FLYCRAFT BLOG

Ymir, British Columbia isn't known as a fly fishing mecca. Yet in Ymir, lives one of the most passionate anglers on the planet. 

He doesn't talk much and when he does, he speaks with a knowledge, obsession and conviction that inspires others to be better anglers, and conservationists, and to better appreciate the times spent in wild places. 

He feels that fishing is really not about the angler, it’s about the fish, so he simply hides his identity with a pre-drawn paper bag and lets the fish get all the glory.

Andrew Leus, aka Paper Bag Fisherman, has fostered a lifelong love of moving water, and everything in it.  He studies the aquatic world with an urgency and intensity that few have for ANY topic, and he travels far and wide throughout southern BC, northern Montana, Idaho and Washington looking to expand his knowledge.  

Bull trout are his addiction, streamers his weapon of choice, and the Flycraft 2 Man Stealth his mode of transport. You might find him using a fiberglass rod to cast repurposed barbie dolls in hidden, far away spots that hold the biggest bulls.

And then, when a giant is finally in the net, the bag goes on. There is no feeling on earth like fishing for bull trout, having one take you into the backing and then, BAM! Andrew comes out of nowhere and slams a paper bag on your head while you try to tail what you are sure is one of the largest char ever caught!  

When not fishing, Andrew is a talented artist creating obscure works of amazingly intricate art. From large paintings to hobbled together sculptures made from found items on his long walks and time on the water, his art is truly unique and worthy of the praise it has garnered.

It’s turned into a bit of a tradition this paper bag thing, and Andrew is known far and wide as "The Paper Bag Fisherman", but at its roots is an incredibly authentic, and creative soul looking to learn, share and create memories with friends on the water, and in the Flycraft. 

The new Stealth X has surpassed expectations. It's really the perfect hybrid between our Stealth 2-person and Guide 3-person inflatable fishing boat.

Given the Stealth X's versatilely, we at Flycraft opted to take it on a few of our favorite runs: The Provo River, Utah, the Madison River, Montana and the Green River, Utah. 

Check out the views and fish in the video below:

Here's a few things we love about the Stealth X:

• It's new frame design, secure leg locks for each angler, and its quick self-bailing feature, the Stealth X is a must-have for the avid fisherman.
• It’s WIDER, comfortably accommodating 3 people. 
• With a new frame design, secure leg locks for each angler, and its quick self-bailing feature, the Stealth X is a must-have for the avid fisherman.

For those of you who‘ve had a hard time deciding between our classic 12 foot 2-man Stealth and our 14 foot 3-man Guide Boat, the Stealth X is really the perfect hybrid for you.

You can also check out Day 1 and Day 2 of our winter trip to the Green in the Stealth X with Flycraft Pro Lance Egan. 

Learn more about the Stealth X here >>

Check out this short film of Clark Aeger and friends taking the Flycraft Guide 3-person fishing boat out for a spin on a beautiful fall day. 

This video was shot on the Lower Provo River in Utah, a favorite small fishing river for local fly fishermen. 

Check it out...

Video shot and edited by Clark Aeger @clark_aegerter_images

Kendel with TroutHowler caught our attention documenting his fishing adventures off the beaten path. We reached out to see if he'd like to try one of our boats on his adventures ... looks like he's a Flycraft fan.

Check out the short (2 min) or long (22 min) video of his latest fishing adventure below.

Fly fishing for Fatty Rainbows from a Flycraft (2 min video)

"Ben the owner of Flycraft reached out to me and asked if I would like to try out his boats in some of my videos to which I replied----YES! It's a Flycraft, who's going to say no to that? So my buddy and I took one to a favorite destination hoping for some fat Rainbows. We ended up catching some nice ones and had a good time. We were both very impressed with the boat." 

-TroutHowler

Fly fishing for Fatty Rainbows from a Flycraft (22 min video)

After announcing our new Stealth 2.0 and Stealth X, we've been getting a lot of questions about which boat is the best fit for you. The short answer: It depends on your specific fishing preferences, the waters you fish, and who you want to bring along in your boat.

So we created a simple Flycraft cheat for you below to help you decide which Flycraft model is best for you: 

Fly fishing pro Lance Egan, Jeremy Collett and Flycraft Sales Manager Brandon Collett get out on a local Utah float in the new Stealth X boat.

The Stealth X Inflatable Fishing Boat is the perfect hybrid between our classic 2-man Flycraft Stealth and our Flycraft 3-man 14' boat. This boat is the same length as the 2-man boat but has the width and self bailing options of our 3-man.

Watch it in action below:

The Stealth X includes the most popular modifications requested over the years:

1. It's 10" wider
2. Has lean bars
3. There's a self bailing option
4. It has a seat for a 3rd adult.

It's the perfect hybrid between our classic 2-man Stealth and our 3-man boat.

Click here to learn more >>

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lance Egan has earned an astonishing fly fishing reputation over the years. He's a three-time National Fly Fishing Champion, three-time World Fly Fishing Champion Medalist, a USA Fly Fishing team member since 2003, and Umpqua Feather Merchants Signature Fly Designer. He currently manages Fly Fish Food in Orem, Utah.

