Product Review
Product Review
Blue Liner Flows Review | USGS Stream Gauges
All water level data originates from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Surface-Water Data, which monitors over 13,000 stream gauges across the U.S. and more than 350 in Pennsylvania. The USGS has been transitioning to a new online interface over the past five-plus years. The updated look and feel have left some old features behind while adding new ones. I hate it.
So, I’ve been on the hunt for a desktop and mobile app that delivers USGS backend data through a clean, easy-to-use interface. Blue Liner Flows offers a solid solution for iPhone, iPad and Mac users, with apps built for both platforms. Most importantly, favorites and preferences sync across devices. There’s a free version, but I’ll be reviewing the $6.99 annual paid version.
Key features include: favorites, state selection, map view, latest data overview, discharge in CFS, discharge in feet, average annual discharge, various time views, weather forecasts, alerts, temperatures (station-dependent), turbidity (station-dependent), and other data specific to each gauge.
I found the app very easy to set up on my Mac. Once configured, all my favorites and alerts synced automatically to my iPhone. You don’t need both devices—an iPhone alone works just fine. I especially liked navigating between the state, favorites, and map views. It’s fast and intuitive. Most views display the key information I’m looking for, including directional arrows indicating whether water levels are rising or falling.
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Blue Liner Flows Review | USGS Stream Gauges
All water level data originates from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Surface-Water Data, which monitors over 13,000 stream gauges across the U.S. and more than 350 in Pennsylvania. The USGS has been transitioning to a new online interface over the past five-plus years. The updated look and feel have left some old features behind while adding new ones. I hate it.
So, I’ve been on the hunt for a desktop and mobile app that delivers USGS backend data through a clean, easy-to-use interface. Blue Liner Flows offers a solid solution for iPhone, iPad and Mac users, with apps built for both platforms. Most importantly, favorites and preferences sync across devices. There’s a free version, but I’ll be reviewing the $6.99 annual paid version.
Key features include: favorites, state selection, map view, latest data overview, discharge in CFS, discharge in feet, average annual discharge, various time views, weather forecasts, alerts, temperatures (station-dependent), turbidity (station-dependent), and other data specific to each gauge.
I found the app very easy to set up on my Mac. Once configured, all my favorites and alerts synced automatically to my iPhone. You don’t need both devices—an iPhone alone works just fine. I especially liked navigating between the state, favorites, and map views. It’s fast and intuitive. Most views display the key information I’m looking for, including directional arrows indicating whether water levels are rising or falling.
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Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots Review: A Game-Changer for Serious Fly Fishing
After five years of heavy use, my last pair of boots were starting to show their age—especially with all the extra time I’ve spent fishing since retiring. I needed a new pair that could offer better traction on rugged streams like Penns Creek, while also being easier to take on and off multiple times a day. After a week of intensive use, I’m confident I’ve found the best boots I’ve ever worn: the Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots.
Putting the Orvis Pro BOA Boots to the Test on Pennsylvania Streams
I picked up the boots just before heading to Penns Creek in May. I put them through their paces—using them about ten times over six days, from large rivers to remote brookie streams. Conditions were challenging, with all types of terrain and flow, and the boots performed exceptionally well.
This was my first time using Orvis wading gear, although I’ve followed the brand for years and trust what they bring to the angling community. The Pro BOA Wading Boots have been around for a few years, but this latest version is a refresh introduced within the last year or two.
What Makes the BOA Fit System Ideal for Fly Fishing Boots?
The BOA Fit System, not exclusive to Orvis gear, replaces traditional laces with a precision closure mechanism. It features a dial, steel wire laces, and low-friction guides that deliver a secure, adjustable fit. I first saw BOA on ski boots decades ago, but it has since become popular in everything from cycling shoes to wading gear.
The key benefit is how effortlessly you can tighten or loosen the boots. I didn’t fully appreciate how easy and fast the system was until I tried it in the Orvis store. The wide opening makes it simple to slide your foot in, then a few clicks of the dial ratchet everything down for a...
