If you enjoy fly fishing, specifically the uniquely American take on dry fly fishing, you need to be familiar with the Catskills. Names like Gordon and Dette, places like the Beaverkill and the Upper Delaware: the profound impact of this special part of New York has left an indelible mark on fly fishing. This fantastic …
Dry flies looked about the same 100 years ago. Streamers? Things were a little different. We hadn’t gotten around to articulated flies that use half a bucktail yet. But we still caught fish. And the flies that were being fished worked. Plus, you could cast them on your regular trout rod. All was well in …
There have been countless ecological missteps taken by those attempting to protect fish because of errors in identification. Some were understandable, given the technology at the time. Others, including those of the last few generations, really stem from relying on hasty or superficial investigation. Anglers, who are not only the beneficiaries of conservation efforts but …
That is me. And I’ve obviously caught a largemouth bass. Aside from those two facts there’s not a lot of certainty I have about this picture. Why should that matter to me? Or, more pertinently for the reader, why should this photographic mystery matter to you? I have a good reason why this all matters …
Fly fishing is treasured by so many because it is a multifaceted activity. On one hand, it is a solitary pursuit. Yet it always takes place within some sort of community. Today’s contemporaries follow old paths walked by countless anglers that have come and fished before. Some were remarkable because of their contributions in conservation, …
Latest and greatest had to start somewhere. Often, that place had a lot going for it too. Having a preliminary knowledge of the history of fly fishing might pay off in really good fishing. More often than not, the reward is going to be in what you learn and how that impacts your time on …
There is no right way to observe Memorial Day. Go fly fishing. Grill something in the backyard. Take care of some house projects, lounge in front of the TV, or catch up on some work that needs to get done. In my opinion, all of those activities can be right for Memorial Day if they’re …
Some of the rivers that our grandfathers lauded as destination waters have declined in one way or another. The quantity or quality of the fish just isn’t there anymore. There are still fish present, and there is still good fishing to be had, but things have changed. And people don’t like change. But change shouldn’t …
Merry Christmas from Casting Across! Since this episode is being released on the night of Christmas Eve, I thought I’d go ahead and do something a little different. Nostalgia and tradition is a big part of the holiday season. Stories of those who came before us and the way things used to be come part …
Where can you go to get some fly fishing history, beautiful scenery, fun for the whole family… and a few trout? Nestled in the bottom left corner of Vermont sits the little town of Manchester. Orvis is there. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is there. They’re there because the Battenkill River is there. While …
