WFS 086 - Winter Steelhead with Mark Bachmann - Sandy River, Fly Fish USA, Carl Perry, Airflo

Sponsor: https://www.delifreshdesign.com/

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/mark

I spent a day with Mark Bachmann on the Sandy River looking for winter steelhead. Within 10 minutes of putting the boat in the water we find ourselves stuck on a mid channel boulder in the first rapid.

We look at the best setup for winter steelhead, talk about how to find fish and hear the story of how Mark made a business in fly fishing at Fly Fish USA. Mark brings a hard exterior but after spending a day on the river with him I find out that he's a really good guy.

Show Sponsors

Deli Fresh Design:

https://www.delifreshdesign.com/

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Show Notes with Mark Bachmann

We talk about Carl Perry who was a big influence on Mark and a guy who learned partially from my dad. Here's a little chat about Carl Perry (Perry Poke) on Spey Pages.

Steelhead Fly Fishing by Trey Comb's was the first big influence on spey and steelhead.

The Airflo Flo Tip and the Rio Mow Tip are similar tips. We talk about the 7.5' T14 with 2.5' intermediate tip.

The Harding Rod/Reel case is no longer made but Sage Rod/Reel Case a good one that's similar.

We use a Sage reel and a Sage X 13' 7 wt

We use the 525 grain Rio Max Skagit Short line today while on the water.

The Sandy River Spey Clave is one of the largest Claves in the country. What is the next biggest?

We talk about Jason at the Portland Fly shop who I worked with on a show sponsor. Jason worked for Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters before starting his own shop.

The Blue Prom Dress was Mark's goto fly pattern and the one we used on the river.

A passion for steelhead and Todd Moen Videos are Marks recommendations.

You can reach Mark at FlyFishUSA.com for gear or a steelhead trip.

Conclusion with Mark Bachmann

That was a lot of fun. I was able to get on the water with Mark for a day and here some of the stories behind one of the big influencers in winter steelhead fly fishing. We also get into a bunch of great tips plus the big story at the start.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/mark