Wayward Trading Post Update and Fly Fishing Net Giveaway
I had a chance to visit her shop last year and learned firsthand her accomplished work in making her handcrafted wooden fly fishing nets. A fun operation in the Philly suburbs working out of her father’s garage.
Follow along to learn how you can enter for a chance to win one of these beautiful artisan-made fly fishing nets from Wayward Trading Post.
Latest Updates
Since Tina opened her shop a few years ago, a lot has happened. Recently, she has developed a custom-designed net in conjunction with TCO, a keystone state fly fishing retailer. The Madison River Fishing Company has selected her nets as part of their new product catalog. The list of retailers carrying Pennsylvania-made goods keeps growing, and the biggest news has yet to drop. Wayward is now a wooden net manufacturer for Orvis. This start-up has gone from a sawdust-filled wood-shop in Philadelphia to having an account with the largest brand in our sport.
Hand-crafted Nets
All the nets at Wayward Trading Post are sourced from Pennsylvania wood, using mostly walnut, hickory, and cherry. Each net is created by gluing together strips of wood to form the hoop and adding a previously crafted handle to the glued-up hoop, setting the pieces into a mold. Once the...
Book Review: Fly Fishing Evolution by George Daniel
The book is structured into three main parts, each dedicated to a specific fishing technique, offering insights into gear, patterns, tactics, and presentations. The general flow of the book is easy to read and provides thoughtful insight with clear explanations. Specific illustrations and photographs help enhance the presentation. This colorful approach adds to the engagement of the book.
The three main parts cover:
- Nymphing: Explores nymphing tools, patterns, and key concepts, including suspension tactics and tightline/Euro tactics.
- Dry Fly: Covers tools, patterns, and the art of casting and presenting dry flies.
- Streamers: Discusses streamer tools, patterns, and various presentation techniques.
What I Liked:
The book's strength lies in its organization, where George breaks down complex tactics into simple, rudimentary steps without losing the depth required...
EZ-P Wader Zipper
Check out this other review on Angling Trade.
Product Review: Do EZ-P installed wader zippers really work?
www.anglingtrade.com
A video with more details.
You can contact Bill Anderson here for more details: bjuniata@verizon.net
Holiday Gift Guide 2022: The Best Fly-Fishing Gear Under $50
As fly fishing anglers, we have different needs than other anglers. While we eye up and even scrutinize bigger ticket items this doesn’t leave much for friends and family to pick up for us during the Holidays. Here are some of my favorite accessories and many I keep as doubles so I can easily move between my fly fishing hip bag and pack vest.
Headlamp - Black Diamond Sprint 225 Headlamp
This isn’t just for night fishing, but for when you are hiking back to your vehicle. No fun stumbling through the brush at dusk. $49.95 at Amazon
Wader Chains - Yaktrax Traction Chains for Walking on Ice and Snow
These were my favorite buy over the last year and a recommendation from @Bruno . They are easy on and off. Most importantly really help on those slippery rocks. $29.95 at Amazon
Clip on Magnifiers - Clip on Fly Tying Flip Focal 2.25X Magnification
Nothing wrong with having a couple of these on the ready. If you can’t see the fly you can’t tie it to your line. $19.95 at Orvis or your local fly shop
Fishing Thermometer
An excellent tool to know what the temps are when you fish. Most important when temps are getting warmer in the early summer. $14.95 at Precision or your local fly shop
Orvis Hy-Flote® Fly Dip
I was in my local Orvis shop last month and this was recommended. I like it even more than some of the powder products. $10.95 at Orvis or Orvis Dealer
Handy Pak Net - Plastic Handle Leather Pouch Made in Pennsylvania
The folding net is a great concept and works well when you want to travel light. There are some wooden handle models as well. The cons of this net...
Book Review of Tributaries by Lou Wentz
Tributaries is a wonderful collection of memories about fly fishing in the Pennsylvania and Catskills region. Lou Wentz provides a personal journey recalling his time growing up along fly fishing streams, sharing life accounts and reflections of over 40 years of angling experiences. An interesting, fun read for fly fishing anglers.
