Fly Fishing Reviews

Westfly maintains a large and expanding archive of product reviews grouped into ten categories. A summary of all product reviews is below, grouped by category; reviews are listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first. Click on the product name to read the review. Click on a category to go to that group.

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Categories: Rods  Reels  Lines  Clothing  Waders  Wading Boots  Accessories  Watercraft  Books  Videos.

Rods

Winston Boron IIX Fly Rods. Light weight and a pleasure to cast. My favorite production rods. Reviewed on 03/10/2006. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

Thomas & Thomas Two-Handed Rods. Superb two-handed rods, but match the rod to the water if you want to be happy. Reviewed on 09/12/2004. Reviewer rating: 5.

Reels

Nautilus CCF Fly Reels. Well-made, trouble-free reel perfect for saltwater fly fishing and other big game. Reviewed on 03/20/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Lines

Sharkskin Fly Line. A real improvement in fly line technology. Reviewed on 01/21/2009. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 3.6666666666667

Cortland 444 Sylk. Good line in general, but especially well suited to cane rods. Reviewed on 11/18/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Tropical Fly Lines Compared. Some are better than others. The Wulff Triangle Taper Bonefish Line is my top choice. Reviewed on 03/06/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Skagit Cheater. Clever system that helps when you're using a sink-tip line and the brush is at your back. Reviewed on 12/15/2004. Reviewer rating: 4.

Clothing

Cloudveil 8X Jacket. An excellent jacket for the premium market, but you're going to pay a lot for it. Reviewed on 01/21/2007. Reviewer rating: 5.

Cloudveil Two-Trigger Gloves. Best fleece gloves I've tried. Great for rowing during cold weather. Reviewed on 11/03/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Cloudveil Zorro Jacket. A great lightweight, breathable jacket Reviewed on 10/31/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Cloudveil Flat Creek Jacket. Stops the wind, keep the warmth in, fits great, stands up to abuse, practical. Reviewed on 10/23/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Waders

Cloudveil 8X Waders. Great waders from a new provider; too early to tell about durability. Reviewed on 01/01/2007. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

Boots

Korkers Guide Wading Boot. Good boot in the right place, but make sure it's right for your rivers. Reviewed on 06/02/2010. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 4.6

Fly-Fish Better by Art Scheck. Good insights into fly fishing tactics and the industry at large. Reviewed on 06/23/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Korkers Konvetible Boots. Innovative wading boots that let you change the soles to fit the situation. Reviewed on 10/08/2003. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 4

Accessories

Navigator Flips Fins from Omega Aquatics. Revolutionary concept for fins. Definitely worth serious consideration by all kickboaters. Reviewed on 02/24/2009. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

Sleeping pads of several brands. When looking for a sleeping pad, be very very careful. Reviewed on 08/23/2006. Reviewer rating: Various. Average User Rating: 5

Bug Bagz Entomology Kit. Simple, compact streamside collection kit for budding entomologists. Reviewed on 06/05/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Simms Bottomless Pit Luggage, model 80. Sturdy and roomy, but weighs a lot. Reviewed on 04/07/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Ross Pescador 6 Fishing Pliers. Versatile pliers with interchangeable parts and hook hone. An issue with tolerances, though. Reviewed on 03/27/2006. Reviewer rating: 3.

Fishpond Waterdance Gear Pack. Roomy and comfortable fanny pack for use on flats or general fishing. Reviewed on 03/15/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Vac Rac Combi Rod Mounts. My pick for car-mounted rod carrier. Reviewed on 12/16/2005. Reviewer rating: 4.

Leatherman Juice S2. Wonderfully useful and compact multi-tool. Reviewed on 02/19/2003. Reviewer rating: 4.

Quick Seine. Handy accessory if you carry a net and want to seine the river for insects. Reviewed on 04/28/2002. Reviewer rating: 3.

Finsport Fly Drying Wallet.. Best fly drying wallet I've used. Reviewed on 08/15/2000. Reviewer rating: 4.

Bole Flote Right. Works great for nymphing, especially if you're fishing from a boat. Reviewed on 07/26/2000. Reviewer rating: 4.

Watercraft

NRS GigBob. Many good points, but the weight will be a killer for many anglers. Reviewed on 08/14/2009. Reviewer rating: 3.

Waterstrider Inflatable boat. Top watercraft for stealth, safety, and portability. Reviewed on 05/07/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Escalade Inflatable Boat. Inexpensive, versatile, and highly portable. Worth considering for either lakes or rivers. Reviewed on 05/15/2001. Reviewer rating: 4.

