there any challenges you ran into during filming? Kate: Oh there are always challenges during filming, but I’m lucky to have had the crew I did, no complaints! Flylords: How do you hope Transitions inspires audiences to take advantage of their spring? Kate: I hope I inspire people to look beyond the peak season for things I guess and to really take advantage of what’s in their own backyard. Flylords: As a rad woman doing what you love, how do you hope Transitions inspires other women to get after their outdoor passions? Kate: Aw, thanks! I just hope that by getting out there and making this film other women will see that they can do things within the outdoor space too. We’ve got some other talented women in the film (Billie Slip and Paula Shearer) and I think the more women we see within the outdoor space the more it will inspire someone to push past their comfort zone and try something new. Flylords: Is there anything else that you would like to add or anyone you want to thank for helping make this film possible? Kate: I’d like to thank the title sponsors for making this film happen, Flylow Gear and Simms. I’d also like to thank Paul Laframboise, Paula Shearer, Billie Slip, Garrett, our filmer Renaud, and our photographer Steve Reed! Also major shoutout to Mike and Noelle with the IronBow Fly Shop in Calgary, Alberta for their support and connections throughout the process. STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

59 / 20 24

G E AR RE VI E WS

REEL PRODUCTS REEL REVIEWS WE TOOK THESE PRODUCTS ON OUR ADVENTURES AND REEL-Y PUT THEM TO THE TEST, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

AIRFLO SUPERTROUT Introducing the Airflo Ridge 2.0 SuperFlo Super Trout fly line, an exceptional choice for trout anglers seeking enhanced performance and versatility. Initially developed as a long belly tournament line, it quickly became a favourite among fly fishers for its broad application range. The Ridge 2.0 technology minimizes friction, boosting line speed and improving casting distance. Its long, extended head design offers excellent aerial control and precise long-range mending, perfect for various trout fishing techniques, including nymph and indicator rigs. The SuperFlo Super Trout line is available in bright orange for high visibility (so everyone can see how brilliant you are at casting) and subtle olive for a stealthier approach, catering to different fishing environments and preferences. Engineered to meet the demands of discerning anglers, this fly line combines durability, sensitivity, and efficiency, making it a standout in the world of fly fishing. For more details visit www.manictackleproject.com

PRIMAL CCC All Primal Rods are made better. It’s because we don’t use cookie cutter fly rod factories and we sure don’t expect you to put it together yourself. Some rods we want to be ultra light, others brutally strong, and for longer rods we need technology that is different once again. We individually coach our bespoke factories to create truly remarkable fly rods that stand out from the rest. We don’t rely on marketing pixie dust, we cut through the BS and formulate designs that integrate technology which actually affects how a rod casts, mends, plays fish … and catches them too. This season we have gone even further. Introducing Primal’s new Compressed Carbon Chain (CCC) technology currently available in our flagship models; the fast action freshwater RAW and the fast action saltwater MEGA. CCC technology utilises an incredibly low mass oblique exterior carbon wrap that constricts at a high rate during the curing process to compress the rod’s longitudinal fibres to create a denser, stronger blank with higher sensitivity, quicker recovery and ultra light swing weight. CCC rods combine with an Ultra-Light Helical Core to create intelligent rods that support hoop strength and stabilise the blank in flex. The graphene nano in Primal rods is there for a purpose, not just for pixie dust. Nano works best with compression fibres, so we use it to improve axial resilience and not just so we can add in an extra buzz word. The end result is that when you purchase a Primal rod you get a rod that out-performs overpriced rods at a price that means the only bank you will hit is the far one. Get into your nearest fly fishing store and don’t leave with anything other than a Primal rod. Primal RAW CCC is available in: 9’0” #5, 9’0” #6, 9’0” #7, 9’0” #8, 9’6” #6, 9’6” #7, 10’0” #6, 10’0” #7 Primal MEGA CCC is available in: 8’0” #6, 8’0” #8, 9’0” #6, 9’0” #8, 9’0” #9, 9’0” #10, 9’0” #12 For more information visit www.manictackleproject.com

