Crystal clear. Bug factory. Low gradient. Constantly cold. Lush vegetation. Year ‘round. Lots of big, wild, selective, spooky trout. Each statement describes one aspect of spring creeks. But even all of them together fail to adequately communicate how special these unique waterways are. I’ve been privileged enough to fish spring creeks in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, …
On March 14th, 2018, Bernard “Lefty” Kreh passed away. He was 93. And in his 90’s, he was still a fly fisherman, an author, and an ambassador for the sport. His contributions to the development of tackle, the library of angling, and the community of fly fishers was inimitable. This was not a secret to …
There is an intimacy in the Appalachian Mountains. While few segments of the topography are severe like much of the Rockies out west are, there is a tangible closeness in the hollows and valleys of the eastern mountain range. Perhaps it can be attributed to the contrast that Appalachia provides. With only a short drive …
The orange fins. The blue halos around red dots. The dark parr marks that span the transition from the olive back to the golden sides. The unbelievably milky white belly. Sometimes I feel I relate to juvenile brook trout like a proud parent. I know everyone thinks that their kid is the cutest, but I …
Casting Across isn’t really about me. I’m not a huge fan of writing about myself, and I dislike reading what I’ve written about myself even more. And if I don’t want to read it, why should I expect anyone else to? That is why I try to focus on the quarry and the culture of fly …
I never went to real summer camp. Stories of shenanigans that sound like tropes from a John Hughes film aren’t something I can necessarily relate to. Moreover, my first inclination is to balk at the idea that summer camp is seriously someone’s idea of “fondest memories.” Then, I remember I did go to summer camp. But …
Most Fridays on Casting Across are devoted to other people’s contributions in the fly fishing community. Articles, pictures, social media accounts, videos, podcasts, products, and more will be featured on The Last Cast of the Week. Today, I’m sharing information on the Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival. If you’d like to be featured in …
March: the last uncomfortable TSA checkpoint you’ll have to endure before the long, warm flight of fly fishing season commences. While that is generally the case, there is certainly some great fishing to be had in March. If you live in many parts of the East, the second half of winter 2017 has proved to …
The time has come. I’m heading up the Mid Atlantic coast for two days at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, New Jersey. By the way, New Jersey blows old Jersey out of the water as it relates to angling expos. What’s on the docket for today? Lunch: Fast food. Preferably something local and/or sketchy …
I’m aware that my situation is by no means unique: I’m busy and I don’t get to fly fish as much as I’d like. So when the opportunity to get a few hours on the water avails itself, I seize it. Regardless of conditions, I’m going to be fishing for every single minute I can. …
