Fly Fishing Daily

• Reel in the Latest Fishing News for Spring 2025: Rainbow Trout, Salmonflies, and New Tackle

  # Fishin' the News: Spring 2025 EditionHey there, fellow fly flingers! As May rolls in and the water warms up, there's plenty happening in our world of fur and feathers. Here's what's buzzing along the banks this season:Rainbow Bonanza at Fort McCoyThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just wrapped up their 2025 rainbow trout stocking at Fort McCoy, dumping more than 15,000 rainbows into the local waterways just in time for the May 3 fishing season opener[2]. The Genoa National Fish Hatchery crew didn't just stock average planters either – word is they threw in some lunkers to keep things interesting. Wildlife manager Rood mentioned they've found previously stocked rainbows growing to over 20 inches in past surveys, so there's definitely trophy potential swimming around in there[2].Salmonfly Hatch Kicking Off in the Middle DeschutesIf you've been waiting for the big bugs, the wait is over! The 2025 Salmonfly hatch is officially underway on the Middle Deschutes, with initial activity reported near Steelhead Falls and bugs spotted as far up as the Tumalo area as of May 3rd[5]. While you're waiting for those massive orange-bellied beasts to really get going, the local guides suggest fishing tan caddis pupa, golden stones, and drake nymphs. Speaking of drakes...Green Drake Action on the HorizonThe Green Drake emergence is starting to build, though the real show won't kick into high gear until mid-May[5]. Keep your eyes peeled for those explosive mid-river rises – that's your clue that drakes are in the mix even if you don't see clouds of duns hovering above the water. The hatch typically runs about six weeks, with the middle two weeks providing the most intense action. Smart anglers are already fishing drake nymphs and keeping Film Critics and Sparkle Duns at the ready for when things pop off.Gear Junkies Rejoice: 2025's Hottest New TackleThe annual parade of new fly fishing gear is upon us, with The Fly Shop and Fly Fisherman magazine both releasing their top picks for 2025[1][3]. For the full breakdown of field-tested reviews, you'll need to grab a copy of Fly Fisherman's Gear Guide 2025 issue. Drake Magazine's Spring 2025 issue is also out now, featuring coverage of Wyoming trout, Louisiana redfish, and Hawaii fishing opportunities if you're planning a destination trip[4].So there you have it – rainbow stockers are swimming, salmonflies are hatching, green drakes are on deck, and the new gear is hitting the shelves. Not a bad time to be waving a stick over the water! Tight lines, friends.

  --------  

  3:07
• Midwest Trout, Deschutes Salmonflies, and Gear Innovations: The Ultimate Fly Fishing Spring Preview

  If you’re a fly fishing junkie, there’s no better time to swap stories, tie up fresh leaders, and hit the water—because the skinny on this year’s action is already making the rounds among those who know where to look. Here’s what’s buzzing from the riverbanks to your local fly shop.The big news in the Midwest this spring? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just completed their annual rainbow trout stocking at Fort McCoy, with more than 15,000 bows released into the post’s waterways for the 2025 season. If you’re in that neck of the woods, expect to find a mix of average rainbows and a few surprise bruisers thanks to the hatchery’s habit of tossing in bigger fish for the lucky (or skilled) few. Locals report catching rainbows that overwinter and bulk up, with some past stockers breaking the 20-inch mark. Not bad for stocked trout—and that keeps the reels singing every May opener[3].Meanwhile, over in Central Oregon, the Middle Deschutes is kicking off its legendary Salmonfly season. Early hatches have been spotted as far upriver as Tumalo, but the real action’s still tight near Steelhead Falls. Whether you’re a nymph purist or waiting for the big bug bonanza, the next six weeks are the sweet spot for Salmonflies and Drakes. Locals swear by tan caddis pupa for numbers, but if you’re feeling patient, hang out for those classic Drake rises mid-river. The main hatch is still a few days out, but the anticipation is thick as caddis on a July evening[5].Of course, none of this would be as much fun without new gear to drool over. The 2025 gear drops are out, and buzzworthy picks include field-tested rods, reels, and waders that are already netting awards. If you like to tinker or upgrade, this year’s winners are in the latest Gear Guide—and the reviews are written by guides who actually fish, not keyboard warriors. Highlights include lighter, stronger rods and techie reels designed for silky drags. If you’re the kind who likes to “test” gear on the water before your buddies, now’s your shot[2][1].Lastly, for those who like their news with a side of wanderlust, the latest issue of Drake Magazine is hitting mailboxes, featuring everything from Wyoming trout to Louisiana redfish. Perfect reading for the drive between hatches or when the river’s just too blown out to bother[4].In short, whether you’re wading cold Midwestern creeks, bombing dries at Deschutes bruisers, or just prowling your local fly shop for the latest certified gadgets, it’s a great spring to be a fly fisher. See you on the water.