Books

Pocketguide to Western Hatches. Great things come in small packages Reviewed on 12/22/2011. Reviewer rating: 4.

Fishing the Film. Must-read for anglers who want to understand what's happening on, in, and near the water's surface! Reviewed on 07/07/2011. Reviewer rating: 4.

At the Water's Edge. A great way to experience the world of fishing through the eyes of a famed British angler. Reviewed on 05/15/2011. Reviewer rating: 5.

Bugwater. Must have book for any fly tyer or fly angler. Reviewed on 05/25/2010. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

Till Death or Fly Fishing Do Us Part. Good, fun read Reviewed on 05/10/2010. Reviewer rating: 4.

Inventing Montana. If you like Leeson's lyrical and thoughtful prose about fly fishing, you'll love this book. Reviewed on 03/10/2010. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

an inconvenient trout. Very funny book with lots of inside jokes for western fly fishers. Reviewed on 03/08/2009. Reviewer rating: 5.

Home Pool. Recommended for all readers, not just fly fishers. Reviewed on 03/03/2009. Reviewer rating: 5.

The Clinch Knot. I would recommend this book to all those who love a good mystery. Having a love of fishing, camping, Reviewed on 02/06/2009. Reviewer rating: 5.

Charlie Craven's Basic Fly Tying. Buy it, gift it, and refer to it often. It is a coffee table quality product at a reasonable price. Reviewed on 11/03/2008. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fish Food. An excellent guide to what fish eat and how to match it. Reviewed on 08/18/2008. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

A Passion for Steelhead. If you own only one steelhead book, this should be it. Reviewed on 08/10/2008. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

The Trout Whisperers. Not as funny as others have said, but draw your own conclusions. Reviewed on 08/08/2008. Reviewer rating: 3.

The Rise. Will change how you think about dry fly fishing. Reviewed on 08/06/2008. Reviewer rating: 4.

Rod Rage by Rhea Topping. Everyone should read this book. Reviewed on 07/01/2008. Reviewer rating: 4.

Rotary Fly-Tying Techniques. Useful book for anyone contemplating or owning a rotary tying vise. Reviewed on 06/02/2008. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fishing Tandem Flies. Good presentation of effective strategy. Reviewed on 06/02/2008. Reviewer rating: 3.

Barr Flies. A must-have book for fly tiers. Reviewed on 05/03/2008. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest. Informative and entertaining with good videography. Reviewed on 04/29/2008. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest. Well-written, thoroughly enjoyable Reviewed on 04/29/2008. Reviewer rating: 5.

Oregon Fishing. A useful book that most Oregon anglers will want to put in their library. Reviewed on 03/31/2008. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 3

Drift boats and River Dories. Best of breed. Reviewed on 03/31/2008. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fly-Fishing for Smallmouth Bass. Knowledgable, well written, and well laid-out. Reviewed on 03/31/2008. Reviewer rating: 4.

Rod Crafting by Jeffery Hatton. Pictorial history of cane rods from 1843 to 1960, showing the best of the old masters Reviewed on 11/28/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Clouser's Flies by Bob Clouser. Clear and concise instructions for tying 17 patterns from master tyer Bob Clouser. Reviewed on 11/23/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Nymph-Fishing River and Streams by Rick Hafele. Good book/dvd combo for advanced beginner to intermediate fly anglers looking to improve their nymph Reviewed on 11/13/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Bonefish Fly Patterns. The best fly pattern book for anyone pursuing bonefish. Reviewed on 10/27/2006. Reviewer rating: 3.

Green River Virgins. Excellent collection of short stories ranging from Colorado to Alaska, with both drama and humor. Reviewed on 01/26/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fly Waters Near and Far. A "fantasy" photo book that focuses on a limited set of destinations. Reviewed on 12/13/2005. Reviewer rating: 3.

Small-Stream Fly Fishing. Stop complaining about crowded rivers and learn how to find big fish in small streams. Reviewed on 10/04/2005. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

A New Generation of Trout Flies. Effective Western trout patterns that are easy and quick to tie. What more do you need? Reviewed on 09/30/2005. Reviewer rating: 4.

Still Life with Brook Trout. Another in a long string of great essay books from John Gierach. Reviewed on 09/29/2005. Reviewer rating: 5.

Creative Fly Tying. For any experienced tyer who wants to get into the mind-set of a master fly designer. Reviewed on 09/28/2005. Reviewer rating: 5.

Oregon River Maps and Fishing Guide--Second Edition. The second edition is what you want. Read the review to learn how to get it. Reviewed on 09/13/2005. Reviewer rating: 4.

