Articles

Review: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

Our review of Fishpond's waterproof carry-it-all backpack

by Chris Hunt - Wednesday, Aug 27th, 2025

Photo: Chris Hunt

Editor’s note: As we ask today’s gear to do more, last longer, and come in at a price that makes sense for a quality gear investment, it can be difficult for consumers in search of specialty items in the fly-fishing space to find the right piece of equipment for the right set of circumstances. Such is the case for waterproof backpacks. We’re launching a multi-part series on these items that are asked to do much more than just “keep stuff dry.” Following is the fourth review in the series.

Skwala intros new 3-in-1 Fusion Tactical midlayer hoody

Layering performance built specifically for wader-wearing anglers

by Hatch Magazine - Sunday, Aug 24th, 2025

Photo: Skwala Fishing.

Layering is a necessity for virtually all anglers and others who spend long days outdoors in varying conditions. It's the only practical way to get through a full day while staying comfortable. You start the day with all the layers, gradually pare them down until, by mid-afternoon, you’re left with just a mid-layer. By the time the sun has dipped to the horizon, you’ve piled them all back on. Most of the time, your mid-layer is the one constant in the whole setup, the one piece that’s with you all day. That’s likely why there is no shortage of technical mid-layers out there.

Moving day for a rare Colorado trout

Ahead of a raging wildfire, biologists capture hundreds of a rare trout subspecies

by Chris Hunt - Wednesday, Aug 20th, 2025

Photo: CPW.

A rare subspecies of Colorado River cutthroat trout found only in the headwaters of the Dolores, Gunnison and Colorado river basins got a helping hand from wildlife officials this month before a wildfire could sweep through and cook the upper reaches of the small stream they call home.

Review: Simms Flyweight Packable Waders

Can Simms ultralight wader, at less than 3 pounds, deliver what anglers need?

by Chris Hunt - Friday, Aug 15th, 2025

The Simms Flyweight wader packs and zips into its own chest pocket (photo: Darcy Bacha).

The advertised weight limit for the charter flight north from Winnipeg into the wilds of northern Manitoba couldn’t have been more clear: “All luggage limited to 60 pounds. Any overweight luggage will be left behind.”

Redington intros limited edition GRANDE Artist Series fly reels

The longtime value performer gets a stylish update

by Hatch Magazine - Tuesday, Aug 12th, 2025

The new Redington GRANDE Artist Series bonefish edition (photo: Farbank Enterprises).

Special edition fly reels are one of those pieces of gear that appeals to almost every fly angler. We are, after all, easy prey for pretty things. Whether it’s a perfectly tied Atlantic salmon fly, a finely crafted bamboo fly rod, or a perfectly machined reel adorned with hand-painted artwork or an artistic engraving, there’s no denying that aesthetics matter to most fly fishers. Yet, limited edition reels have long been out of reach for many of us, often requiring would-be buyers to saddle up to the bar and swallow a four-figure price tag to walk out the door with one.