It's that time of year. The official start of spring is only days away and time to think steelhead. Spring steelhead fishing is a great way to get out and hone your fishing skills for trout opener and shake the winter away.

Join us for a spring steelhead trip on the Manistee or the Betsie River and learn how much fun these magnificent fish can be. We offer full day trips with great service and fun, and instructive professional guides.

If a guide trip isn't your bag, our shop is fully stocked with a huge selection of hooks, fly tying materials, glo bug yarn, and quality tools for your fly tying needs. Our rod racks are full of 7 and 8 weight single hand, two handed and switch rods with Spey Lines, Tips, and Floating lines from Airflo, Scientific Anglers, and Rio! The Northern Anglers carries rods by Sage, Scott, Redington and Temple Forks Outfitters and waders by Simms and Redington. We have a great selection of hats, fishing gloves, layering pieces, and wading jackets by Simms and Redington. Our knowledgeable sales staff will help you get what you need to stay warm and dry this spring.

Stop on by the shop and check out our huge selection of flies! We carry a nice range of Spey and swing flies as well as all the great lakes nymph patters and egg colors to put you in the game this spring. We look forward to seeing you in the shop, or river in the coming season!

January 2011 Newsletter

January 2011 Newsletter from the Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters. Check out the latest news and events happening at TNA this winter, click HERE. Join us for Fly Tying Classes, or head south to the Bahamas with us to chase some bonefish on the flats!

We are hosting a trip to Andros Island February 19-26. Join us for a fun fishing trip this winter and leave the ice and snow behind.

Andros Island Bonefish Trip with the Northern Angler Fly Shop

Bonefish the Bahamas This February with The Northern Angler

Join us for a saltwater destination trip this February on Andros Island for some of the best bonefishing in the world. We still have a few spots open for this great outing. If you have never tried fishing in salt, this is a great trip to go with a group and learn the ropes. If you are an experienced saltwater angler, then this is also a great opportunity for you to fish some of the finest bonefish flats in the world. Click here for more information and pricing from our website.

The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters is hosting this trip in to Andros Island February 19 through the 26th, 2011. All rooms are single occupancy and 3 day trips are also available in this time slot. Call us at 877-627-4080 and we can get you signed up to head south with us this February for some great fishing and some fun in the sun.

Stormy Kromer TNA Logo Hats in Time for "Men's Night"

Just in time for our "Men's Night" celebration this Thursday at the shop, we just received a shipment of Special Edition Logo Stormy Kromer hats.

We hope you can make it downtown this Thursday for the Downtown TC Men's Night. Start your evening off at The Northern Angler for some Chili and Beverages. Park here and walk downtown and avoid "running the gauntlet" on your way out of downtown after the festivities all the merchants have in store for the patrons of Men's Night.

While you're here be sure to sign up for your Holiday Wish list and enter to win the new Sage VXP 590-4 Fly Rod, a new Sage Reel or Scientific Angler's Fly Line. See you Thursday night!

Tying Ted's Tube Sucker "Speymer Fly"

Make sure you stop by and say "Hello" to Ted Kraimer at the FFF 11th Annual Fly Tying Expo in Holt, MI if you are attending tomorrow. Ted will be tying his latest "Speymer" Fly, the "Tube Sucker." This is a fly that can be fished as a streamer or equally effective as a Spey fly that Ted has developed to target migratory fish in the region as well as resident trout. Click Here for step-by-step instructions for this pattern.

This is a great event and over 80 Tiers will be on hand to show their techniques and patterns. Be sure to attend the live auction and bid on the Full Day Guided Fly Fishing Trip we have donated from The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters!

Cliff's Bugger Beast's

Cliff's Bugger Beast's make a great gift for the fly tyer on your Holiday Wish List. These are perfect boxes for streamer patterns chasing big trout and steelhead. We have a full selection of Cliff's Outdoor Products including the Head Liner, Crab Shack, Boat Patch, Day's Worth, Swinger, Super Day's Worth and much more!

The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters is your Fly Fishing Gear Source!

