Way Upstream

I've been using sheet metal screws for studs becau...

Ian — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:29:00 PDT

I've been using sheet metal screws for studs because they're easy to install and remove with a leatherman, and a coin will do the trick to remove them in a pinch.

I only have to resort to studs occasionally. I used them a lot in canyoned rivers in New Zealand where they were helpful in getting up steep banks when we were gorged out and had to hike up steep inclines. Three studs in a triangle pattern (two under the balls of my feet and one under my toes) worked really well in that application. Those were pre-didymo days, so I only used studs for those situations.

For slick rivers the same triangle pattern in addition to a four stud square near my heel seems to be the best pattern I've found.

Non-studded sticky rubber is ideal for what I deal with in Alaska. The river is mainly pebble and pea size gravel, so felt doesn't offer any advantage in the river, but felt does tend to slide around a lot on the slick wooden decks and aluminum of the jet boats.

I did notice that the rubber sheath material has changed on the Riverwalkers. Awesome. The textured pattern on the previous version grabbed fly lines if I was careless and let the line fall near my feet.

Self portrait with trout

El Pescador — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:30:00 PDT

By Steve Stracqualursi Original photo by Mikey Wier
Way Upstream Productions Copyright 2008

Most of the time I don't even use the suspenders o...

mfly — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:43:00 PDT

Most of the time I don't even use the suspenders of my 5yr old (SST?) Patagonia anymore. But they do end up bunching around my waist.

If you can make the bottom snaps of the suspender male on one side, and female on the other, you can then wrap the suspender around your waist and snap them together.

Would make for a nice waist high, especially during the summer.

I love my Patagonia wader and it's still going strong. Just wish it could do that.

Thanks for the detailed reply Ian...and thanks RJ ...

El Pescador — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:02:00 PDT

Thanks for the detailed reply Ian...and thanks RJ for wading into position.

Ian, What screw in technique/stud do you use? Pattern? Conditions used for?

Regarding Canyonwalkers, they are constructed with a "cut and buff" midsole. The Beefy Wading shoe had that kind of midsole. The Riverwalker has our molded Rockstopper midsole.

Overall the last (fit), materials, and lacing system are similar between Riverwalker and Canyonwalker. We are able to offer the Canyonwalker at a bit lower pricepoint due to construction efficiencies and slightly lower cost construction methods thanks to an excellent team of developers and buyers combined with good factory partnerships. Both shoe styles will get the job done but only the Riverwalker comes with a sticky rubber sole.

I have heard a few complaints similar to smithhamm...

John — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:50:00 PDT

I have heard a few complaints similar to smithhammer; however, I have Riverwalkers that precede the current generation and I'm delighted with them. I'm pretty hard on my gear considering I have a penchant for cathartic environments (see Before the Runoff) and have yet to experience any product failure. Also, they are one of the only boots fitting a extra wide (I'm EEE) foot well. If I have a choice between multiple color choice or minimizing waste, I'll take the later as long as the single color option is reasonable.

I have considered testing an elastic pull-stop lacing system. Has anyone attempted?

A wonderful piece of work that is beautiful in man...

John — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:43:00 PDT

A wonderful piece of work that is beautiful in many ways. Thank you for posting! Certainly a great reference to guide people to when they want to know why we fish.

Well, I don't want this to come across as negative...

Smithhammer — Sun, 11 May 2008 08:27:00 PDT

Well, I don't want this to come across as negative, but I think honesty is important in product refinement. While I've appreciated the design, fit and lightweight of the Riverwalkers, I hope durability issues have been addressed with the update as well. I went through 3 pairs of Riverwalkers that all had quality issues (two of those 3 pairs had < than a week's use on them, the third pair began seriously de-laminating on both boots, after < 2 months of use). Of course, Patagonia did a great job of replacing them for me, which was much appreciated. But by the time the 3rd pair started falling apart, well, you lost me. While I was a big fan of the old Beefy Wading Shoe, I'm leary of investing in another pair of Riverwalkers until I see how the new update lasts.