  --------  

  3:01
• Reel in the Excitement: Captivating Fly Fishing Adventures Await in 2025

  If you’re a fly angler who likes to keep a finger on the current, the 2025 season is delivering some classic fish stories—and a few fresh surprises—across the country. Whether you’re chasing new gear, big fish, or just the next good night out with the local fishing crowd, there’s something buzzing for everyone.Let’s kick things off in the upper Midwest, where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just wrapped up their annual rainbow trout stocking at Fort McCoy. Over 15,000 rainbows were slipped into the waterways, all fat and sassy and ready for the first eager casts of the season. Some are lunkers, too; the hatchery folks like to toss in a few heavyweights for bragging rights. Local word is some fish from previous years have hit the 20-plus-inch mark, so you might want to bring a net and a camera if you’re heading out[3].On the gear front, the conversation at every fly shop is what’s new and slick for 2025. The Fly Shop staff has already picked out their favorites and, as usual, there’s gear you’ll want to get your hands on before your buddies do. The Patagonia Men’s R1 Air Zip-Neck is already getting love for those chilly dawn outings. If you’re the type who lives for the new-catalog-smell and gear-drop anticipation, this year’s lineup is not to be missed—and rumor has it, there are still some “can’t-talk-about-it-yet” releases on the horizon. As always, keep an eye out for the trout icon marking the latest and greatest in the catalog[1][2].If your idea of a good time is swapping fishing stories over a cold one and catching the latest cinematic stoke, then the Fly Fishing Film Tour is rolling through more than 14 countries, with over 300 shows, including plenty of US stops. Local indie screenings are popping up from Indiana to Alabama and the Great Lakes, showing off both epic locations and the misadventures that only fly fishers understand. It’s a chance to meet fellow anglers, get inspired, and maybe even win some swag in the raffles[5].And for those who stay glued to the pages of the latest fishing magazines, the new Spring 2025 Drake Magazine is out, packed with features on Wyoming trout, redfish in Louisiana, and even Hawaiian adventures. It’s the perfect read to fuel the next daydream—or plan that next out-there trip[4].Bottom line? Whether you’re hunting fresh stockers on home water, geeking out over new rods and reels, or just soaking up the fly fishing culture at a local film showing, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year. See you on the water—or maybe at the next film night. Bring your stories, leave your secrets for the river.

