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Skwala Lounge

Sep 17, 2026

Softshells: Perfect or Pointless?

Softshells are the most misunderstood jacket in your closet—even by the people who own one. This is Skwala's take on what they're actually built to do, and why that's exactly the point.

Aug 11, 2026

Guides Gone Wild

Three guides, three weeks, one isolated pacific island, unlimited bad ideas ...

Jul 23, 2026

Streamer Size Matters, But Bigger Isn't Better

Bigger isn't always better. Kelly Galloup, the godfather of modern streamer fishing, breaks down why he ditched the giant flies, what size actually triggers big trout to eat, and the wild story of a brown that dry-docked itself chasing a snake.

Jun 17, 2026

Double Dopamine

Joe Rotter has been swinging flies with two hands for more than two decades — and he wants you to know that trout Spey isn't a specialty technique for destination anglers. It's the most efficient, shoulder-friendly, backcast-free way to cover water you're probably already fishing.

Jun 3, 2026

How to Fish a River Everyone Else is Fishing

Crowded rivers don't have to ruin your day — they just require a different approach. Upper Madison guide Johnnie McClure has spent 21 seasons cracking the code on one of Montana's most-fished stretches, and his advice cuts through the resentment: break the river into pieces, nymph your way to fish density, change flies relentlessly, and fish the hours nobody else does.

May 28, 2026

Education over Entertainment

Mark Raisler knows the Missouri River better than most people know their own neighborhoods — and a few years ago, he made a decision that stunned his clients: no more nymphing. Ever. This is the story of why one of Montana's most respected guides went dry-fly-only, and why it's the best business decision he's ever made.

May 20, 2026

The Life of Brian Volume 5: Western Hatches

Brian O'Keefe has fished just about everywhere worth fishing—twice. In Volume 5 of The Life of Brian, he brings it closer to home, walking through his Western hatch schedule from April baetis to August hoppers. Expect a good time, and you'll usually find one.

May 13, 2026

The Differences Between SPF and UPF

Learn the difference between UPF and SPF, why both matter for anglers, and how sun-protective fishing apparel reduces UV exposure on the water.

Apr 28, 2026

Cylinders with Legs

Charlie Craven of Charlie's Fly Box breaks down the real differences between simple and complex fly patterns — when each works, when it doesn't, and how to think about the flies in your box.

Apr 14, 2026

All About the Mercury: The Spring Smallmouth Window

Pre-spawn smallmouth is a short, temperature-driven window—and most anglers miss it. Two of the Midwest's sharpest minds break down exactly what to look for, when to move, and when to back off.

Apr 6, 2026

It's Okay to Suck: Miles Marquez on Being a Newbie Fly Angler Again

Miles Marquez has done harder things than learn to Spey cast. But for years, he avoided it. This is the story of what happened when he finally stopped.

Mar 4, 2026

Buy the Damn Ticket

Most of us get invited on trips we never take. Work, cost, timing, logistics—there are always reasons to say no. But when one Skwala team member finally committed to a remote backcountry trip in New Zealand’s North Island, the experience became a powerful reminder that the best fishing adventures rarely fit neatly into your calendar.
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