Cyprinodon variegatus

wayupstream — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:08:44 PDT

wayupstream posted a photo:

These sheepshead minnows were in the skinny shallows around a Bokeelia, FL boat launch. The scientific name for this fish is Cyprinodon variegatus (a small killifish).

Hello Polaire,I would like to chime in here regard...

2wildtrout — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:42:00 PDT

Hello Polaire,

I would like to chime in here regarding switching out booties.

We do in fact replace booties in our Watermaster and Watermaster II waders.

From the sound of it, it looks like a size Small bootie would fit you best.

You are more than welcome to send those waders to our Reno distribution center where we can customize your waders. We charge 45 dollars and the turn around time is 6-8 weeks including shipping in the US. Generally speaking, it usually doesn't take that long but we like to have a realistic buffer in case we are abnormally busy in the repairs department.

Send your clean and dry waders with a short letter explaining what you would like done and contact information to:

Patagonia Returns c/o Bootie Replacement
8550 White Fir St.
Reno, NV 89523

Check out this link for more in-depth procedures for shipping here: http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/patagonia.go?assetid=5175

If you have any questions, reply back on the blog or you can shoot me an email at rj_hosking@patagonia.com

Cheers,
rj

I haven't really considered the color of my wading...

Ian — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:43:00 PDT

I haven't really considered the color of my wading boots as being particularly important in camouflaging myself, but they do blend in rather well in the picture you mentioned.

It seems like the moss green color really looks more khaki-ish in the photos I've seen. As I said, I haven't seen them in person though.

I own the previous version of the Riverwalkers in both felt and sticky rubber. Although I noticed they're slightly different, I can't say I prefer one color over the other. They both seem darker than the marsh green.

All that being said, you could make these boots pink and purple and I'd still buy them. I haven't found another boot that comes close to the Riverwalkers.

On an somewhat unrelated note, thank you for continuing to offer non-studded sticky rubber soles. I can't understand why some manufacturers only offer studded Aquastealth, especially when they're so easy for the user to add.

I know this post is discussing the Riverwalkers, but... quick question. I just looked at the Canyonwalkers somewhat closely for the first time. I see a really strong resemblance between the Canyonwalkers and the original Wading Shoes. Is there any similarity in fit and sizing? I loved my Wading Shoes.

A trout and a smallmouth bass. One can catch both...

Adam — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:32:00 PDT

A trout and a smallmouth bass. One can catch both in some Virginia streams.

I am 5'- 8" and weigh about 180. My shoe size is 7...

polaire — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:47:00 PDT

I am 5'- 8" and weigh about 180. My shoe size is 7 1/2- 8. I bought Short size. They fit the best. The wader fit is perfect.

Noted on the military nature of color in just abou...

El Pescador — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:49:00 PDT

Noted on the military nature of color in just about any fishing line Ian but the former Riverwalker came in 3 different hues based on outsole type, Retro Khaki - sticky rubber, Loden - felt and Jute - felt w/ studs. For the sake of fabric yield efficiency (less waste) we moved to Marsh Green for all boots. Marsh Green is shown blending in well on the Boulder river in the "Turned Tail" photo. With all that said, which previous color did you prefer?

The Stormfront and the Catalyst are similar in ter...

El Pescador — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:35:00 PDT

The Stormfront and the Catalyst are similar in terms of volume but that's all. The Stormfront Pack is based on it's predecessor which was made of dual laminated nylon that's welded instead of sewn. The harness system is detachable and has been engineered to fit the torso without a waistbelt. There are 4 die cut slots on the exterior for attaching things (rods, tripods, etc) plus one interior mesh pocket for organizing small items. The harness has a hydration pocket, tool pockets and zinger slots. The pack uses a waterproof #10 T-Zip for entry that's air tight, corrosion-proof and easy to operate. The pack also comes with a custom fit padded gear case. Last detail for now, we've made the vest from the Pack vest adaptable to this product as well. Stay tuned for a detailed post sometime in the future.