  --------  

  3:05
• Fly Fishing Enthusiasts Rejoice: A Promising Year Ahead in 2025

  If you’ve been itching for a good cast lately, 2025’s shaping up to be a banner year for the fly fishing crowd—let’s dig into a handful of stories making the rounds among those who live for the tug.First off, if you’re anywhere near Fort McCoy—or just keen on chasing rainbows—there’s some happy news: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just finished stocking more than 15,000 rainbow trout across Fort McCoy’s waterways, right on schedule for the start of the new season. Locals are buzzing, especially since the hatchery folks always slip in a few bigger fish for those looking to land a brag-worthy catch. Word is, trout from previous stockings have bulked up nicely, with at least one rainbow surfacing at over 20 inches—sure beats a day at the office[3].Over in central Oregon, the Middle Deschutes is in the thick of its annual Salmonfly Season and the start of the legendary spring Green Drake hatch. This year, early risers spotted the first salmonflies all the way up towards Tumalo, though the main hatch is still hanging closer to Steelhead Falls. Drake duns haven’t exploded off the water just yet, but experienced locals say the best action is coming soon—mid-May through Memorial Day is when you’ll want to drop what you’re doing and head out. Even with a slow start, the river’s putting out strong rises late in the afternoons, and tan caddis pupa or a classic PT nymph are your best bet[4].Of course, every die-hard gear junkie is glued to this season’s new releases. From what’s coming out of The Fly Shop and Fly Fisherman’s 2025 Gear Guide, the chatter is all about lighter rods that still punch above their weight, new lines with extra stealth, and some seriously innovative waders. The field-tested awards went to reels with butter-smooth drags and next-gen materials, making it a good year to upgrade if you’ve got a little room in your kit—or garage[1][2].And finally, for those chasing inspiration when you can’t make it on the water, the latest Drake Magazine spring issue is making the rounds with tales from Wyoming trout streams, epic streamer days, and even some tropical redfish stories from Louisiana. Might not be a substitute for a perfect drift, but it sure helps you daydream until your next trip out[5].So whether you’re tying up a few more nymphs, scouting for bug activity, or just eyeballing the new rod racks at your local shop, there’s plenty to keep a fly fisher’s heart beating fast as the season kicks into high gear.

  --------  

  2:57
• Fly Fishing's Hottest Trends: Stocked Rainbows, Bucket-List Trips, and Award-Winning Gear

  # Tight Lines and Hot Trends: What's Making Waves in Fly Fishing Right NowHey there, fellow fly enthusiasts! If you've been too busy on the water to keep up with what's happening in our world, I've got you covered with the latest buzz from the fly fishing scene.Rainbow Trout Bonanza at Fort McCoyJust a few days ago on April 28, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed stocking over 15,000 rainbow trout in Fort McCoy's waterways, perfectly timed for the fishing season that opened yesterday (May 3). The folks at Genoa National Fish Hatchery, which has been operating since 1932, delivered healthy certified fish ready for your line. Local fisheries manager Rood mentioned they even threw in some larger specimens to give anglers a shot at trophy catches. Past surveys have found previously stocked rainbows growing to over 20 inches, so there could be some monsters lurking in those waters![4]Travel Fever Hits the Fly Fishing CommunityIf you attended the Denver Fly Fishing Show back in February, you might have noticed the explosion in travel options. According to industry observers, anglers are checking off bucket-list destinations at unprecedented rates now that COVID restrictions are history. Whether you're dreaming of Canadian waters, Mexican flats, or South American jungle fishing (which some compare to the African safaris of yesteryear), outfitters are ready with more offerings than ever. Companies like Untamed Angling are pioneering logistics that open up previously inaccessible waters. Just don't expect Montana to be any less crowded this prime season—it's likely to be even busier![5]2025 Gear Guide Awards Creating BuzzThe newest fishing toys are hitting the shelves, and Fly Fisherman magazine has already announced their 2025 Gear Guide Award Winners. These field-tested reviews are giving anglers plenty to drool over as they plan their equipment upgrades. If you want the full scoop on what made the cut, you'll need to grab a copy of their latest Gear Guide at your local newsstand.[2]Spring Issue Drops with Regional FocusFor those who prefer their fishing content in print, The Drake Magazine just released their Spring 2025 issue on April 13. This edition features stories on Wyoming trout, streamer tactics, Louisiana redfish, and even Hawaii destinations. Perfect reading material for planning your next adventure or for those inevitable rainy days when you can't hit the water.[3]Whether you're gearing up with this season's hottest new tackle, planning an exotic fishing trip, or just heading to freshly stocked local waters, it's shaping up to be an exciting year for fly fishing. Tight lines, everyone!

  --------  

  3:12

More Leisure podcasts

Trending Leisure podcasts

About Fly Fishing Daily

Fly Fishing Daily: Podcasts in Family