America's 100 Best Trout Streams. Quick overview of the best places, then points to resources for more info. Useful book Reviewed on 07/03/2005. Reviewer rating: 3.

Oregon River Maps and Fishing Guide--First Edition. Two editions; the first is terrible, the second is useful. Get the correct one. Reviewed on 07/03/2005. Reviewer rating: 2. Average User Rating: 2

Western Mayfly Hatches. A must-have book if you want to match-the-hatch in the West. Reviewed on 07/02/2005. Reviewer rating: 5.

Cathy Beck's Fly-Fishing Handbook. The target audience is women, but men can find it useful, too. Reviewed on 05/28/2005. Reviewer rating: 3.

How to Fly-Fish. A gear junkies dream, but NOT for beginners. Reviewed on 05/21/2005. Reviewer rating: 2.

Fishing Small Flies. The companion volume to Tying Small Flies. Get both, and you'll have the killer flies and tac Reviewed on 05/21/2005. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Fly Fishing for Beginners. There are better books for beginners. Reviewed on 03/23/2005. Reviewer rating: 2.

Trout Hunting. A different perspective on some fly fishing tactics, garnered from fishing on three continents. Reviewed on 03/21/2005. Reviewer rating: 3. Average User Rating: 5

Northwest Patterns and Tying Guide. A fine collection of regional patterns from top tyers. Reviewed on 03/19/2005. Reviewer rating: 4.

Cane Rods: Tips and Tapers. Uneven book, but occasionally useful to an intermediate or advanced builder. Reviewed on 02/27/2005. Reviewer rating: 3.

Tying Small Flies. Clear and practical, like having the master at your tying bench. Reviewed on 02/27/2005. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Midge Magic. Oriented to Pennsylvania, but the methodology is adaptable to Western fly fishing. Reviewed on 02/17/2005. Reviewer rating: 3.

Splitting Cane. Highlights the work of 16 cane craftsmen from around the country. If you love bamboo, you'll love th Reviewed on 02/17/2005. Reviewer rating: 4.

Spey Casting. If you're serious about spey casting, buy this book. Reviewed on 02/03/2005. Reviewer rating: 5.

Biological Time. Revolutionary ideas about the behavior of fish and other animals. Reviewed on 11/02/2004. Reviewer rating: 5.

My Story as Told by Water. Entertaining, humorous, and thought-provoking. Top quality work from one of our very best writers. Reviewed on 08/02/2004. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fishing Online: 1,000 Best Websites. A book that can save you a lot of google time. Reviewed on 05/17/2004. Reviewer rating: 4.

Tying Emergers. The best on the most important stage of insect life. No tyer should be without it. Reviewed on 04/18/2004. Reviewer rating: 5.

Lefty Kreh's Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing. A poorly-produced pastiche of the author's earlier writings. Limited use to the Western fly angler. Reviewed on 01/23/2004. Reviewer rating: 2.

A Concise History of Fly Fishing. A good place to learn about the elders of the tribe. Reviewed on 01/19/2004. Reviewer rating: 3.

Freshwater Fishing--Oregon and Washington. Suited to a newcomer to the Northwest or to fishing. Reviewed on 11/11/2003. Reviewer rating: 3.

The Book of Practical Fishing Knots. Color illustrations make it easier to understand how knots are to be tied. Reviewed on 08/13/2003. Reviewer rating: 4.

A Fishing Life is Hard Work. A collection of well-written essays that give some insights into the fly-fishing industry. Reviewed on 08/05/2003. Reviewer rating: 3.

At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman. Another enjoyable collection of Gierach's essays. Reviewed on 05/28/2003. Reviewer rating: 5.

Tying Flies with CDC. A useful reference for the advanced fly tyer. Reviewed on 05/08/2003. Reviewer rating: 3.

Fly Tying Made Easy for Beginners. Great choice for a beginning tyer. Reviewed on 01/06/2003. Reviewer rating: 4.

Basic Fly Tying. Decent book for beginning tyer, but I like Randall Kaufmann's new book better. Reviewed on 01/06/2003. Reviewer rating: 3.

Big Trout. Some profound insights into big fish behavior; marred by sloppy publishing. Reviewed on 11/24/2002. Reviewer rating: 4.

Seasons of the Metolius. If you love the Metolius, you should have this book. Reviewed on 09/24/2002. Reviewer rating: 4.

Taking Trout. Good trout fishing advice from one of our best writers. Reviewed on 09/24/2002. Reviewer rating: 4.

Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia. Useful resource for anyone traveling through Montana. Reviewed on 09/22/2002. Reviewer rating: 4.