I'd be interested to see a photo of your old Reddi...

El Pescador — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:17:00 PDT

I'd be interested to see a photo of your old Reddington waders with sleeve and pad Polaire. Seems like a pad on the outside would offer puncture resistance and cushion.

Yes we can replace your wader booties with the next size up. What size wader do you have now and what is your foot size?

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't seen the...

Ian — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:34:00 PDT

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't seen these in person, but the side by sides I've seen on the website with the old and new (done by searching: riverwalker) seem to give a decent comparison of the color change.

I really wish you guys had left the color on the riverwalkers alone.

I can't help but feel that when wearing these with a pair of Watermaster Waders I should be fighting Rommel in the deserts of Africa. The khaki everything is a bit much.

Minor gripe, but it needed to be said.

I hope the Stormfront is similar to the Catalyst, ...

Mark — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:58:00 PDT

I hope the Stormfront is similar to the Catalyst, but more water resistant. Although I still wish the Catalyst was slightly bigger, longer through the torso and the waist belt pockets were just a tad bigger. Although the Catalyst holds a rod tube well by using a accessory strap at the top and mesh water bottle holder, a couple of straps similar to the Guidewater duffle would be nice.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.PACKS&style_color=48665-155&ws=#

The Complete Angler - Chapter 3

El Pescador — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:08:00 PDT

James Prosek (artist/writer), Fritz Mitchell (producer/editor) and Peter Franchella (cinematographer) produced a Peabody Award winning film documenting Prosek’s travels in the footsteps of the 17th century English writer, Izaak Walton.

Way Upstream now brings you Part 3 of the mini-series - The Complete Angler. In this chapter James fishes a tributary of the Thames in London that Walton fished three hundred and fifty years before, the River Lea. Walton was forced out of London during the English Civil War and returned to the pastoral beauty of his homeland in Derbyshire and the beautiful River Dove in the Peak District.

Way Upstream Productions Copyright 2008

Thanks for the reccommendation about tile-setter's...

polaire — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:33:00 PDT

Thanks for the reccommendation about tile-setter's knee pads.

My old Reddington waders had an internal sleeve with a removeable thin pad. Very handy.

Any chance I can gey MY booties resized for an upcharge? They are too long for my feet and tend to ball up in the boot.

Noted on the potential for the speed hook to "spl...

El Pescador — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:24:00 PDT

Noted on the potential for the speed hook to "split" the laces. This is more a function of the flat style lace. We have found through testing a variety of water products that flat laces stay tied better than cord. If our flat lace does get "speared" it doesn't hurt it's structural integrity.....but I am always looking to improve. Thanks Mat. I'm glad you are digging your Riverwalkers.

Glad to hear your waders are in the water. Apprec...

El Pescador — Tue, 06 May 2008 04:17:00 PDT

Glad to hear your waders are in the water. Appreciate the compliments. Keep me posted on the bootie and any wader feedback. Thanks Adam. Catch anything?

The best boot out there for anyone who walks or wa...

Mat — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:02:00 PDT

The best boot out there for anyone who walks or wants the lightest weight possible. The notched flex zones really help with wear and tear over the long haul.
With only one minor flaw: The laces split on the quick lace holders. They are tough to see when lacing your boots. Not a big deal, but something to look at.

I broke in the Watermasters yesterday. Loosening ...

Adam — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:59:00 PDT

I broke in the Watermasters yesterday. Loosening the back strap helped with mobility. Booties still feel a bit cramped, but are better in the water. Ironically, they feel like they have more space with socks on.

A very impressive wader. I was amazed at how quickly they dried and shed water.

The Watermaster II Wader video has passed 1500 uni...

El Pescador — Sun, 04 May 2008 04:43:00 PDT

The Watermaster II Wader video has passed 1500 unique views.