New for 2011 Sage 4200 Series Fly Reels Now In-Stock!

The new fully sealed drag, high performance fly reel from Sage is now in stock at The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters. Machined from 6061 T-6 Aluminum with Sage's SCS Floating Tripod Drag Design, these reels are flawless works of art.

As Traverse City's fly fishing source for Sage, we are proud to offer all sizes from trout to a great switch rod reel in bronze and black. We offer the 4230, 4250, 4280 and the 4210 sizes in this lightweight, strong, value priced fly reel.

Stop in the shop and check these bad boys out, sign up for our Holiday Wish list and check out our in-store specials for your Holiday Fly Fishing Equipment and Gear needs. Call us at 877-627-4080 or email at flyshop@thenorthernangler.com for more information.

Holiday Shopping Hours and Holiday Events

The Northern Angler will feature special holiday shopping hours from November 26 to December 23 we will be open from 11-7 Monday-Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday to better serve you!

Stop in and sign up for the "Wish List" to make it easier on friends and family to shop for you this Holiday. Buy a $100 Gift Certificate and Recieve a FREE $25 Northern Angler Gift Certificate!

Mark your calendar for "Women's Night," Dec. 9, 5pm-9pm with Wine and Cheese from Folgarelli's and "Men's Night," Dec. 16 5pm-9pm with Chili and Beer in the back!

Free fly tying clinic with Jeff "Bear" Andrews on Saturday Dec. 11. A special private fly tying class offered on Sunday Dec. 12 with "Bear" from 11-3 (a $50 fee for Sunday's Class)

Jeff "Bear" Andrews Fly Tying Day Dec. 11, 2010

The Northern Angler will be hosting a Fly Tying day with Bear Andrews on Dec. 11, 2010. Stop by the shop and check out Bear's latest fly patterns and learn some new tying techniques. Bear is a pattern developer for Umpqua Feather Merchants and has an extensive line of Midwest Patterns offered by UFM for 2011. From trout to steelhead, Bear has developed pattern that cover it all for the Midwestern Fly Angler.

We are also offering a "Private Fly Tying Class with Bear" on Sunday from 11-3 for those interested contact the shop at 231-933-4730 for more information and to sign up. There is a $50 fee for the private class and it is limited to 8 people.

Many of Bears patterns were developed by his years of fishing on the Pere Marquette, Manistee, Boardman and Ausable Rivers. Bear teaches classes throughout the area and spends a great deal of time educating fly tyers from all over the world at the FFF National Conclave each summer.

Fishpond for the Holiday's

If is says "Fishpond" then we have it at The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters. We are starting to receive our Holiday inventory and the latest gear from one of our most popular lines, Fishpond just arrived. From vests and packs to fly tying travel kits, shaving kits and other great gift ideas. We have your fly angler's needs and wants covered at The Northern Angler. Shop early for the best selection and keep in mind we are only a phone call (231-933-4730)or click away. Drop us a note at flyshop@thenorthernangler.com to email us what you are looking for this Holiday!! We have a fully stocked fly shop with many great gift ideas and packages for that special fly angler in your life.

Grand Opening Celebration for the "New" Northern Angler Saturday July 24, 2010

We welcome you to stop by our new location of the Northern Angler on Saturday July 24, 2010. The staff at The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters is hosting a celebration with brats and hot dogs, snacks, and beverages. There will be a casting competition, raffle drawings and prizes kids events, demonstrations and much more.

Wonderful prizes, including fly fishing gear, hats, Smith Sunglasses, Simms Zip Off Pants and Bug Blocker shirt, Simms Women's Zip Off Pants and Shirt.

Grand prizes: Simms G4 Pant waders and a Sage 2030 Series Fly Reel!

Stop on in and join in the celebration from 12:00 to 6:00pm!!!

Adams Chapter Trout Unlimited Clean Up Day July 24th

Adams Chapter of Trout Unlimited has Adopted River Road along the Boardman River for Clean-up.

A workday, actually- just a couple of hours, has been scheduled for July 24th on River Road. We plan to meet at Shumsky Canoe Landing on River Road at 9 am. We could use at least 8 volunteers to help with our first efforts to help clean up River Road.

