History of the Day on the River

The Day on the River program started as way for a group of my friends to learn how to Speycast and use each other's rods to experience different rod/line combinations.

Out of these special times with friends came two important aspects of the day on the river: an opportunity to polish instruction skills, and an opportunity to create the "Tryrack." Both adhere to my philosophy of "try before you buy."

The "Tryrack" affords the customer a chance to pick a rod and line most suited for their casting style before they lay out hundreds of dollars for equipment that may not be compatible. The "Tryrack" contains rods of all weights, lengths, and tapers. Makes range from Meiser, zpey, Winston, Sage, Echo, etc. The "Tryrack" also contains lines ranging from longbelly, midbelly, scandi heads, skagit heads, and various custom lines.

To recap the history of The Day on the River ... I started it in October of 1995 shortly after moving to Washington from Ketchikan, Alaska. The late Bob MacGloflin was working at Swede’s Fly shop in Woodinville, Washington and one day ask me for speycasting instruction. I was honored by the request and said that I would gladly give him a hand with his casting. I added that anyone else who wanted to learn should be there also. The first class of casters from the original "Day on the River" were Bob MacGloflin, Rusty and John Reid, and John Peterson. John Reid is now a FFF Master Certified casting instructor. Over the past 14 years, quite a few speycasters have participated in the "Day on the River" and I have gained a great deal of knowledge from them. The "Day on the River" is popular with both novice and experienced spey casters. I would invite anyone who is in the area on a Saturday morning to join us.

The Shop in Carnation, WA

Day on the River 7/11/09

Another beautiful Washington summer's day on the river was highlighted by a visit from the 2009 Speyorama woman's distance casting champion Whitney Gould. Unfortunately we did not get any footage of Whitney casting ... but we have footage of the regulars casting the Rio AFS line.

Directions to Day on the River

The Day on the River is held every Saturday (9am to Noon) underneath the bridge at Fall CIty.  Parking is available along the Redmond Fall City Road.  Come join us to cast rods from the "Try Rack" or just talk fly fishing with the regulars.  The Day on the River is free and open to anyone with a passion for fly fishing.  Click photo for larger higher resolution image of the where the event is held. 

4th of July SALE

This Saturday's "Day On The River" will not be held due to the 4th of July holiday.

Instead, we are having a 4th of July Speyshop Inventory Reduction Sale. I will be liquidating most of my fly tying materials. Saving of 50% off the listed price.

Please drop by and stock up on tying supplies. For the out of towners, feel free to contact me via email (speybum@comcast.net) or phone (425-333-4446) to get in on the sale.

We will be back on the river in Fall City next weekend.

Fly Fishing Fair

CASTING EXPO & FLY FISHING FAIR
JIMMY GREEN MEMORIAL
LAKE TYE, MONROE
9:00AM – 4:00PM, JUNE 20, 2009

From event web site (jimmygreenflyexpo.com), the fair's objectives are to:
-- Drive awareness and excitement about fly fishing to people new to this historic sport
-- Provide opportunities to learn about fly fishing through instructional demonstrations and skill workshops
-- Connect new and seasoned anglers with the local fly fishing industry leaders
-- Challenge anglers of all skill levels in casting competitions

Learn, Meet, and Complete. Free food and drinks. Two fantastic raffles. Bring your family and friends and come see what makes fly fishing such a fun and enjoyable sport!

Day on the River from May 30

Sunshine and summer run fish are on everyone's minds this time of year. Time to practice in preparation for the opener.

Click on HD for best picture.