Earlier this month, hundreds of dead trout floated through the fly fishing only section of Maryland’s Beaver Creek. Authorities have yet to pinpoint the ultimate cause, but heavy rainfall over heavy-use agricultural and industrial lands bordering the stream is likely a significant part of the picture. The same environment that produces fertile spring creeks filled …
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 …
“You want to know what your Father’s Day present is?” “Umm… do you want to tell me?” “When we go on vacation to Virginia later this month, we want you to take a whole day to go fishing.” “That is a great present.” “I was going to surprise you, but I thought you’d have more …
If you’ve been fly fishing for any length of time, there is a good chance that major life events are bracketed by rivers and trout. I can certainly say that. And in this episode of the podcast, I do say that. Although Casting Across has a lot of me in it, I don’t usually get …
I had the morning to myself. While on a family trip in Northern Virginia, I could have easily found my way to some amazing fly fishing opportunities. Feisty mountain brook trout. River smallies on topwater flies. Thick spring creek browns. While there is no such thing as a done deal in fly fishing, each of …
A remarkable and diverse trout fishery is within a half day’s drive of most of the US population. And, you can thank these rivers for those famous bagels and pizzas in New York City. The Upper Delaware River system consists of multiple waterways featuring a diverse group of fishing opportunities. The trout that inhabit the …
A lot more goes into a good fly shop than some big-name decals on the windows. Sometimes, a good fly shop has faded sign with a cartoon worm underneath the words “live bait.” I’m not kidding. What makes a good fly shop is all about the soul on the inside. You need flies, rods, and …
Bears can’t open car doors. Even if a bear could get into the car, a black bear couldn’t do it so fast that we couldn’t start the engine and escape. And a black bear wouldn’t hang on to the roof like James Bond as we swerved down the mountain. I could close my eyes and …
Even if I hadn’t been out in a week, the first cast felt like it was simply the next cast in a succession of fly fishing moments. It was like picking up where I had left off. Like I had never left. Never stopped fishing. It is a great feeling. I’ve had two such seasons …
You speak, I listen. And then I speak about it. In this episode, I respond to some feedback that I’ve received from Casting Across articles and podcasts. There is a comment on keeping spots secret, a question on how I prioritize fly fishing, and an angry mob. Well, kind of. I enjoy sharing a little …
