Fly Fishing on a Budget: Top Cheap Fly Reels That Deliver Performance
Hey anglers, welcome back to Fly Life Media! Today, we’re diving into some of the best budget-friendly fly reels that won’t break the bank but still deliver the performance you need on the water. Big shoutout to Fly Fish Food for putting together this great lineup of affordable reels that are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to upgrade without emptying the wallet. These reels offer solid durability, smooth drag, and reliable line retrieval — exactly what you want for your next fly fishing adventure. Whether you’re just starting out or need a backup reel, this video has you covered. Let’s get after it!
How to Tie the Natural Red & Black Peacock Double Bock Fly – Step by Step Guide
This simple yet effective fly pattern combines natural red fibers and a black dyed peacock body with holographic tinsel for a striking look that works great on any cast.
Fly Fishing Tips: Choosing Between Budget and Premium Fly Lines
Today on Fly Life Media, we’re diving into one of the most common questions every fly angler faces—what’s the real difference between cheap and expensive fly lines? Brian Flechsig from Mad River Outfitters breaks it down with clear insight on why sometimes spending a bit more can make all the difference on the water, and when a budget-friendly option might just do the trick. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, this video is packed with knowledge to help you cast smarter and fish better. Stay tuned as we unpack the truth behind fly line choices with one of the best in the game.
Fin & Feather with Colby Acuff: Music, Fly Fishing, and Conservation
Trent Jones with Fly Life Media had the chance to sit down with Colby Acuff — country music singer, songwriter, and former fly fishing guide — to talk about his unique journey blending music and the outdoors. We also talked about his new docuseries Fin & Feather, which shines a light on the unsung heroes of the outdoor world — the guides and outfitters who protect the places we love.
A fourth-generation Idaho native, Colby’s deep connection to fishing, hunting, and storytelling comes through in everything he does. In this interview, he shares how his time on the water shaped his songwriting, why conservation is so important to him, and what’s next on his horizon.
Here’s what he had to say:
How to Tie the White Wolf Dry Fly: Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
The White Wolf is a classic dry fly pattern known for its buoyancy and effectiveness in trout fishing. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of tying a perfect White Wolf, ideal for anglers looking to enhance their fly fishing arsenal.
Spring Fly Fishing Tactics with Allegheny Native | Trout Fishing Tips
Welcome to Fly Life Media’s Video of the Day! Today, we’re diving into the heart of spring fly fishing with Allegheny Native, a channel that’s all about connecting with the waters and wild trout in their natural habitat. Allegheny Native takes us on a crisp spring adventure where the fish are waking up, the water’s flowing strong, and the opportunity to score that perfect catch is ripe. Whether you’re chasing brookies or browns, this video is packed with tips, tactics, and that authentic outdoor spirit every angler craves. Grab your rod, tie on a fresh fly, and get ready to step into spring with Allegheny Native!
How to Tie the Purple Death Fly Pattern in Purple — Step-by-Step Guide
The Purple Death is a classic, effective fly pattern that catches fish reliably, and here’s how to tie it in a vibrant purple color with a fluorescent orange collar for extra attraction.
Montana Fly Fishing Adventure | WildBlue Discovery’s Biggest Brook & Wild Brown Trout
Today, we’re taking you on an unforgettable journey with WildBlue Discovery as they chase some of Montana’s finest trout. From the thrill of landing their biggest ever brook trout to the raw beauty of wild brown trout in Western Montana’s pristine waters, this video captures the true spirit and diversity of Montana fly fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, get ready for some serious inspiration
Mini Crayfish Jig Fly – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
This mini crayfish pattern is a versatile and highly effective fly that can be fished as a nymph or small streamer, offering lifelike movement and the ideal profile to entice trout in various water conditions.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass on the Fly | BlueLineCo. New Water Exploration
Welcome back to Fly Life Media’s Video of the Day! Today, we’re joining BlueLineCo. as they chase smallmouth bass on new waters in Idaho. Known mostly for its trout and potatoes, Idaho’s rivers hold some seriously exciting smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. In this episode, BlueLineCo. explores a fresh stretch of river, aiming to crack the code on where these scrappy bass like to hold. Watch as they float the current, try out top flies like the MeeMaw and Spawn Craw, and fine-tune their approach with gear from Winston Rods and Bauer Fly Reels. Whether you’re new to smallmouth or a seasoned angler, this trip has tips and tactics to up your game on the river.
How to Tie a Slump Buster Streamer for Euro Nymphing (Step-by-Step Guide)
The Slump Buster Streamer is a versatile and highly effective fly for aggressive trout, especially when fished with Euro nymphing techniques in smaller sizes.