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 6 0 / 20 24

G E AR RE VI E WS

SCOTT SESSION The Scott Fly Rod Company has introduced the new Scott Session fly rods, designed to offer versatility and high-performance for a variety of fishing scenarios. The Session series is crafted to be adaptable, making it an excellent choice for anglers who fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The Scott Session rods are built with advanced materials and technologies to enhance their performance, durability, and sensitivity. These rods provide a smooth and responsive casting experience, ensuring precise and powerful casts. The design also incorporates a modern aesthetic with meticulous attention to detail in both finish and components. This series includes multiple rod models, catering to different fishing styles and preferences. From lightweight options for delicate presentations to more robust models for handling larger fish and tougher conditions, the Scott Session rods cover a wide range of needs. The Scott Session is a premium rod without the Gucci custom fittings of some of the other Scott models. But to put that in context the Session's component set is actually in line with what most companies put on their premium rods. That's really where the value comes in for a Session and, most importantly, like all Scott fly fishing rods, they are handcrafted on site in Colorado, USA. Each rod has the Scott personal touch even down to the handwritten Scott logo, rod label and serial number. Rather than cut corners by adding inferior fittings that would affect performance, Scott have reduced costs in other ways, without having to sacrifice on the river output. Simple measures like removing some cosmetic features, no Scott engraving on the butt and using a cordura tube, all mean that the Scott Session hand crafted rod you get is pure Scott quality and definitely not just a budget model from a premium rod manufacturer. Overall, the Scott Session fly rod series is positioned as a versatile, high-performing option for anglers seeking a reliable rod that can handle diverse fishing environments. For more details visit www.manictackleproject.com

SIMMS G3 GUIDE BOOT Simms G3 Guide Boots have earned a reputation for being top performers in the wading world and for good reason. They live up to the hype, offer superior comfort, durability, and performance that elevates your fishing experience. In short, they do what they are meant to do and they do it well. The G3 Guide Boot is the boot for anglers that want a boot to go further – and keep on going. The comfort comes from the additional ankle support and moisture wicking leather upper, that allow you to walk all day. The boots are constructed of full-grain leather with double and triple stitching throughout – so you know they'll endure seasons after seasons of rugged use. That’s the off river stuff, but what about the in river stuff? The sole is Vibram Idrogrip that provides complete traction on wet rocks, slippery moss, and loose gravel – where you step is where you will stay. The G3 is stitched and glued together with a Norwegian welt construction. This is a construction style that allows for easy replacement of worn soles. You can get a new sole added at any stage, further increasing the life of your new boot. If you are doing a lot of time on the track and in the river, the Simms G3 Guide Boot is what you need. Sizes available 8-15. For more details visit www.manictackleproject.com

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE /

6 1 / 20 24

G E AR RE VI E WS

Patagonia Forra Boots REVIEW BY SIMON CHU SHORT TAKE I fished and guided in Aotearoa / New Zealand for over 100 days in these boots and they were comfortable and dependable, whether hiking or wading. I’m still wearing them with over 500 kilometres on the soles. Outstanding! THE LONG REVIEW I first started wearing the Forra boots in Montana during the summer and was immediately impressed with the weight and comfort. I specialise in walk/wade fishing — spending long days on my feet and do plenty of miles with a backpack on, fish guiding. The boots had excellent grip, wet or dry, and were extremely comfortable hiking. They’re lightweight and have plenty of ankle support. I wore the boots teamed with Yulex® wading socks and built-in gravel guards, in the same sizing as my regular shoe. I do wear one size larger if wearing a thick sock and a Yulex® wading sock or waders with a built-in Yulex® booty. The rubber is grippy on wet rock and the formed heel provides security if you find yourself slipping — no other wading boot compares. After more than 500 kilometres on the boots, I’m totally sold on their durability and function. I highly recommend the Forra boot. It’s the best wet wading boot I’ve worn yet. Patagonia has a goal to build the best functioning and performing gear — they nailed this one.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER | SIMON CHU Simon is an iconic angler and guide, known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to inspiring others, in addition to his many, varied accomplishments in fresh and saltwater. Simon guides in New Zealand and internationally. Image by Callum Wood Photography.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 6 2 / 20 24

