What have you been up to? In this episode, I talk about what I’ve been doing in and around fly fishing this winter. Perhaps you’ll get some brand new ideas; perhaps you’ll see how I do the same thing that you do, albeit slightly differently. There is so much potential in the wintertime. Even though …
Sometime around the Civil War, smelt were introduced into a number of lakes in southern New Hampshire. This small forage fish proliferated in the cold, deep water. Native fish species, at least those higher up on the food chain, took advantage of the new food source. One small fish, a strain of Arctic char, truly …
“After taking a year off, and with COVID still out there, how are the fishing shows going to be this year?” I’ve heard this question plenty of times over the past few months. I’ve asked it myself. But now I can answer with a little bit of authority after spending the day at the initial …
I had plans. They had to change. Guess what? It happens. Weather, vehicles, and life in general will put a kink in your perfectly prepared fly fishing checklist. Thankfully, I’ve got a three point (and alliterated!) checklist that you can employ to turn ruined plans into a great day on the water. Today I share …
Packs. Whether you carry yours on your sling, chest, or fanny, dozens upon dozens have been engineered for fly fishers. Why? For years, anglers have been trying to find the perfect piece of gear to carry their gear. In a sport that is so smitten with gadgets, gizmos, and Gink, the contemplative angler is confronted …
One could argue that trout fishing has had a significant influence on the course of United States history. President Hoover chose Rapidan Camp, on the banks of the Rapidan River in Virginia, for his presidential retreat. Starting with President Eisenhower, the country’s Commander in Chief rested and conferenced at Camp David. This rustic camp, nestled …
Water moves. We all get that. But do we appreciate how and why it moves? Doing so has a significant impact on finding fish, making a proper presentation, and staying safe in the water. These three reasons alone should give you pause when you ask yourself if you can read water. In this podcast episode, …
You can’t feel your fingers. Your breath is fogging up your sunglasses. Your waders are just a little bit frozen. Obviously, it is the perfect time to tie on a dry fly… in the size 22-28 range. Even when bigger bugs aren’t fluttering around the stream, smaller insects are probably hatching. In long runs, glassy …
I broke my net. The net broke my fall. The wooden handle took my full weight as I hit the granite boulder. Shiny rocks looked like icy rocks, so I let my guard down. One of those shiny rocks was actually an icy rock. My feet went out from underneath me so fast that I …
Opening day. The annual trip to the cabin. A first fish. Within these experiences is the opportunity for ritual. And rituals simply consist of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. Maybe there is something that you’ve always done. Perhaps there is something that you’ve always done because it was what your …