Dry Fly Fishing Colorado Browns | Epic Hopper Action on the Gunnison River
Today on Fly Life Media, we’re joining Mark Melnyk of The New Fly Fisher as he takes on the legendary Gunnison River in Montrose, Colorado. With Ed’s Fly Shop guiding the way, Mark chases aggressive Colorado brown trout — famously known as “Gunnison Footballs” — using hopper patterns that really get these bruisers fired up. If you love dry fly action and wild trout battles, this is a must-watch adventure straight from the heart of Colorado’s rugged waters.
How to Tie the Tasmanian Devil Euro Nymph – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
The Tasmanian Devil Euro Nymph is a deadly attractor pattern born on the competitive rivers of Tasmania, designed to trigger aggressive strikes with its hot orange tag, flashy CDC hackle, and slim profile—perfect for euro nymphing or tightline setups.
Fly Fishing Patagonia’s Wild Waters: A Guide’s Secrets to Trophy Brook Trout
I had the chance to catch up with Juan, a seasoned fly fishing guide based out of Trevelin, Patagonia — one of the world’s most legendary places for chasing wild trout. Growing up with a stepfather who showed him the ropes, Juan’s passion for fly fishing runs deep. We talked shop about the hunt for trophy brook trout in those stunning Patagonian waters, the biggest mistakes anglers make, and what a perfect day on the river looks like through his eyes. Juan’s stories and tips give a real feel for the raw beauty and challenge of fishing in Patagonia — and the thrill of hooking those iconic brook trout.
Untouched Trout Paradise: Epic Streamer Fishing for Giant Wild Rainbows
Today, we’re taking you deep into the wild with Firefly Fishing, who’s discovered what might just be the Holy Grail of trout streams — a pristine, untouched backcountry waterway with crystal-clear flows and zero pressure. Imagine stalking massive wild rainbow trout in water so pure, it’s like stepping into another world. Firefly’s all-in on streamer fishing here, and the fish are absolutely hammering those flies. If you crave the thrill of wild trout in secret, untapped places, this adventure is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
How to Tie the Tungsten Rainbow Dart – A Fly Tying Guide Inspired by Lance Egan’s Classics
The Tungsten Rainbow Dart is a highly effective mash-up fly combining elements from Lance Egan’s legendary patterns—the Tungsten Surveyor, Rainbow Warrior, and Red Dart—designed to target pressured trout with a bright, deadly profile.
Fly Fishing After the Military: Chris Gallagher’s Journey from Soldier to Stream
We caught up with Chris Gallagher—a former infantryman, proud dad, and fly fishing team USA member—somewhere between the banks of the Delaware and the back of his old ‘97 Tacoma. Chris is a Catskills local with a deep connection to the rivers that shaped him, and his story runs deeper than just trout and tight loops. From Army life to Euro-nymph rigs and raising his kids creekside, Chris has carved out a unique place in fly fishing’s heartland. Here’s what he shared with us about the journey.
Giant Great Lakes Steelhead Chase | Flylords Fly Shop Tour S3E5
Today’s Fly Life Media spotlight takes us to the legendary waters of the Northeast with Flylords’ own Wills Donaldson. In this final episode of Season 3’s Fly Shop Tour, Wills leaves Pennsylvania behind and heads to New York to chase some of the most iconic steelhead fisheries — the Upper Delaware tributaries and the famous Salmon River. Watch as he dives into the art of tailwater dry fly fishing, honing his skills before pursuing the elusive, chrome-bright Great Lakes steelhead. Whether you’re chasing steelhead or just love the lore of these historic fisheries, this episode is packed with expert insight and unforgettable fishing moments. Let’s tie into the adventure with Wills Donaldson and Flylords!
How to Tie a Sulphur Perdigon-Style Nymph (Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide)
The Sulphur Paragon-Style Nymph is a fast-sinking, highly effective Euro nymph designed to imitate the sulphur mayfly nymph—perfect for pre-hatch fishing in northeastern streams.
Inside the Mind of a Master Bugmaker: Michael Wenzel on Realistic Fly Tying
I had the chance to catch up with Michael Wenzel, one of the most dialed-in bugmakers in the game, whose flies are more art than imitation. We swapped stories about early fish, what makes a pattern work (or not), and how he’s managed to blend a lifetime of passion with patience, skill, and a deep respect for the craft. This isn’t just about tying flies—it’s about seeing the world through a trout’s eyes and building something beautiful one wrap at a time. Here's how Michael got his start, why realism matters, and the kind of dedication it takes to make a mayfly look like it’s about to take off.