When Ben Scribner, founder of Flycraft, first asked me to join him on a float in a prototype boat he’d been developing, I figured we’d fish the Green River, or some other typical large, western river where floating is part of everyday angling. Instead, I arrived to find we’d be floating a river that I had previously wade fished many times. My initial thought was: That river is way too small to float. I was wrong, very wrong!

Next, I was introduced to the first prototype, the Stealth. Again, my initial reaction was hesitation. That boat is too small. We’ll flip over for sure! Admittedly, I tend to err on the side of caution, and was definitely uncomfortable for the first few minutes of being in the small, light craft. Ben was adamant that I fish, while he manned the oars. As he confidently maneuvered the boat, I quickly gained confidence in the boats stability, and safety.

After a few bends in the river I was feeling much more comfortable, and could then focus my attention to the fishing. Which was red hot! Though I had fished large rivers out of drift boats and larger rafts, my first Flycraft float caused my fishing to evolve.

I’ll always love the wading approach to a river, but floating opens up so many techniques, water types, and presentations that a wading angler can not replicate.

I now long for Flycraft floats, and many of my best days each year are spent in the sneaky, responsive, easy to row, Flycraft. Rivers I once thought were too small to float are now well within reason, and are often not only reasonable to float, but are my preferred waters since they lack the crowds of larger rivers. The stability, portability, maneuverability, and fishability of the Flycraft has completely changed the way I fish.

To learn more about the Flycraft Stealth Inflatable Drift Boat, CLICK HERE >>

Lance joined us on a 2 day trip to the Green river in December of 2020 in our Stealth X. Lance caught so many fish we had to break our videos up into Part 1 and Part 2. 

Still waters can provide opportunities to catch some of the largest trout in the world.

One of the challenges many anglers face is how intimidating such a large body of water can be. What I’ve learned over the years is that a majority of large trout find a bulk of their diet near drop lines, vegetation, or rocky shorelines. This is why my Flycraft has become a very important tool in day to day trips giving me the ability to creep in without being detected in shallow zones.

The following tips have been very useful angling from my Flycraft or the areas I can now access by foot due to its versatility:

Intercepting the banks like a pool player visualizing the Q ball shot, intercepting cruising fish is a must learn skill all anglers should experience.

Having the right "angles" is the best way to intercept the target. I first learned this technique in 2003 on a 7 day trip tarpon fishing in Homasassa and Boca Grande, Florida. Watching large migratory tarpon cruise on turtle grass flats, beaches, and harbors you had seconds to line up the shot, load with one or a few false casts, and pull the trigger.

Delivering the fly far ahead of silver kings in order line up the fishes feeding line. While it was frustrating at the beginning, by the end of the week I was hooked. Not to mention the mind racing ideas on the flight back on how I could apply these techniques back home for quality trout. This same intercepting set up from my Flycraft now brings the exciting sight fishing game from my days in the salt to my still waters back home.

First you need to see the path of the trout, what direction it is moving, and if there is a pattern to how it feeds. It is common for these fish to stick to the same routine swimming the same route over and over.

Then determine if the fish is looking for food on the surface, below, or both. If it is only on the surface then it is simple, if the fish is a subsurface feeder then you want to visualize the depth you think the trout is feeding at. It does not have to be spot on at first, you are better off thinking short as the natural movement for a trout to feed is to lift.

Once you have located the highway and speed of the fish it is time to visualize your plan by making an imaginary dotted line in front of the trout to a spot where you think the fish will eventually be. I prefer 10 feet or so. This will give you time to manage line with just a dry, and allowing sinking time for a dropper. It is difficult to land the fly directly in front of the cruising target, especially at longer casting ranges.

To ensure the imitation will be seen I prefer to overshoot. This will give me breathing room to move the fly into position to intercept the trout and its viewing lane. In some situations the extra distance will not make a difference with fish heavy on the feed.

After you land the fly the next decision is how to move the bug into position. There are so many ways this could be done from skating, twitching, or popping. I for one am a fan of skating the dry to mimic the moments of a natural caddis as it is less startling. This technique can be accomplished very easily by simply applying a large mend to the fly line. Matched with a size #14-16 Fat Albert, you are know ready for action. 

Lastly, the most important part about moving a fly is not always the act; it is the pause in between. This lets the trout know the food source is not going to escape or that it is injured.


Color for Depth

Drop-offs or shelves are some of the best locations on still waters to find fish. These color changes indicate crucial depths that trout tend to prowl in the spring, summer, and fall. If possible try to find a high ground viewing area to scout the shoreline before you launch your Fly Craft or travel by foot, as it can be harder to see the exact drop when you are standing on the edge or in the water. In the early season when the ice just starts to thaw, or heat up on the edges you may see three color changes going toward shore: white ice, green or blue deep water, then shoreline colors that are typically brown, tan, or red.