Vests/trash bags/vehicle to haul the discarded material away. Beverages will also be available. We'll see how many folks give us advance notice and we might provide lunch.

Please contact The Northern Angler if you are interested in helping out with the clean-up 231-933-4730.

Thanks,
Brian

The New Location of The Northern Angler Fly Shop is Open

We have moved locations and are open for business at 426 W. Front Street in Traverse City, MI. Brian Pitser has purchased the business and moved it closer to downtown with free parking and an easier location to find for our patrons. We are looking forward to providing a great resource for your fly fishing needs in Northern Michigan, whether you are fishing the bay for carp, or the area rivers such as the Manistee, Boardman, or Platte for trout.

The Northern Angler Fly Shop and Outfitters is a full line Simms, Sage Fly Rods, Redington and Fishpond dealer with the best fly selection in the area. If you are interested in a guide trip, or instruction, we will be happy to provide that as well. We look forward to serving all of the fly fishers in Traverse City and the surrounding area. If you are up-north on vacation, be sure to swing by the shop and say "hello" and get the latest fishing report and must-have flies.

Fly Tying Classes at The Northern Angler

It's that time of year again, fly tying classes will start the week of Jan 4th with beginner classes offered on Monday and Tuesday and intermediate classes offered on Wednesday and Thursday. Also starting on January 30th we will be offering our Saturday Specialty classes. These are from 10:00-Noon on Saturday mornings. Cost is $25 and materials, coffee, and donuts are provided. You can sign up for any number of the classes and they are for experienced tyers, the level won't be extremely advanced but if you have not tied before, these are not the classes for you. The schedule is as follows:

• Swinging Flies for Steelhead (Jan 30th) - Spey, tube, and streamer patterns for Great Lakes steelhead. Ted Kraimer instructor $25, 10-noon
• Tying With Jeff 'Bear' Andrews (Feb 6) Two Classes - Bear will be our special guest instructor and he will be doing a steelhead flies class in the morning 10-noon and then a trout flies class in the afternoon 1-3:00. Cost is $25 per class or both classes for $40
• After the Hex (Feb 13) - Terrestrial patterns for summer trout fishing. Alex Lafkas instructor
  
• Streamers (Feb 20) - Big flies including tandem patterns. Instructor Ted Kraimer
• Bay Flies (Feb 27) - Flies for carp and smallmouth bass fishing on the flats of Grand Traverse Bay. Ted Kraimer
  
• Bass, Pike, and Muskie (Mar 6) - Deer hair, bucktail, flash, and big hooks. Ted Kraimer

Class size is limited and we do require that you pay in advance to reserve your spot. Please call (933-4730), email (flyshop@thenorthernangler.com) or stop in the shop to sign up!

Thanks,
The Northern Angler

The Northern Angler Winter Fly Tying Class Schedule

Well, winter is fast approaching and here is the schedule of fly tying classes that we are going to be offering here at the shop. Classes will start the week of Jan 4th, be one night per week, two hours per night (start time 6:30p), and run for 6 weeks. Cost is $95 and all materials will be provided for the class. Class size is limited so that the instructor to student ratio is very favorable.

Beginner Fly Tying - Will be offered on Mondays and Tuesdays (you pick one day, not both). The beginner class assumes that you have zero to very little experience. We start right from the beginning so even if you have never even seen a fly tying vise, do not be intimidated. By the end of the first class you will have tied your first fly! We will try to cover two flies in each class and we will tie dries, nymphs, and streamers. The emphasis of the class is on demonstrating as many basic techniques as possible in the six weeks so that you will have a solid foundation to learn from going forward. Some patterns that you will tie include the woolly bugger, soft hackle wet, hare's ear nymph, pheasant tail nymph, and more.

Intermediate Fly Tying - Will be offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays (again only pick one of the two). The intermediate class will go beyond the basic patterns and techniques and cover such things as: tandem hook flies, no hackle dry flies, extended body flies, use of a dubbing loop, and more. We will also explore synthetic materials in more depth than the beginner class. Specific patterns have not yet been posted but will be before the class starts. If you have taken a beginner class or maybe just haven't tied in years and want to brush up and learn some new things, this is the class for you.

