Fly-fishing Books
2005 Lookbook/2006 Book
7,420 Words
When Cloudveil launched into fly-fishing, I was tasked with writing a defining lookbook in an industry that was not my norm. But by working with reps, designers and marketing, I created technically and culturally accurate copy that passed the credibility filter with the critical angling demographic. Due to a trademark dispute, the lookbook was put in lockdown, but the content flowed into the 2005 Angling Catalog.
Link to 8x LookbookJackson Hole is home to some big fish. A wild and native stock of Spotted Cutthroat is the initial draw but, upon closer inspection, it is clear few locales can claim such diversity of trout fisheries in such a concentrated area. Whether wading or floating, selecting dry flies, streamers or nymphs, diehards are easily hooked. In this local subculture, South Fork salmon fly hatches earn legendary status, seasonal channeling knowledge of the Maze is a badge of honor, and Opening Day on Flat Creek is treated as a local holiday.
In this beautiful valley alone, our options for landing one are abundant. During prime season, we float Snake River sections–either Pacific to Deadman’s Bar or Wilson to South Park–and likely find friends lurking at both put-in and take-out. For solitude we head to stealth holes on the Buffalo Fork or Gros Ventre that are always worth the extra effort. But when Flat Creek finally opens, we take long lunches to test our cast at this legendary refuge, which sits mere miles from town. And, if we are lucky in life, we are invited to sample the private spring creek reserve at Crescent H Ranch.
This paradise is where we happily call home, which is the reason angling was such a natural progression for Cloudveil. We are intimate with the rivers, lakes and creeks that decorate our valley and regularly tap into these fine zones with rod and reel. For our own fishing missions–whether weeklong trips into the Winds, opening weekends on the Firehole or day trips to land Rainbow on the Henry’s Fork–we long craved apparel that was up to the task. So we blended local knowledge with technical know-how and created an exceptional line of angling apparel that reflects the inspiration we find in these spectacular settings.
WADING INTRO
Whether crossing a deep channel to reach a hidden hole or just dipping toes in a trickling spring creek, wading is an important part of the game. Borrowing from our outdoor apparel heritage of clean, functional design, we developed next-generation elements that enhance performance in the water without adding excess. Staying dry is one half of the equation, creating all-day comfort is the sum. For this purpose, we built our waders with articulated fit and a gusseted crotch that ranges freely when scrambling up steep banks. Designed to create a tight seal, the breathable XCR® bibs feature 3-point clip-off suspenders, cinch-to-size drawcords and sagless tailored patterns. Our surefooted boots snug down to eliminate slop and include two sets of insoles for wearing with or without waders. Technical to the very sole, the footwear is designed to endure extended seasons on the river and travel light on long treks into spots you refuse to share. The utility of a good vest is hard to beat. Ours are light and functional with both vertical and horizontal storage options as well as features like innovative hydration sleeves and over the shoulder hose guides, padded sunglass compartment and drawcord waists for no-sag performance.
8X WADER
Named for precision tippet that draws out big fish, our 8x Wader is for anglers who seek premium technology without excess. Gore-Tex® Immersion® fabric–reinforced with stout five-layer in the lower leg panel for extra toughness–seals below the belt, while an innovative Gore-Tex® XCR® upper lets heat and sweat easily escape. A fixed fly-box front pocket sits above the waterline, dual-zip kangaroo pockets warm hands and adjustable tri-point suspenders clip off for easy removal. Anatomical booties stave off seepage with 4-mil neoprene, while stretch Schoeller® gravel guards eliminate gravel and sand. Finished with a snug-seal chest drawcord, nylon waist belt, gusseted crotch, field repair kit and watertight zips.
OUTERWEAR INTRO
Fishing is no fun when you are cold and wet. This we learned by braving poorly equipped shoulder-season experiences on rivers, lakes and streams. Persistent flurries, violent thunderstorms and frosty days don’t quell the allure of a good catch, meaning less-than-ideal weather is no reason to cut the season short. Toward this end, a good storm jacket is an important acquisition for anyone not labeled a fair-weather angler. Rather than pulling from the closet for this important purpose, we crafted new jackets with fish on the brain. The fabric we selected for our specialty shells is from proven waterproof/breathable stock, the details respond to a constant action-to-inaction fluctuation and our precise construction method mirrors what we learned from building inspired mountain apparel. And, for anglers who require a warmer dose of protection, we supply two beautiful WINDSTOPPER® fleece jackets that cut the chill and warm the core.
SOFTSHELL PROTECTION
As a pioneer in the softshell category, we know these versatile styles are an ideal way to prepare for ever-changing weather found on rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. Highly functional and resistant to the elements, the tightly woven textile sheds surface water, moderates chilly wind and breathes comfortably under sun-baked skies. The secret is an air-permeable surface that lets heat escape, repels precipitation, dries quickly when soaked and withstands wear even when subjected to abrasive situations.