All these transitions are logical ambush points for predators like trout because they provide safety and a steady food supply. In the spring as the shallow edge water warms up, the first birth of midges are prolific a few feet from shore. Always look before you wade, especially during the first two weeks after ice out, as trout hug the bank to take advantage of the warm water and food. This is when you will have to remind yourself that this is fresh water sight fishing not the salt.

Once you locate these drop-offs that follow the lake contours, try to find a structural points that intersect these travel lanes. The tip of a point of land, or the mouth of a bay puts you closer to the trout as it forces them to funnel around you. In rocky terrain, these points can sometimes save the day during heavy wind. Use them to find shelter from the wind for easier casting and better sight fishing.

When fish are more exposed in shallow water, any extra cover they can find is attractive. My favorite spots along a known shorelines are usually isolated large rocks, or rocky points. Trout cruise below, around, and through the rocks using shade, the structure itself, and extra surface disturbance to remain undetected. This is where I locate some of the largest trout of my year.

The Window

Movement is the first thing you will see from a trout in still water because unlike rivers these trout are in constant motion when they feed. Shadows, silhouettes, and color are the best give away that a trout is on the hunt. Be sure to look closely at structure points and the light side of a color change, or drop lines. The often dark, or light colored shape of a trout will contrast against the color of the structure and shallow bank bottom.

Another effective strategy is to view these windows from a high perch or vantage point. Even if you are fishing by yourself it will let you know how close to the edge the fish is cruising, how deep the target is, and what direction it is swimming. Then you will know if your rig is in the path of the trout when it swims by to prevent missing chances for the fish to see your flies. 


Written by Fly Fishing Pro Landon Mayer

ABOUT LANDON MAYER

Landon Mayer, a fly-fishing instructor, long-time guide in the Florissant, CO area, and author, has made his mark in the fly fishing world with his obsession and expertise pursuing large trout with small flies and lightweight fly-fishing gear.

Mayer’s passionate about sharing his techniques and tricks of the sport with other fly fishing enthusiasts via guiding, teaching classes, writing for Fly Fisherman and High Country Angler magazines, and through his books 101 Trout Tips: A Guide’s Secrets, Tactics and Techniques (new for 2015), Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing, Sight Fishing for Trout, and How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life, in addition to two DVDs:  Landing the Trout of Your Life and Weapons of Bass Production.

Mayer also raves about the ease of throwing the Stealth into the back of his truck, and heading out to fish, no problem. A trailer is not needed with the Flycraft Stealth small fishing boat, which is a plus for fishing pros and all fishermen alike.

“It’s also a huge advantage to be able to stay low and stealthy to sneak up on rising fish, but then be able to stand up once in position to fight that fish for make that longer cast to a fish further away,” says Mayer.

Here's a video from our Flycraft team trips last summer, floating western rivers. There's tons of fish, rad footage, and the best times were had!

Check it out...

Brandon's Top 3 Tips For Fishing Western Rivers From A Flycraft:

To learn more about the Flycraft Stealth Inflatable Drift Boat, CLICK HERE >>

If you've ever wondered how being able to launch your boat from anywhere gives you a major fishing advantage, watch the video below. You'll see what kind of fish you can land in spots no one can get to (unless you have a Flycraft).

You get serious fishing advantages with the Flycraft 2-man and 3-man boat given its unique size, durability and versatility.

When you add in the ability to launch just about anywhere, you gain access to literally thousands of new, small or large streams, rivers, and lakes.

With its extremely durable 1 millimeter thick interwoven nylon PVC and extra armor in strategic areas, the Flycraft Stealth 2-man and 3-man can easily be carried to new launch sites, over obstacles or difficult portages.

These crafts eliminate the hassles of boat ramps, towing a trailer, and still gives you all the comfort and stability of a drift boat.

And their shallow draft of 3 inches can get you into some incredibly skinny water, giving you access to unlimited pristine fishing spots.

To learn more about the Flycraft 3-Man Inflatable Drift Boat, CLICK HERE >>

You may know Curtis and Cheech from Fly Fish Food for their fly tying skills or their online shop but these guys can fish.

Here's a video of them floating one of our local Utah rivers. Many people think for good dry fly fishing you have to catch your timing right with a hatch, but if you cover water in a boat you will always find fish looking up!

Check out their YouTube channel for more videos of them floating in their Flycraft! www.flyfishfood.com

To learn more about the Flycraft Stealth Inflatable Drift Boat, CLICK HERE >>

Adding a motor to your Flycraft inflatable drift boat completely transforms it into a still water machine, adventure craft. You radically expand your fishing game with a motor by opening up new waters like ponds, lakes, and oceans.

It also gives you the advantages of a motor boat without the price tag attached to a traditional motor boat and trailer. And because your Flycraft is inflatable and super lightweight there is no need to deal with a trailer. Just transport it on a truck, trailer, roof of a car, or even in a trunk.

Check out the video below to see what adding a motor to your Flycraft inflatable drift boat can do to your fishing game:

To learn more about the Flycraft Stillwater Motor Packages CLICK HERE >>