The Great Lakes tributary system is a pretty remarkable fishery. Sure, the fish aren’t native and they don’t have an opportunity to run to saltwater. But they are big, fight hard, and are discerning. If west coast steelheading is like filet, then the Great Lakes offer up a hearty burger. It isn’t the same thing, …
The angler rises early, and has not time to dally He requires food and fuel from a warm and trusty ally. Across the Mid Atlantic lay the perfect place for gas and eats Every fisherman worth his flies knows the Ballad of Sheetz.
I love fly shops. In fact, the genesis of this website had a lot to do with my love of fly shops. But that story is for another day. The fly shop is the quintessential embodiment of fly fishing culture. Generally they are located near water that is productive enough to warrant a full-time local …
Living in the greater Boston area, most places I have to drive to are relatively close to each other. As the crow flies. Travel time is a different story. The old cow paths and trade routes of the north shore turn a lot of destinations into “you-can’t-get-there-from-here” propositions. Thankfully there are numerous secondary routes to …
There are a lot of tense moments on the stream. Seeing a trout rise, and hoping that it – like most trout – didn’t see you the moment after you saw it. Making a bad cast to a spot you know holds a fish, and gritting your teeth knowing you screwed up. Hearing crunching in …
There we were. Two teenagers, in the middle of the woods, well below freezing, early in the morning… surrounded by snarling dogs. I can’t remember exactly where we were, but I do know that it was a medium-sized stream on the west side of the Shenandoah National Park. Alan and I had been canvassing the …
I’m guilty of judging a book by its cover. Or, more appropriately, a fly rod by its filthy handle and crusty blank. For nearly ten years, I’ve had a decorative rod holder with a number of rods displayed on it. They’re all hand-me-downs or yard sale, five dollar grabs. After all, as a fly fisherman …
For years, fly fisherman have been trying to find the perfect piece of gear to carry their various and sundry flies and tackle on their fishing expeditions. For a sport so fascinated with gadgets, gizmos, and Gink, the conscientious angler has had to answer the age old question: Should I be comfortable and risk leaving …
