Master the Swing
Guided Spey Fishing for steelhead on the
Salmon River at Shepp Ranch
Where & When
Clinic will be in October and includes five nights lodging at Shepp Ranch with four days guided spey fishing and professional instruction on modern spey casting techniques
Spey Casting
Spey casting is a dynamic two-handed casting technique that allows anglers to cover large sections of water with minimal backcasting, making it ideal for targeting steelhead in big rivers. By using the water’s tension to load the rod, spey casts—such as the Snap-T, Double Spey, and Snake Roll—deliver long, efficient swings with minimal effort. When fishing for steelhead, the goal is to present the fly at a natural pace, allowing it to swing across the current where these elusive fish are likely to strike. Patience, precision, and the rhythmic flow of the cast make spey fishing as much an art as a technique, rewarding anglers with powerful, acrobatic steelhead when everything comes together.
Spey Casting
Spey casting is a dynamic two-handed casting technique that allows anglers to cover large sections of water with minimal backcasting, making it ideal for targeting steelhead in big rivers. By using the water’s tension to load the rod, spey casts—such as the Snap-T, Double Spey, and Snake Roll—deliver long, efficient swings with minimal effort. When fishing for steelhead, the goal is to present the fly at a natural pace, allowing it to swing across the current where these elusive fish are likely to strike. Patience, precision, and the rhythmic flow of the cast make spey fishing as much an art as a technique, rewarding anglers with powerful, acrobatic steelhead when everything comes together.
Guides & Instructors
Travis De Boer
Celebrating 16 years in the world of guiding, Travis is not just a guide; he’s an expert spey casting instructor, seasoned angler with a passion for the great outdoors. His journey began locally, where he immersed himself in the nuances of fly fishing for steelhead, trout and warm water fish, cultivating expertise that is second to none.
Travis has cast his line far and wide, extending his guiding to the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. Whether navigating the challenging waters of the local rivers, the wild Alaskan terrain or tropical salt water environments Travis thrives on the thrill of the catch and the joy of sharing these experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
Before his career in guiding, Travis served our country honorably in the military’s special operations, contributing to the esteemed 75th Ranger Regiment. This chapter in his life not only instilled discipline and resilience but also provided him with a unique set of skills that set him apart in the world of fly fishing.
Beyond the riverbanks, Travis is a recognized writer and photographer, with his works featured in over a hundred nationally published titles covering a wide range of outdoor-related subjects. His ability to capture the essence of the great outdoors adds an extra layer to his storytelling, allowing readers to vicariously experience the thrill of the hunt and the tranquility of nature.
Yet, for Travis, it’s not about dwelling on the past achievements. Instead, he remains focused on the future, grateful for the opportunity to fish in amazing places with equally amazing people.
Eric Leininger
Eric Leininger has been a full-time Fly Fishing Guide for the past 15 years in the Pacific Northwest located outside Portland, Oregon. He spent nine seasons working in Alaska, chasing Chinook Salmon and has taught hundreds of people how to efficiently throw a Spey rod. In addition, he worked alongside his buddy Dec Hogan on the Grande Ronde for five Fall seasons dialing in clients spey fishing game, while targeting Summer Steelhead. He’s done dozens of presentations for local fly clubs all over the state, has been a featured tyer at the Albany Fly Tying Expo for a number of years and is one of the main presenters at this year’s Sandy Spey Clave. He guides for numerous species throughout the year including Winter Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Musky and Carp. He has been the Head Guide at Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters for over 10 years and is a proud Ambassador for Simms Fishing Products, GLoomis, Hatch Outdoors, and Scientific Anglers.
Location
Shepp Ranch is a unique destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and wilderness experiences. As a family guest ranch, it provides an ideal location for a vacation filled with adventure and relaxation. Additionally, Shepp Ranch is a world-class outfitter that specializes in hunting and steelhead fishing trips. Whether you want to hike, fish, hunt, horseback ride, jetboat, or simply unwind with a good book, Shepp Ranch has something for everyone. In order to reach the Ranch, you have three options: traveling up the river by jetboat, arriving by backcountry plane and landing on our private 2,300’ airstrip, or flying in by helicopter. Once you arrive, you’ll discover a stunning natural setting with abundant wildlife, clear starry skies, and the peaceful sound of the “River of No Return” right outside your door.
Shepp Ranch is a unique destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and wilderness experiences. As a family guest ranch, it provides an ideal location for a vacation filled with adventure and relaxation. Additionally, Shepp Ranch is a world-class outfitter that specializes in hunting and steelhead fishing trips. Whether you want to hike, fish, hunt, horseback ride, jetboat, or simply unwind with a good book, Shepp Ranch has something for everyone. In order to reach the Ranch, you have three options: traveling up the river by jetboat, arriving by backcountry plane and landing on our private 2,300’ airstrip, or flying in by helicopter. Once you arrive, you’ll discover a stunning natural setting with abundant wildlife, clear starry skies, and the peaceful sound of the “River of No Return” right outside your door.