Hike to the Fish

Two years ago I wrote an article on one of my favorite ways to experience nature and fly fishing: trail running.  Along with the exercise and the challenge, it gets me deeper into unfished and wild places quickly. That post generated a lot of interest, and there is a link below. Running into the woods to fish isn’t what I do all the time, and understandably it isn’t for everyone.

This summer I didn’t do it at all. Due to a pretty severe ankle injury I’m not even running on a treadmill. An uneven surface like a rocky, rooty New England path is pretty terrifying at the moment. However, I am moving well enough to get out and have wanted to get to some of my favorite mountain trout streams. What I’ve realized is that my temporary limitations reflect others’ normal limitations; my season matches up with others’ preferences.

Recently I mimicked the fishing trip that I used as the backdrop for the article “Run to the Fish.” I used the same trails. I fished the same rivers. I even went around the same time of the year. This time, I slowed down. It wasn’t quite a brisk jog, but my pace was quicker than a leisurely stroll. Since I wasn’t running, I didn’t need the lightest and most streamlined load. But since I required a little more support, I had to take a few more things on my back. My packing list changed, as did my approach.

Maybe you want to get deeper into the wild to pursue fish that haven’t seen a fly or worm in a while. If trail running isn’t up your alley, but you don’t mind putting in a few miles, check out what I did and why I did it:

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Podcast Ep. 98: Nostalgia, Losing, & Rock n’ Roll

Where have you fished the most?

Do you remember the first time you went? Was it a remarkable success or a tragic comedy of errors? Regardless, I’d wager that you can remember the first time you went fly fishing on your favorite river, stream, or lake.

In this episode I recount my first trip to a beloved spring creek. I came to know it very well, but the first time I tried to lure out a brown trout was hardly successful. Still I remember it – and I remember it fondly.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Kickstarter: On The Fly Rod Holder

There are days when I leave my car in the morning and don’t see it again until I’m ready to call it quits. Those are good, long days of fly fishing. Just as frequently, I’ll fish a little bit here and then head over there to fish that hole. Maybe I’ll leave the river to grab a burger, just to head back while I’m eating in the car. Or I’ll fish on this freestone in the morning, just to hop over to the spring creek half an hour away once the day warms up.

On these days – my typical days – my rod doesn’t get broken down and un-rigged. The tip gets shoved to the windshield and the reel sits on some random gear in the cargo area.  It works, but it isn’t ideal. A rooftop rod rack would be huge… but I don’t think I fish multiple rods enough on a regular basis to justify the expense and the addition to the vehicle.

A lot of people are in the similar situation. This includes the designer of  On The Fly, an inexpensive and effective solution for transporting your rigged fly rod.

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The Right Tools, Even for the Small Jobs

I have a few core beliefs about tools:

  • A tool should have enough flexibility to be used in a number of situations, or…
  • A tool should perform a singular and necessary task well enough to justify it’s presence
  • A tool should be priced so that it can be used without too much concern or thought
  • A tool should be somewhat pleasurable to hold and use

These simple maxims apply to my garage, shed, kitchen and fly fishing closet. I have the same standards for what goes into my sling back and tying bench as I have for what is hanging over my workbench. Gear matters, but unless it plays a pivotal role in my actual fishing it is “simply” a tool.

I’ve come to appreciate tools from Loon Outdoors, as they generally align with the four specs listed above. Recently Loon released a few new products for the bench and stream. Here’s my quick take on each – why all four fit my criteria and how you could put them to use:

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Podcast Ep. 97: Angling Observances & Miscellany

Every week I approach podcast recording time with a handful of ideas. Most fill up a 20 minute episode. Some are a little more brief, derivative, or otherwise not enough.

This episode is a compilation of 4 or 5 topics, only strung together by the common thread of fly fishing. There is some theory, some practical advice, and even a commentary on death. (It’s brief, but i got it in there.) It is a quick run through a number of miscellaneous angling observations – enjoy!