I was expecting a traditional kiss and tell book covering some new locations and even secret personal technics for some lesser known waters of the region. It was none of those things, it was better.
The chapters bounce from childhood stories to memorable fly fishing experiences that are often full of surprises. Wentz reflects on tragic floods and fishing along Neshaminy Creek with characters like Indian Joe, Deke and Old Man Burger. Later in the book, the author reflects choices of a chance encounter with hippy girl or pursuing trout on Shermans Creek. These are difficult decisions in a young anglers life.
The author shares many other fascinating accounts of his youth, the passage of time and experiences along streams like the Tulpehocken, Penns, Perkiomen, Lackawanna and more.
His stories brought back many memories of my youth and fishing. Growing up, our adventures range from the unremarkable to magical events. As we get older and look back, we realize the importance of them all.
While an fun read, it may feel a little eclectic at times threading together some of his accounts. The author connects pieces of life and fly fishing together in the book. Tributaries is a book for someone who appreciates what time and fly fishing can offer, no matter where they live.
Lou Wentz is a long-time member of the Paflyfish community and goes by the user name @Oregon_OwlII. The book is available now on Amazon here. - https://a.co/d/1qUD3p9
I was expecting a traditional kiss and tell book covering some new locations and even secret personal technics for some lesser known waters of the region. It was none of those things, it was better.
The chapters bounce from childhood stories to memorable fly fishing experiences that are often full of surprises. Wentz reflects on tragic floods and fishing along Neshaminy Creek with characters like Indian Joe, Deke and Old Man Burger. Later in the book, the author reflects choices of a chance encounter with hippy girl or pursuing trout on Shermans Creek. These are difficult decisions in a young anglers life.
The author shares many other fascinating accounts of his youth, the passage of time and experiences along streams like the Tulpehocken, Penns, Perkiomen, Lackawanna and more.
His stories brought back many memories of my youth and fishing. Growing up, our adventures range from the unremarkable to magical events. As we get older and look back, we realize the importance of them all.
While an fun read, it may feel a little eclectic at times threading together some of his accounts. The author connects pieces of life and fly fishing together in the book. Tributaries is a book for someone who appreciates what time and fly fishing can offer, no matter where they live.
Lou Wentz is a long-time member of the Paflyfish community and goes by the user name @Oregon_OwlII. The book is available now on Amazon here. - https://a.co/d/1qUD3p9
The Ultimate Angling Accessory - The New Bentayga Fly Fishing
Well forget that new rod this year, just get a custom high-end SUV built for fly fishing anglers. I think one in green would match my waders.
From the press release:
Bentley has created the ultimate angling accessory; the new Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner.
Hand-crafted by Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, the Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner is an exquisite installation which houses all the equipment required for a successful day on the river.
Four rods are stored in special tubes trimmed in Saddle leather with Linen cross-stitching and located on the underside of the parcel shelf. A pair of landing nets in matching leather bags are stored in a bespoke, carpet-trimmed hard pocket built into the side of the boot.
At the heart of the Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner are three individual, Saddle-leather-trimmed units: a master tackle station; a refreshment case; and waterproof wader-stowage trunk.
The master tackle station and refreshment case sit on a sliding tray that allows for easy access. Inside the master tackle unit is a special Burr Walnut veneered drawer containing a fly-tying vice and tools, as well as a selection of cotton, hooks and feathers. Beneath this are four machined-from-solid aluminium reel cases trimmed in Saddle leather with a Linen cross-stitching. The interior of the refreshment case is trimmed in Linen leather, and contains up to three metal flasks and a set of Mulliner fine-china...
From the press release:
Bentley has created the ultimate angling accessory; the new Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner.
Hand-crafted by Bentley’s bespoke coachbuilding division, the Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner is an exquisite installation which houses all the equipment required for a successful day on the river.
