"The Truckee River chose for itself to have really big fish over many fish"

- Dave Stanley

In this episode of the Reno Fly Shop Podcast I sit down with Dave Stanley who I consider to be emblematic with fly fishing, certainly in Reno/Tahoe and the eastern Sierras but also in much farther and greater impacts.

Dave has significantly contributed fly fishing technique, fly design, locations to fish and approaches to fly fishing moving and still water. What I believe is one of his greatest contributions is his laid back generous style to the fly fishing community. So often things can become segmented and compartmentalized. Dave breaks down those barriers with generosity and humor. Dave is equal parts angler, hunter, musician, father and friend.

Through retail, guiding, teaching and often simply sharing great insight and perspective Dave can be credited with providing the access and opportunity for hundreds of us to fly fish today.  I am certainly stoked to consider myself one of those lucky anglers that were able to learn from Dave's experience, good nature and generosity.

Since stepping away from the Shop in 2010 Dave has still guided and fished the Truckee River and our area lakes.  Dave also continues to pursue his well known passion for waterfowl hunting and guiding each and every season.

I got to sit down with Dave to discuss the history and trends of fly fishing in our area from his perspective.  He shares why fly fishing in our area lakes and reservoirs is one of the best kept secrets out there, why anglers have gravitated to fishing moving water versus stillwater and how he approaches fly fishing Pyramid Lake.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

"Fly presentation trumps fly selection everytime"

- Phil Rowley

Get ready for our second episode with Phil Rowley.  In this episode of the Reno Fly Shop Podcast Phil discusses the history of balanced flies and his contribution to the evolution of one of the fly patterns that have turned a new page in fly fishing stillwaters.  This can't be more obvious than at Pyramid Lake one of our home waters.

Download the Phil Rowley Stillwater Leader Formulas here.

The Balanced Leech has been one of the most popular and effective patterns since it's introduction a few years ago. It was one of the most popular Pyramid Lake patterns last year in the Reno Fly Shop.  As we discuss in this podcast it's effectiveness is that it can be delivered and held right in the strike zone for cruising trout.  Add in some (often present) wind chop and waves to create movement under an indicator and you are offering a fly that the fish simply can't ignore.

As we dicussed in Episode 20 with Phil we offer up the leader formula that Phil has fine tuned to fishing stillwater under an indicator.  This leader can be used for Chironomids and or Balanced flies (even in combination).

If you end up fishing a balanced fly in a multi fly rig we suggest that the balanced fly be at the terminal end of the leader.  This will allow the fly to suspend in the intended horizontal orientation.

Phil goes on to discuss his approach and tactics when fishing these patterns and shares that they are not limited to stillwaters or leech patterns.  He ties this style for rivers and streams as well as to represent various aquatic insects.

If you are interested in any of these balanced fly patterns please contact the shop and we will be happy to mail you them right away.

Enjoy!

Information on some of Phil's hosted travel can be found here.

Silver Bullets on the Fly - Wild Coho at Rugged Point Lodge - Fall 2016

Fall School at Stoney Lake Lodge - Fall 2016

Lago Strobel (Jurassic Lake) - Spring 2017

Make a point of visiting or following Phil on-line at, www.flycraftangling.com or www.stillwaterflyfishingstore.com and through his social media channels, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.