Wading into position

El Pescador — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:33:00 PDT

High water. Slick bedrock. Cobble like greased bowling balls. Riverwalker Wading Boots built their reputation in the most demanding wading conditions. They feature great flexibility, fast dry times and are lighter weight than most of what's out there in the water. Notched flex zones allow for more natural foot movement and a polypropylene insole/shank offers stability. But don’t let the comfort fool you—these are tough boots for serious wading. Details: molded EVA midsole, synthetic leather and polyester, 100% recycled, high filtration mesh uppers and protected lacing. Riverwalkers come in three sole choices: resoleable felt; tungsten-carbide studded; and sticky rubber. Engineered to accommodate neoprene stocking-foot waders. Felt • 1,108 g (39.1 oz) pair, Felt/Studded • 1,213 g (42.8 oz) pair, Sticky Rubber • 1,037 g (36.6 oz) pair

Fabric
Strong, lightweight, 100% recycled, high-filtration polyester mesh, synthetic leather upper, with nylon/spandex neoprene in tongue and polypropylene insole board. Full-length molded EVA Rockstopper midsole

Features

Wide last is engineered to accommodate a neoprene foot wader without constriction
Tough, durable, quick-drying materials and construction
Padded ankle support
Sculpted flex zones for improved flexibility
Compression molded EVA midsole and polypropylene insole/shank combination provide excellent torsional rigidity, support, protection from stone bruising; creates a stable platform without sacrificing flexibility
High-filtration mesh keeps out more sand and silt and drains quickly
Protected lacing loops with two speed lace hooks at the top
Padded insole for comfort and arch support
Stout, reinforced toebox and heel counter
Molded rubber toe bumper provides abrasion resistance
Sole designed to hold fin straps for float tubers and kickboaters

Outsoles:

Felt: Long-wearing, polyester wool felt sole is bonded to a rubber carrier and stitched on for added insurance

Felt/Studded: Felt soles studded with tungsten-carbide tips embedded in a dual rubber layer to prevent wobble. The felt is also stitched on for added insurance

Sticky Rubber: Star-patterned sticky rubber sole provides excellent multi-directional traction and no grit, mud, debris or snow pick up. This outsole can also be customized into a "studded" bottom with several after market solutions.

All outsoles can be resoled

Color
Marsh Green synthetic leather with Sage Khaki mesh

"Lunch" photo by Brian Bennett
"Turned tail" photo by John Frankot

Gweg, Glad to bring back some memories for you. Y...

El Pescador — Fri, 02 May 2008 01:07:00 PDT

Gweg, Glad to bring back some memories for you. Your guess is correct. We fished the Boulder.

Parko, The wool grid neoprene from the Surf line should fit quite well into the amphibious world of Team Fish. Glad it sounds good to you.

Thane, Looks like the post took you down memory lane as well. Montana is special....and on some level, so are the eels of the Thames.

Double Diamond: Hope you had fun with RS and othe...

thane — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:08:00 PDT

Double Diamond: Hope you had fun with RS and others in the Bozone. Lots of memories from that area - Stillwater, West Boulder, Shields, etc. We got married in Emigrant. Am staring at the Thames as I write with eels, not trout, the main occupants.

The Stormfront Pack is back for F8. Testers are u...

El Pescador — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:55:00 PDT

The Stormfront Pack is back for F8. Testers are using them around the world as we speak. Production packs will be onshelf this August. I will definitely work on a post for you Mark so stay tuned. Thanks for the interest.

Adam, note that I'm wearing a M reg wader (M booti...

El Pescador — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:47:00 PDT

Adam, note that I'm wearing a M reg wader (M bootie) in the Car Pool photo (Before the runoff). I'm 5'11" with a size 10.5 shoe and have a midweight sock on. I fall on the border of the M reg and L reg wader. I don't have toe touch or curling issues but if you are then you'll have to use your best judgement (What sock are you wearing?). We can put the next size up bootie on your waders for an upcharge. As far as the knee-to-chest move creating restriction, check your back suspender adjustment and drop the rise a tad. That should help. Let me know.

