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.

River Report and Upcoming Classes

April 5, 2016

Hi folks,

Looks like it is going to be 80+ degrees here on Friday. 68 degrees and cloudy in Seattle. Ok that was a low blow. This weekend we have several events happening at Red's/Canyon River Ranch that don't rely on river conditions.

April 8th - Rocky Ford Destination Fishing Class

April 9th - 10th - Bowhunter's 3-D Archery Shoot

April 9th - Blake Noble Concert at Canyon River Ranch

April 9th - Fly Fishing 101/201 Class

The nice weather comes with a downside, the Yakima River is in rough shape throughout most of the system. The river above the Teanway is passable at the moment, but very tough fishing. The most ambitious anglers and guides are still hitting the water but conditions are definitely not ideal. The river is dropping fast right now, but is predicted to go up again at some point over the weekend so we are in sort of a "wait and see" mode for the next 24 hours before we know for sure what this weekend will offer.

Rocky Ford "Fish Along" Class This Friday - $99

This class is being hosted by one our fishiest guides, Craig Chittenden, and is a great opportunity to learn the ropes on a nice day. It will be 80 degrees at Rocky Ford on Friday! The class will meet at 11 am at the Safeway parking lot in Ephrata, WA. We would love to get you schooled up. Learn More...

Private Bass Lake Fishing and Clinic

This is a short "pre-fishing" clinic on a private lake chain near Potholes. Its the famous "Sand Lakes" system. Our team will give you some directive and instructions and your job is to go stick some bass. The evenings are best for poppers, and you'll meet at 10 am in George, WA and can fish the lakes till dusk. Learn more...

April 30th
May 14th
May 28th
June 4th
June 11th

Giant Tarpon with Joe Rotter

I am still looking for one more person to come to Costa Rica with me to chase giant Tarpon! I am planning and hosting this trip. Its $3860 for 8 nights/6 days and the flight doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Please email joe@redsflyshop.com if you are interested. I'll tell you about the trip and there won't be any pressure to book. Here is some more information about the lodge.

Here is shot of Tony Robins, one of the founders of Red's Fly Shop, with his best ever Tarpon on the fly! He went to Tarponville 10 years ago and loved it. I personally went to Costa Rica in 2001 and have been waiting to go back ever since. Its a wonderful country and the idea of hooking multiple Tarpon over 100 pounds is like a dream come true. Actually it IS a dream come true.