About the Author

Joe Rotter

Joe is the "blogger in chief" here at Red's in addition to being our guide service manager and partner here at Red's. He is a father of 3 spunky children his wife Kelly can only be found fishing when the temperature gets above 85 degrees and the fish are gobbling up dry flies.

In addition to being a fly fishing junkie, Joe is a hard core bowhunter, is a volunteer Hunter's Eductation Instructor, and loves riding horses with his kiddos. Joe still guides a small part of the time but spends most of his time working on web marketing, travel, and helping customers find the right tools and information for the job.

Red's Rendezvous VII - April 23rd, 2016

March 11, 2016

Ok folks the Yakima River is still pretty ugly, you can get in above the Teanaway River near Cle Elum to get your fix and its in decent shape but for you canyon goers it isn't looking good. A few of the staff were out at Rocky Ford Creek this past week. Roger and Craig C hit it hard, and Noe went out the day prior. All reported decent action on small bugs and if you would like some tips call the shop at (509) 933-2300. Roger and/or Noe would love to help and can give you some voice to voice help in planning your trip.

Red's Rendezvous VII - April 23rd

The big news however is that we are laying out plans for a fun filled event on April 23rd. Its only $5 per person, and there will be live music, food, beer, wine, door prizes, and tons of activities to do outside. No need to RSVP and the event will run from 10 am - 4 pm ish. There will be LOTS of fly fishing, but our goal is took the entire family entertained for a few hours. We'll finalize all the times/details as the date approaches but here are some of the highlights.

FRIDAY Night, 6 pm, April 22nd - More info to come, but Sage Fly Rods is kicking off a national tour where their staff will put on a great show on the history and heritage of this amazing Seattle based company. We'll host appetizers and there will be drinks for purchase. Most likely we'll be inside Canyon River Ranch Lodge, we are looking forward to a fun filled evening with these guys.

SUNDAY, 11 am, April 24th - SAGE On the Water Fly Fishing School. Staff from the Sage fly rod company will be doing an on the water casting and fishing school that is first class. This is part of a national campaign and they are kicking it off at Red's Fly Shop. No RSVP, just look for details as we get closer.

$10 River Raft Rides - This will be first come, first serve! Every 30 minutes a vehicle and raft will head upstream and take groups on a short river float back down to the lodge. The cost is only $10 per person and great fun.

Double Haul Fly Casting by Joe Rotter - Learn voice to voice how to master the Double Haul and improve your control of the fly cast with greater efficiency.

5 Weight Fly Casting Competition - This is as much fun to watch as it is to participate in! Watch both experienced and less experienced casters try their hand at our casting course and attempt to win the grand prize. Typically a high end fly rod, the last two years Sage Fly Rods donated the 1st place item. There will be a pro and non professional division and simply watching some of these casters will be the best lesson in fly casting you'll ever get.

Other Outdoor Casting Seminars

Practical Spey Casting
Switch or Spey? Which Rod do I Choose?
Beginner's Fly Casting
Nymph Fishing Tips from the Guides

BB Gun Range for the Kids... and adults - This is always fun and we'll have a staff member there to be sure everyone is safe.

Archery Range and Kids Bows - In addition to fly fishing and sporting clays, we also love to shoot bows and arrows. We'll have a section flagged off for archery and kids bows and arrows for anyone to fling some arrows at lifelike game animal targets. Bring your bow and shoot a few 3-D targets if you like.

Kid's Fly Fishing and Casting Lessons

Beginner's Fly Casting Lessons

See the best and newest gear available from top manufacturers!

INDOOR Clinics and Seminars

We'll have a variety of inside stuff to do and presentations. Here are a few of the highlights. There will be a full schedule with times posted prior to the event.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Ascension Bay
How to Choose and Setup a Fly Line for Spey and Switch Rods
Successful Trips to Christmas Island
How to Catch Largemouth Bass on the Fly
The Two Essential Fly Fishing Knots for Beginners
How to Catch Sea-run Cutthroat Fishing on Hood Canal - by Chad Gillespie

I am really looking forward to introducing on of my first mentors in guiding to you at the Rendezvous, Chad Gillespie. The guy taught me how to mend! Chad took me on my first float trip down the Yakima River in 1997 when I was a freshmen at Central Washington University. Since that day I wanted to be a guide and nothing more! Chad grew up in the Paulsbo area and is taking advantage of his decades of knowledge of fishing Hood Canal and Puget Sound for Sea Run Cutthroat and Salmon on fly fishing gear. He not only has immense knowledge of the fishery, but is simply a great guy. Red's will be booking and scheduling guided trips for Chad starting this spring. Come meet Chad and learn a bit about this fishery and decide if this is a trip for you.