Before the runoff

El Pescador — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:28:00 PDT

I just returned from a trip to Big Timber, MT. The goals were to get some product testing (both Patagonia and competitor gear) in before the runoff and to work on some new design projects with a designer in Bozeman (more on that later). I couldn't have asked for better conditions. It was nice one minute and a full on snow accumulating blizzard the next (the two inset photos were taken 20 minutes apart). I should clarify that by "nice" I mean that the sun was partially out and the wind wasn't gusting too bad. The temps never really climbed above the mid 40's and it was high 30's on average. Mornings were below freezing and guides did ice up on occasion. Wool grid neoprene (wader booties and gloves), new wader designs, new jackets, new outsole ideas and a host of current gear all were put through the paces.....and the fishing was good too. My companions for the trip were new friends John Frankot and Alistair Stewart. We holed up at the Grand Hotel in Big Timber. We contracted the help of guide Lee Kinsey for a couple of days. He's a wealth of information having grown up in the area. I highly recommend a pre-runoff trip if any of you in the Way Upstream community have the desire. It's good for the soul. Don't forget your warm gear and a range of flies. Size 20 dry bugs and small emergers were just as important as stonefly nymphs and big stuff for exploring the carved out depths.
Photos by El Pescador
"Car Pool" photo by Alistair Stewart

The Complete Angler - Chapter 2

El Pescador — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:41:00 PDT

James Prosek (artist/writer), Fritz Mitchell (producer/editor) and Peter Franchella (cinematographer) produced a Peabody Award winning film documenting Prosek’s travels in the footsteps of the 17th century English writer, Izaak Walton.

Way Upstream now brings you Part 2 of the mini-series - The Complete Angler. In this chapter James goes to Ireland to experience what may be the earliest form of fly-fishing, dapping live mayflies impaled on fine-wire hooks for brown trout on the lakes of the Connemara region. He visits with a boy who collects and sells live mayflies to the fishermen, and salmon fishes along the Eriff River.

Way Upstream Productions Copyright 2008

East Carson stones

wayupstream — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:13:19 PDT

wayupstream posted a photo:

This photo was taken on the East Carson River just before the runoff. There are a couple of different patterns in this shot tied by Chris LaScola.

Time to flourish again

El Pescador — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:42:00 PDT

By Winter's end, there’s a part of you that can feel like you were plucked from your dinner table and yanked by the mouth into a long struggle with some otherworldly being that grabs you with a big hand and holds you in the air, exposing you to bright lights beyond any you have ever witnessed. But then Spring comes in with its warmth and heals that part of you in an instant. The hand releases you back to your dinner table. A price was paid. Time to flourish again.

Words and photo by El Pescador

Grand River Special

El Pescador — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:43:00 PDT

Here's another Jerry Darkes "crossover" fly pattern to share with you. He calls it the Grand River Special. As Jerry puts it, "this is really a glorified Zonker". This fly's color scheme is geared to be productive in the tannic colored water which often happens during Fall rains when the leaves are falling or in cloudy water from Spring runoff. Jerry chases steelhead with this fly but it can also deceive other species like the atlantic salmon pictured above that Jimmy Balogh (Hydrus Expeditions) caught in Canada this past November.

Here's the recipe for the Grand River Special

Hook: Daiichi 2461, #2.
Body: Boa Yarn, also called Eyelash Yarn (you'll probably have to go to a craft store to find it). Use a section where the color transitions. The version pictured goes from yellow to orange.
Wing: Barred sand variant Zonker strip, with some gold Crystal Flash mixed in
Hackle: Gold barred variant schlappen
Head: Smallest gold cone
Atlantic salmon photo courtesy of Jimmy Balogh
Fly photo and contribution by Jerry Darkes

Insect Vision

El Pescador — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:05:00 PDT

Here's another image from a growing Tim Borski/El Pescador collection. This is a Warholized shot of Tim's son inspecting and being inspected by a large praying mantis.