Trout Fishing Near American Cities. In the internet age, this is not a valuable resource; save your money. Reviewed on 04/02/2002. Reviewer rating: 2.

Guide to Fly Fishing the Oregon Cascades. Hard won information about the big and little waters of Oregon's northern Cascades. Reviewed on 12/05/2000. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Fly Fishing Alaska. Could cut year's off your learning curve if you're going to fish in Alaska. Reviewed on 10/05/2000. Reviewer rating: 3.

Fly Fishing the Sierra Nevada. Gets you oriented to the best fly fishing in the Sierra Nevada. Reviewed on 09/11/2000. Reviewer rating: 4.

Driftboats: A Complete Guide. Good read for anyone owning or planning to own a driftboat. Reviewed on 09/04/2000. Reviewer rating: 3.

Trouble-Shooting the Cast. Good technical advice for solving problems, but you'll always do better with one-on-one instruction. Reviewed on 07/05/2000. Reviewer rating: 3.

Fishing In Oregon, Ninth Edition. Must-have book if you're fishing in Oregon. Reviewed on 07/05/2000. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 5

Essential Trout Flies. Great book for the beginning tyer because it shows how to tie basic styles of trout flies. Reviewed on 06/07/2000. Reviewer rating: 4.

Best Flies for Idaho. Good collection of regional fly patterns, but the fly photos leave much to be desired. Reviewed on 06/01/2000. Reviewer rating: 3.

Trout Flies of the West. An excellent collection of fly patterns that represent some of the best regional thinking on the sub Reviewed on 09/01/1999. Reviewer rating: 4.

Trout Flies. A standard reference that should be on every tyers book shelf. Reviewed on 06/01/1999. Reviewer rating: 5.

Western Streamside Guide. Handy streamside guide in new edition, marred by some production issues. Reviewed on 01/02/1999. Reviewer rating: 3.

Videos

The Dead Drift. Must-see if you're planning your first trip to the south island. Reviewed on 05/17/2010. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Rise. Superb! Reviewed on 12/04/2009. Reviewer rating: 4.

Once in a Blue Moon. WOW! Must-own DVD. Reviewed on 08/05/2009. Reviewer rating: 5.

Bonefish -- A Fly Fishing Odyssey. Whether you are a bonefish addict or an aspiring bonefisher just waiting to get bitten by the "bug," Reviewed on 03/14/2009. Reviewer rating: 4.

Drift. Take a cinematographic fly fishing journey and go for a drift! Reviewed on 12/19/2008. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest. Informative and entertaining with good videography. Reviewed on 04/29/2008. Reviewer rating: 4. Average User Rating: 5

Trout Grass. If you're into cane rods, you'll love seeing this forest-to-rod saga. Reviewed on 11/07/2006. Reviewer rating: 5. Average User Rating: 4.5

Polly Rosborough Ties His Fuzzy Nymphs. One of the most influential fly tyers of the 20th century ties some of his signature patterns. Reviewed on 06/17/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

Tying Bob Quigley's Signature Flies. Watch, and learn a few secrets from a master tier as he whips up a few patterns for fussy trout. Reviewed on 06/14/2006. Reviewer rating: 4.

The Hatch. Beautifully crafted video that captures the fly fishing soul at its most passionate. Reviewed on 05/15/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

The Trout Bum Diaries: Patagonia. Breakthrough fly fishing video. Don't miss it! Reviewed on 05/03/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

Spey Fishing for Steelhead. Anyone wanting to pursue steelhead should see this video. Reviewed on 03/26/2006. Reviewer rating: 5.

New Zealand Trophy Waters, Volume Four. Beautiful videography of outstanding fishing situations. NOT your typical "nice fish" video. Reviewed on 12/17/2004. Reviewer rating: 4.

Spey Casting Secrets. See a variety of spey casting techniques from the masters at a Sandy River Spey Clave. Reviewed on 01/23/2004. Reviewer rating: 3.

Introduction to Spey Casting. If you're into spey casting, you'll learn a few new tricks from this video. Reviewed on 01/22/2004. Reviewer rating: 4.

New Zealand Trophy Waters. Superb videography, good entertainment, and informative. Reviewed on 07/09/2003. Reviewer rating: 5.

Fly Fishing Large Western Rivers--Summer and Fall. More entertainment and wisdom from master anglers Rick and John--and The Bugwan. Reviewed on 03/28/2003. Reviewer rating: 4.

Fly Fishing Large Western Rivers--Spring and Winter. Entertaining video series covering trout fishing tactics in all seasons. Reviewed on 12/17/2002. Reviewer rating: 4.