Four rods are stored in special tubes trimmed in Saddle leather with Linen cross-stitching and located on the underside of the parcel shelf. A pair of landing nets in matching leather bags are stored in a bespoke, carpet-trimmed hard pocket built into the side of the boot.
At the heart of the Bentayga Fly Fishing by Mulliner are three individual, Saddle-leather-trimmed units: a master tackle station; a refreshment case; and waterproof wader-stowage trunk.
The master tackle station and refreshment case sit on a sliding tray that allows for easy access. Inside the master tackle unit is a special Burr Walnut veneered drawer containing a fly-tying vice and tools, as well as a selection of cotton, hooks and feathers. Beneath this are four machined-from-solid aluminium reel cases trimmed in Saddle leather with a Linen cross-stitching. The interior of the refreshment case is trimmed in Linen leather, and contains up to three metal flasks and a set of Mulliner fine-china...
Streams Map USA for iPhone and iPad
A new stream mapping app has been just released by Gogal Publishing designed to help outdoor enthusiasts better enjoy our regional waterways. Streams Map USA for iPhone and iPad are apps that provide a complete set of regional maps to locate, evaluate conditions, navigate and manage thousands of different streams. The first release of the Northeast Region covers all of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and the rest of New England. I had chance to use Streams Map USA and kick it around with a few places that I like to fly fish.
I found the screen easy to view, due to a new idea that Gogal Publishing is using in varying stream colors, instead of just the singular blue line that we always get on every map. A clever idea to help differentiate the main stream and its tributaries I liked the multiple choices of base maps, which included: Road, Satellite, Hybrid, USGS Topo, and OpenStreetMap.
I was quickly able to search for some known streams. The app is very detailed with results based on state or county level. When searching for Muddy Creek, I soon learned there were over a half dozen Muddy Creeks and branches located in Pennsylvania. Who knew?
Personal waypoint locations can be created, named and stored. The use of my iPhone’s built-in GPS identified my current location and provided an indication of miles to either the waypoints or streams. For example, this also can be used to mark the location of your car before heading out for long day fishing on the water or a canoe trip.
Too often I am in an area where there is either no or poor cell coverage. What I liked best was the “browse and store” functionality for offline...USGS Water Data Goes Mobile
One of the first useful websites I found for anglers on the Internet was the USGS Water Data site. The website provides real-time streamflow conditions for over 9,000 streams and rivers across the country. Detailed information about stream discharge levels and water gage level heights are provided. The USGS has just started a beta (early release) version on the web for mobile users to get easier access to the data.
The desktop version has always been an incredibly useful trip planning tool for me before I headed out on fly fishing trips. Nothing worse than driving flippin four hours to that great mountain stream for the weekend only to find out that it blown out along with ten surrounding counties that looked like a hurricane just rolled thought the region. I use this almost every time I go fly fishing and have changed my plans by hundreds of miles based on the reliable data from this web site. Sometime those plans involve me just driving to a closer bar, but it works.
The new mobile site is pretty straight-forward to work with and can be found here: m.waterdata.usgs.gov. No need to install any app, just point your browser to the url and you are good to go. Right away it feels like it was designed to be navigated with you just the use of your index finger.
That is good because the other designed point for the site is for it to work with newer smart phones. A data connection and browser on your iPhone or Android based phone is really all you need. Works with my iPads and other tablets as well. The USGS does mention that it may not older devices or older browsers.
I found the mobile site is very responsive and with very detailed terrain map as the base. The graphs show a seven day view at the gauging station, which can show if the water is...
The new mobile site is pretty straight-forward to work with and can be found here: m.waterdata.usgs.gov. No need to install any app, just point your browser to the url and you are good to go. Right away it feels like it was designed to be navigated with you just the use of your index finger.
That is good because the other designed point for the site is for it to work with newer smart phones. A data connection and browser on your iPhone or Android based phone is really all you need. Works with my iPads and other tablets as well. The USGS does mention that it may not older devices or older browsers.
I found the mobile site is very responsive and with very detailed terrain map as the base. The graphs show a seven day view at the gauging station, which can show if the water is...