Original photo by Tim Borski Image by El Pescador

Riverwalker Vest

El Pescador — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:55:00 PDT

Course was set before Spring 2008 to create a 21st Century version of our classic mesh vest, which we introduced way back in ‘87. The result is the Riverwalker Vest (M's & W's). This vest incorporates pack-like storage pockets with detailed vest construction (just try counting all the bar tacks). Convenient, easy-to-use curved and straight coil zippers with two molded pockets offer easy access and a clean, fly-line friendly exterior. The Riverwalker Vest is a lightweight (M's 17.5oz and W's 17oz) and highly functional piece of fishing equipment. Mesh (our signature version) and stretch nylon construction; specifically designed storage for fly boxes, tippet, tools, etc.; integrated attachment points; removable fly patch and built in rod holder are all contained in it's framework. This vest has two center clip adjustments for a more form fit when desired. There are two vertical zippers on either side of the back allowing access without having to take the vest off. There is also a single horizontal pocket on the back intentionally placed high for additional boxes, spare spools, food or whatever. The collar is padded and covered in a wicking and odor resistant looped poly fabric and the shoulder pattern helps support the load. There's also a burly webbing loop placed on the back below the collar for carrying and hanging this vest when loaded. The W's version is designed to have a feminine fit. With all the attention that the Guidewater Vest has received I though it might be a good idea to shed light on it's product line companion. Both M's and W's Riverwalker Vest come in Forge Grey.
Detail photos by Rene Braun
Photo of Chris Owens with taimen courtesy of AEG

The Complete Angler - Chapter 1

El Pescador — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:32:00 PDT

Several years ago, James Prosek (artist/writer), Fritz Mitchell (producer/editor) and Peter Franchella (cinematographer) produced a film documenting Prosek’s travels in the footsteps of the 17th century English writer, Izaak Walton—“research” for his senior thesis at Yale. The film focuses on Walton’s book, The Compleat Angler, a book that many have heard of but few have read. Through Ireland and England , Prosek fishes the same rivers and streams that Walton had. He discovers the art of “dapping,” a method of fly-fishing still practiced now, as it was 350 years ago in Walton’s day. He fishes streams flowing under and around London—spring-fed tributaries of the Thames once central to water meadows, but now surrounded by parking lots and high-rise apartment buildings. And he makes his way into the world of private river-ways, fished by the upper-class who own the land through which the rivers flow. He fishes with English gentry, guides and boatmen, discovering a common bond among anglers that erases social barriers.

Izaak Walton was a simple tailor whose genial nature won him the company of kings. Walton was a proto-conservationist who advocated for the pastoral simplicity that the countryside offered. He wrote the Compleat Angler in the mid-1600s during the English Civil War when different Christian denominations were vying for power in London . Through the course of the book, Walton instructs his fishing companion not only in the technical aspects of hooking, cleaning and preparing trout, chub, pike and eels, but in finding spiritual sustenance in the forest, meadow, and on the stream.

Way Upstream now brings you the video mini-series of the original, Peabody Award winning film - The Complete Angler. The mini series will be composed of the seven individual segments that make up the film. Here’s chapter one, where you'll see James leaving Connecticut for Ireland and England, catching a few trout in his home streams and musing about his youth, fishing, and some Waltonian ideals. He visits the library at Yale and examines a first edition of Walton’s Compleat Angler from 1653. Then he sits for a reading of W. B. Yeat’s poem, The Song of Wandering Aengus, by Harold Bloom.

Paintings by James Prosek

The hole story

El Pescador — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:31:00 PDT

All of us who wear waders have heard of an old saying which goes something like this “Every pair of waders either leaks or is waiting to leak.” Why is this a commonly held belief? It may be because of the fact that we ask waders to allow us to trudge unscathed through brush and thicket containing Mother Nature’s myriad of thorny and pointed creations. Maybe it has something to do with the fact we kneel down on rocky banks and in stream beds with them or sit on whatever we feel like sitting on while wearing them. It may also have something to do with what I call Vampire flies which like to feed on blood. These flies seek to embed themselves into flesh but sometimes (if you’re lucky) they only find your hat, wader or jacket. Barbed wire is a cousin of the Vampire fly and has been known to draw blood but prefers to just tear into stuff. Lastly, this leaky belief could also be connected to how we treat our waders which often means “riding them hard and putting them away wet.” Whatever the reason, leaks do happen even to the best of waders. The good news is that they are often easily repaired (all Patagonia waders come with a repair kit). Patagonia ’s Creative and Quality teams have put together a little instruction guide for wader repair that just may prove useful to you someday. Brian Bennett (Fly Fishing Sales Manager) has taken this guide and turned it into a modern day “e-zine” making it accessible and easy to research because rarely do anglers keep all the little pieces of paper and tags that come with new waders. Check it out and may your waders always keep you dry.

