Loon Top Ride, Lochsa, and Fly Dip Review ~ 9/23/2020

 

I'm big on dry flies, it's my preferred way to catch trout due to the visual experience. To see the take happen right in front of you is something special, and when you set the hook, all hell breaks loose. I've been fishing dry flies for decades and have seen floatant products come and go, except for your standard silicone based paste. Currently I'm running these three products from Loon on a daily basis. They have proven their worth to accompany my clients and myself while on the water, while helping immensely with keeping those dry flies high and dry. No further testing is needed with these products, I've pushed them to the limits on all fronts.

Top Ride

"Shake & Bake" is one item I tell my beginning students is a must have in their vest. It can dry off a fly so nicely after being saturated, that it seems to almost hover on the water's surface. I tie some very sparse dry flies for spring creeks across the west with minimal materials, the end result is a fly that does not float well at all. Loon Top Ride completes the package on these flies in order to float, the flies are tied with the intent of having this powder agent help them successfully float during the presentation. Top Ride's special powder is a drying agent and floatant all in one. It's easy to use, long lasting, and the large opening on top accommodates larger flies as well. I've tried all the powders out there since their inception into the fly fishing industry, Top Ride has proven the best for me, a better value, and it's environmentally safe for your favorite ecosystem too. Here are a few tips with using Top Ride that will ensure you receive the very best performance:

- Before I shake my soggy dry fly, I will blot as much water off with a mini chamois, or my shirt sleeve, then blow on it a few times. With less water in the fly, Top Ride can do its job easier and faster, with better results.

- Once your fly enters the container, close the lid, but do not snap it closed. If you snap the lid, your tippet will be weakened by creating a kink in it. Not good.

- Fly powder containers are notorious for opening up on their own and creating quite the mess in your vest, pocket, or bag. To ensure this does not happen, clean any granular material in the crease areas where the lid fits in place. The other little trick I do is place a piece of duct tape over the lid and adhering it to the sides of the container. Nothing's coming out on its own

Lochsa Gel 

This gel is not your standard silicone based fly paste that has been the around for many years. The first characteristic I like is the actual viscosity of it. Not too thick, and not too thin - It's just right. Lochsa Gel won’t mat dry flies made with CDC either, and it's perfect for treating any type of feathers, hair, hackle, or yarn. Lochsa provides maximum floatation without the slightest hindrance on appearance. It is silicone based, and won’t melt in the heat or harden when it’s cold. I've been on the road and have run out of Lochsa and had to buy another brand and well...I wasn't too stoked. That about says it all right there. Here is a good tip for using this exceptional gel:

- A little amount goes a long way. You don't want to pour it from the bottle straight onto the fly, instead put some between your thumb and forefinger and rub it around. Then lightly dab the fly's hackle, body, and tail. For bigger flies like a Stimulator, take the time to work in the gel on the wing, and if it has rubber legs, coat them as well.

Fly Dip

I had a guide buddy give me a bottle of liquid floatant from Montana a few years ago, and it worked pretty good. After I learned it was flammable and basically a petroleum product, I stopped using it. Though the amount is minuscule, the thought of putting that into the river was not cool with me. As with all Loon Products, Fly Dip is environmentally safe. This liquid floatant is proof that anglers shouldn't have to choose between a green product and a great product. It is compatible with all flies (including CDC), dries quickly, and can take even soggy flies and bring them back to life. It isn't overstating things to say that this floatant is a "game-changer".  Pro tip for Fly Dip:

- Be careful when pulling your fly out from the bottle with excessive liquid spilling. Though Fly Dip is environmentally safe, it will leave a whitish residue on your equipment if it comes into contact. Cold water with a little scrubbing and a good rinse will remove it for good.

- I like to pre treat a half dozen of the hot dry fly the night before, or in the morning hours before using them. That way all the great properties are thoroughly mixed into the materials of the fly, and it's more than dry and ready to go. 

There you have it, the full skinny on some proven products to keep your dry flies on point. Give them a trial run, and I bet you won't go back to your old standby!

 

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