Specialty Saturday Classes - We have not finalized the lineup for the Saturday classes but they will start Saturday Jan 16th. The Saturday classes are 2 hour, single session classes that cover a very specific type of fly, for example carp flies or tube flies (those are two of the classes that we will have for sure). Check back or call the shop as we get closer for the Saturday schedule.

To sign up or if you have any questions, call the shop (231-933-4730) or email us (flyshop@thenorthernangler.com).

Thanks and hope to see you at the tying table!

The Northern Angler

Replica Fish Carving Demonstration

I wanted to thank Steve Vanderford for coming out this past weekend to The Northern Angler and giving a couple hour demonstration on carving fish from foam. We had about 10 people at the free demonstration and it seemed that everyone enjoyed the presentation. Steve has a number of pieces on display on the walls at The Northern Angler including a brown trout, steelhead, and a big northern pike.
He brought lots of foam, some of his silicone molds, some models, and generally worked through much of the process of creating fish replicas from foam. He explained the numerous advantages to the foam medium as opposed to wood or taxidermy and also deomonstrated lots of creative tricks of the trade. Steve has produced an instructional DVD that is available at the shop or directly from him, it is over 3 hours long and lays out the process very well. Based on the reception that we had for the demo and given the fact that we have space at the new shop location to do this type of program, stay tuned for similar events in the future. Steve will also offer individual lessons at his shop and has made a very cool option available to anyone. He will spend a week with you creating your own replica fish mount for almost the same price as buying it on your own. Imagine when somebody mentions how nice the fish on your wall is and you tell them that not only did you catch it, but that you created the replica too! A very unique opportunity and Steve is the only person that I have heard of offering that. If you would like more information feel free to stop by the shop too see his work and pick up one of Steve's cards.

The Northern Angler

The Northern Angler Has Moved

It's official, The Northern Angler has moved and is open for business in our new location at 803 W. Front Street in Traverse City. It is a block west of Division on Front Street across from ACE Hardware. We have more space, a fly tying classroom, hot coffee, parking in the rear of the building with an entrance in the back and the front of the shop. Our sign is coming soon and there is a banner on the building announcing our presence now. Winter hours are 9-6:00 Monday- Friday and 9:-5:00 on Saturday, closed Sunday until spring. There are still some spots available for our Saturday fly tying classes and although we started our regular beginner and intermediate classes this week, we still have a few spaces there that we would love to fill. Check out the website www.thenorthernangler.com for the full schedule of classes.
Also if you haven't checked out the new and improved website, give it a look and if you are a Facebook member, The Northern Angler now has a page there too.

Thanks and see you at the new shop.

I thought about taking the Weather Bug off of the blog this week, Yikes that's cold!

Last Minute Chrismas Ideas for the Flyfisher

There are still 9 days til Christmas and if you are looking for a last minute gift idea for the fly fishers on your list or if you want to put something else on your own list, here are a some ideas from Fishpond that any fly fisher would love to get.

On the stocking stuffers the new PIOPOD (Pack It Out POD) from Fishpond is a product with a great concept. It is a microtrash container that is specifically designed for holding discarded fishing line which is a real scourge on our lakes and rivers. It attaches to a belt, vest, or gear bag, comes in 4 colors and retails for $12.95.




New this year from Fishpond is the Dakota Carry-On Rod and Reel Case. It fits up to 4 rods in their socks, it has adjustable dividers for reels or other gear, 3 mesh interior pockets, padded shoulder strap, and more. It's available in Steel Blue or Sitka Spruce and the price is $159.



Fishpond has also come out with a new chestpack called the Arroyo that can be worn as a chestpack, waist pack, or in a sling configuration. It is small for the quick trip to the river or for the person that likes to keep it simple but not too small that you would find yourself out there without the essentials. Three colors, $59


These items and more can be found at our shop or online at The Northern Angler's website.

Merry Christmas!