- FREESTONE BLOG -
The Art of Spring Creek Fly Fishing: A Complete Guide
There’s something magical about spring creek fly fishing that sets it apart from other angling experiences. Whether you’re casting in the crystal-clear waters of Montana or wading the legendary spring creeks of Pennsylvania’s limestone valleys, spring creeks offer a unique and rewarding challenge that can transform the way you approach fly fishing. For many anglers, these pristine waterways represent the pinnacle of freshwater fly fishing, combining technical challenge with breathtaking natural beauty. The experience of stalking a rising trout in…
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Last Cast
In the dying light of a summer evening, when the mountains seem to hold their breath and the river whispers its last secrets, there exists a moment that transcends the mere act of fly fishing. It is here, on the water’s edge, that the heart of an angler finds solace and communion with nature’s silent rhythms. As I stand knee-deep in the current, the fly line lays gently on the water like an offering whispered to the trout below. Each…
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The Sage R8 Core 9′ 5wt: One Year Review
Arguably, trout anglers use a 5wt more than any other rod. Sure you may have a 4wt that is perfect for feeding dries to picky fish. Or a 6wt for chucking streamers. But the rod in your quiver that likely gets the most use is your trusty 5wt. Which is why, in my opinion, if you are going to have one “really good” rod, the 5wt should be it. Fortunately, I have a handful of “really good” 5wts. Unfortunately, that…
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How To Tie: Hex Girlfriend
The first time that I fished a Hex (Hexagenia) hatch it was insane. The water was literally boiling with fish. Good cast, shitty cast, it didn’t matter. The fish weren’t selective. We caught so many rainbows, cuts, and browns that we lost count. At the time, I was fishing an oversized yellow Parachute Adams tied on a size 6 hook. In reality, to properly match the hatch, I probably should have gone even bigger. And maybe something with foam, because…
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Smooth Move! RIO’s Elite Technical Trout Fly Line Review
A new rod is often the first thing an angler turns to when thinking about what they need to up their casting game. While I love a new rod just as much as the next guy (and am always trying to justify another purchase), the truth is, bigger gains can often be achieved by simply spooling up a new fly line for around $100. Rather than buying the latest and greatest fly rod with hyper-nano dry-streamer flex technology, you can…
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How To Tie: Night Leach
This fly, created by my dad, Steve Probasco, has become my “go to” leach pattern – especially in the evening hours. Not only is this fly good for trout, but when tied in a variety of colors; brown, blue, purple, red, etc., it is a great smallmouth bass fly too. As Steve writes in his book “Probasco’s Favorite Northwest Flies“: When the body material Estaz hit the market, I started tying leech patterns using this innovative material for the body…
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