G E AR RE VI E WS

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes REVIEWER: NICK REYGAERT I live, guide and play in Fiordland, a place that can average over six metres of rain a year. All that water falling from the sky is a blessing as it fuels hundreds of lakes and rivers, the vast majority of which contain trout, both brown and rainbow, of epic numbers and proportions. It is a wet place, many a friend and client has had a chuckle when I’ve advised them to bring two rain jackets on backcountry missions – one to wear while the other one dries out! To live here is to truly value good quality, water-resistant gear. I go on a large variety of fishing missions from day guiding on the local streams, multiday helicopter trips into the backcountry to long days in my boat in the ocean off the Fiordland coast. The Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes have been a recent addition to my organisational system. Being well organised is a key to success on these outings and having multiple compartments for all of the essentials helps things stay in order and separate. Trust me, on a four day backcountry trip you want to keep your dirty underwear and your tooth brush well separated! The Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes are lightweight, waterresistant cells. A completely welded construction, they use a TPU laminated 70D ripstop nylon that provides a translucent window panel so you can easily view the contents inside. The welded, low-profile Hypalon grab handles provide convenient handling or lashing no matter what adventure you're on. Best of all they come in five different sizes from the XS 0.75l to the XL 9l.

Firstly, every piece in the range is designed to be as light as possible, one of the design principles of Sea to Summit. This is very handy when packing for helicopter trips or tramping trips when weight always seems to be an issue. The cubes are labelled as water-resistant - the zippers will withstand splashes, but not submersion however they go damn close to being waterproof, especially as the cubes are designed to be packed inside a waterproof bag. These little beauties are going to keep whatever is inside nice and dry as long as you don’t take them scuba diving! The small size cube is the perfect toiletries bag and is now my go to for all my trips, including road trips with the family. The extra small cube is great for packing cables and plugs. The medium cube I use for my clean socks and underwear. The large size has become my default dirty clothes bag on multiday camping trips as it compresses small, packs light and has the bonus feature of trapping the dampness/smell inside the bag once zipped and not polluting the rest of my stuff. They are cheap enough to buy a few of differing sizes. But I use the smaller sizes the most, especially in my day to day guiding work. While I mainly use them to keep water away from my essentials they’ll be just as handy keeping out dirt and dust, especially that red dirt in Northern Australia that seems to find its way into everything. Overall, if you are outdoorsy these will be a handy edition to your kit.

STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 6 4 / 20 24

Guided Fly Fishing Trout Murray Cod Walk & Wade Drift Boat Heli Fishing www.backofbeyondflyfishing.com

“Unrivalled experience & knowledge of the High Country and its fly fishing opportunities”

Book youFIrSHING filmwadovrtehnyture!

Day trips - Heli trips - Mothership trips

Cairns - Australia

tropicalsportfisher.com | 0409 613 583

To book these contact: [email protected]

T HE F I NAL WORD

Matthew Stockton was F3T’s official artist in 2023 with his fly fishing “Starry Nights” take featuring as our poster art last season Follow Matt @Stockton.fly2frame and visit his website for more information matthewstockton.com STO N E F LY MAGAZ I NE

/ 6 6 / 20 24

BORN IN THE MOUNTAINS

OUTDOOR APPAREL ENGINEERED TO LAST

RYDR PANT

WE'RE HIRING

THE FLYFISHER

THE FLYFISHER’S PODCAST GEAR TUITION TRAVEL GUIDING FLY TYING COURSE