Thorn photo by Brian Bennett
Vampire fly photo courtesy of Justin Crump

Let em flow

El Pescador — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:44:00 PDT

I spend a fair amount of time in Southern California and have always heard talk of how steelhead once thrived in the ocean flowing coastal rivers of SoCal. The talk is pretty similar to the atlantic salmon stories I've heard in New England. Unfortunately we all no that dams, development, farming practices, poor planning and habitat loss have caused once plentiful species to dwindle or die out. So when Malinda Chouinard forwarded an email from Matt Stoecker I thought it was worth sharing. Here was proof once again of the tenacity of Mother Nature in the face of a formidable opponent - us. Let the following message and pictures serve as a reminder that there is always hope and that we must be part of the solution to environmental crisis.

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them"
- Albert Einstein

Original email from Matt Stoecker (Stoecker Ecological)
March 31, 2008

Hello all,
I wanted to share an amazing experience I had a couple days ago with you. On a small creek near Santa Barbara I had the rare opportunity to spend some time swimming with and documenting the seldom seen southern steelhead. Attached are some of the photos taken. The two adults back from their adventures at sea are in the 26-30 inch range and the small "juvenile" steelhead are possibly ready to head downstream to start their ocean odyssey.

Unfortunately these fish were prevented from being able to migrate upstream to adequate spawning habitat due to a large road crossing barrier that prevents passage. Fortunately, if all goes as planned this barrier will be removed this summer after seven years of studies, designs, permits, landowner agreements, and fundraising from many individuals.

Right now, all over California's watersheds there are thousands of steelhead and salmon stuck below migration barriers us humans have built, many of which are obsolete, poorly planned, and safety hazards in need of replacement or removal so these amazing fish can swim home and our rivers can run free.

Let em flow,
Matt

Photos by Matt Stoecker

Coming Soon

El Pescador — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:01:00 PDT

Photo by Tim Borski Movie poster by El Pescador

Trout Season

El Pescador — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:25:00 PDT

It’s almost the beginning of trout season. With the stirring of insect and fish comes the preparation of shop, stock, guides and gear. Angling dreams of hatches and takes are mixed with business hopes for ideal water, bookings and revenue. It’s a tangled, intertwined, biological and economic web….and all because of fish. Let the season begin and may your fishy goals be achieved. Feel free to share a season opener comment, story or photo.

Illustration by El Pescador

Footprint Chronicles

El Pescador — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:22:00 PDT

The Way Upstream community has been vocal in its appreciation for the transparency that this blog provides with regard to gear for fishing. It has given the community a voice that didn't really exist before. Well Patagonia has taken things a few footsteps further by becoming the first major apparel manufacturer to track and expose the social and environmental impact of building specific products through The Footprint Chronicles, an interactive website that reveals to consumers the good and the bad involved in manufacturing outdoor clothing such as Synchilla fleece vests and rain shells. In a bold move that might make most companies nervous, Patagonia is determined to be candid and forthright about its impact on the environment and created the site to encourage dialog with its customers who are concerned about the environment.

"Our customers are scientists, activists, professors, doctors and more – they have the collective experience and knowledge we’re looking for," said Casey Sheahan (Patagonia CEO). "We’re highlighting exactly what happens in the manufacturing process and asking customers for their suggestions and help in efforts to find solutions to our less sustainable practices. It’s a unique dialogue to engage in – but one that will ultimately allow us to cause less harm to the planet."

