This year, my highlights included using the Amundson Outdoors TCPX-3 centerpin reel, matched to their Cast Mob float rod, and their 9wt Wind Warrior Spey rod. In addition, the BnR had their Balsa sliding float and their soft beads, 8mm.

We started the season early, mid-June. There has often been a spotty early run, but it’s all in the timing. We never found them, but we knew the main run would be in by July. Our allowed limit was one, so we would be catching and releasing anything beyond our catch limit.

The heavy flow from last winter altered the river’s structure, creating shallower and wider runs. Running 15-pound on the center pin reel for main line and a 10-pound leader. The BnR Balsa float rides high and displays every delicate movement. Using a stopper knot system allows the float to adjust up or down due to the depth of the river.

Our weight is a 2 1/2 length of 1/4″ thick holo pencil lead encased in a parachute casing. This reduces any loss from structural snags. The BnR soft bead size was 8mm, placed an inch above the hook.

The Wind Warrior 14’3″ Spey 9wt rod had a 30-foot floating shooting head with a 12-foot sink tip. Matched the rod with an 11/12 wt Wind Warrior fly reel.

Pro Tip: If you want to use a non-Spey reel, use a reel two sizes larger than the line weight to achieve the required spooling space.

This was my third year with the spey rod, and I finally got it down pat, mastering the D cast, as well as the left and right side casts. So this year, I added the Circle C roll to my cast.