Thanks again for listening to the podcast, and for rating/reviewing/recommending.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Long Journeys Through Dark & Deep Places

New journeys always feel longest. Longer on foot, in the sand. Dunes and grey cedar shakes all look the same. Hightide removes all footprints and tire tracks and traces of everything. Night adds to the length and the blending and the feeling of almost being lost. Even on a fifty foot wide beach. Even on an island where there is nowhere to be lost.

First steps into moving water always bring trepidation. How deep? What is next? What is under? Disorientation of simultaneous motion and sensation. Warm waves quickly followed by cool air on wet skin. A rock underfoot. Seaweed against a leg. Something is supposed to be out there. That is okay as a thought. That is the point. But what is right here and close?

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Fall: Fly Fishing and/or Football?

Against all odds, football is back. In many of  the high-profile venues across the nation, Saturdays and Sundays will feature at least 100 people in attendance. More pertinent, hundreds of thousands will be firmly planted upon couch and recliner.

Not every fly fisher is a die hard football fanatic. Not every fly fisher is even a casual observer of sports. But if my personal interactions and social media observations are remotely accurate, a good chunk of anglers enjoy NFL and/or college football.

For a certain number of days in the fall this presents a dilemma. Now, this is a dilemma in the least significant sense of the word. It isn’t life or death. It isn’t a question of morality. It is picking between two good things. It is navigating between two pleasant shores.

It is football or fly fishing.

Still, it is a lower-case-d dilemma. Here are a few thoughts if you find yourself in this place  during autumn:

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Podcast Ep. 96: A Few Trashy Flies

Many a fly shop counter has heard the debates and the arguments.

“Those aren’t flies.”

“If it is within the law, it is a fly.”

“That’s a lure.”

“You’re just jealous you can’t catch as many fish.”

…and so on.

In this episode I take a brief look at the spectrum of fly authenticity. I attempt to get at the root of the quarrel, and try my hand at some conflict resolution.

However, I also share how I fish some of these trashy and cheesy patterns from time to time. Maybe you’ll scoff. Maybe you’ll cheer. Hopefully you’ll be entertained.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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Trout & Feather: September

This month on Trout & Feather, I’ve contributed an article titled Learn from Your Ancient Angling Ancestors. It focuses on one of the most valuable tips I can give new and experienced fly fishers.  It has to do with how you approach the river… before you even approach the river.

A thousand years ago,  without even knowing what species of fish was in the river, the angler would be confident in his (or her) ability to catch a few. He was an angler: he would be confident in which spots to target, which approaches to take, and when to call it quits.

Believe it or not, but you have a lot more in common with this adept ancient angler then you might think. Sure, your gear is different and you’re not fishing for sustenance. But otherwise, you’re both fishing and you’re both fishermen. So why the history lesson? For all the energy and effort that we put into catching fish, there are some simple patterns and processes that work.

They’ve stood the test of time…

Also I share two great fly tying videos from Trout & Feather. Both are easy to tie, both will absolutely catch fish, and one is notoriously controversial.

Watch the videos, and find a link to the article, below:

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The Mayfly Project’s One Fly Event

As unpredictable and difficult as 2020 has been, some organizations can’t afford to slow down. Conservation goups that support fisheries and wild places have kept at it the whole time. More importantly, fly fishing  programs which support people have increased their efforts to come alongside those who need help the most.

The Mayfly Project, an organization which supports foster children through fly fishing, has not slowed down one bit.

In fact, The Mayfly Project has stepped up to help these children face the added challenges that  have come in 2020. Totally new projects have been kicked off in Arkansas, Idaho, and Oregon. Additional projects are in the wings, and will hopefully start up as areas “open up” from COVID restrictions. A partnership with a fly shop in Minnesota has lead to support  as well as sharing fly fishing with the local community.

Still, many existing projects around the country have not been able to carry out business as usual – mentors spending time with kids on and off the water. The Mayfly Project has sought to keep connected with foster kids. They had masks made and sent to volunteers and adapted their activities to local guidelines. With help from donors, partners, and volunteers, over 300 fly tying kits have been mailed to children.  Videos were produced so kids could follow along and learn to tie.

The continued support of partners in the fly fishing community has been integral for The Mayfly Project. This fall, during the months of September and October, they are continuing to raise awareness and funds through their 4th annual One Fly  Event.

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