According to Jill Dumain, Patagonia’s director of environmental programs, the research involved in developing the Chronicles has proved to actually drive major business decisions at Patagonia. The Chronicles revealed that transportation makes up only about 1 percent of our overall energy use,” said Dumain. “Had we listened to the current media buzz touting transportation as the largest factor in energy consumption, we might have greatly misplaced our efforts by making strides to geographically shorten our supply chain – which would have massively impacted our business financially, logistically and perhaps even effected product quality – and we would only have reduced our energy savings by 1 percent. Instead, we are focusing our energy on areas where we can truly make a difference – right in the heart of the manufacturing process."

The launch of The Footprint Chronicles puts into practice a prototype that hopes to inspire other companies to increase their transparency, and at the very least, raise awareness.

The Footprint Chronicles includes more than 35 filmed interviews and slideshows of factory workers, farmers, owners, designers and third-party auditors to provide an unprecedented level of transparency both internally and externally - from the factories and manufacturing partners that create its products, to the end of the product’s lifespan.

Press release excerpt by Jenn Rapp

Factory photo by Steve Swartzendruber
Footprint photo by Tim Borski

Insulator Pant

El Pescador — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:35:00 PDT

Wading can be a little chilly after breakup but there's no need to go numb below the waist just because you fish in cold water. The Insulator Pant serves as a warm buffer between you and your waders. They're made of eco-friendly polyester (51% recycled) double-faced fleece (brushed on both sides for loft and warmth) with a moisture-wicking finish. Details: elasticized waistband with drawcord and a brushed tricot lining, two tricot-lined front pockets, one zippered hip pocket and tapered cuffs for a smooth, low friction underwader fit. They are recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. I know many of you have expressed appreciation for the old El Cap pants. The Insulator Pant was cloned from the rootstock of that classic style.

Photos by Rene Braun

Bird Vise

El Pescador — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:30:00 PDT

Tim Borski takes some interesting photos in addition to painting and fly designing. Here's one photo I received that I couldn't help toying with. The image shows Tim's hand holding a bird that flew into his studio with a fly resting next to it. I've created some unusual versions of this image but here is a version that's close to the original. I used Flickr toys Framer to soften the edges and Matte to frame it up "museum style". This is not your average "still life". Maybe a collaborative series will emerge.

Original photo by Tim Borski

Artistic license exercised by El Pescador

Bass cast

wayupstream — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:53:36 PDT

wayupstream posted a photo:

Chad Miller of Wildcat Creek Outfitters in Zionsville, IN, works a surface bug for largemouth bass in Mexico (Lake Guerrero). Angling for warmwater species like largemouth may hold fly fishing's greatest potential for growth.

Where should I park?

El Pescador — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:20:00 PDT

TROUT UNLIMITED announced that its new television program "On the Rise" will begin airing on the Outdoor Channel this spring. Hosted by Telluride, Colorado fly fishing guide, Frank Smethurst, the show will feature some of the best fly fishing around the country. Traveling in an Airstream trailer painted in trout patterns, Frank travels to rivers and streams where TU has made a difference and takes the viewer on a fish-filled journey across America. Those of you who see the current AEG Film Tour will get a glimpse of this project.

Filming continues on the east coast this spring. If you have a suggestion of where Frank should park his trailer alongside a river and cast a few flies, please fill out the online form (click here).

Photo courtesy of Jerry Darkes

Lids

El Pescador — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:27:00 PDT

I see pictures from around the world of fisher folk and there is one article of gear that is so uniformly accepted as part of the ceremonial garb of fishers on and off the water that I thought it was worth a post. That piece of gear is the ball cap. I suppose there are many names for it but I think you know what I mean by the term. What I'd like to ask the Way Upstream community is this, What matters most regarding your choice in a lid? Is it six panel design, stretch, size, adjustability, pony tail opening, brim, lining, vents, sentimental value, fabric, logo, shop or brand affiliation or what? Let me know your thoughts on lids.

Photo by El Pescador