The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 01.24.2025
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
I woke up one morning this week to see the moon perfectly framed in our bedroom window. Half-asleep, I thought about how nice it would be to wake up and see the sun rising instead, like we do in summer. But we can’t choose what we see when we wake up, just like we can’t choose what the river or the water offers when we arrive with our fishing pole. We can, however, choose to acknowledge and appreciate it — whatever it is.
Cheers,
Jesse
Banner photo: That day, the fog burned off slowly, but by the time it did, most of us were already sunburned.
Pace
For Sage Fly Fishing:
“The evolution of a fly angler corresponds directly to the pace at which they fish. Eventually, the urges to simply catch a fish, catch a lot of fish, and catch a big fish give way to angling intention - the desire to fish on one’s own terms - which, in turn, encourages a slower tempo…”
In Remembrance of Moore
Three years ago this week, legendary North Umpqua River steelheader and conservationist Frank Moore passed. Moore’s contributions to ‘the North’ are numerous and include, among others, opening and operating the famous Steamboat Inn, inspiring to the 1970’s film “Pass Creek” which advocated for reformed logging practices in Oregon, serving on Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, and helping establish the fly fishing only stretch of the river. Frank and his wife Jeanne were honored in 2019 with the establishment of the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary. A quick online search finds many videos of Frank and his love for the North Umpqua but his TED Talk in Portland, OR, when he talks more of love and life than fishing, is especially moving and endearing.
REK & Jerry on Writer’s Block
Like everyone, I have mixed feelings about social media but among the compelling facets to it are the chances to hear more from, and learn more about the people I find interesting and inspiring. Two such people, for me, are musician Robert Earl Keen, Jr. and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Coincidentally, I came across short video clips of them both this week in which they talk about writer’s block. Here’s REK’s take and here’s what Jerry has to say about it.
(Try to) Get Your River Permits Now!
For those interested in running some rivers this summer, note that the lotteries for multi-day river permits close in one week! My success rate on these permits is pretty low so if anyone has any strategizing to share - give me a shout! Here’s an article from OARS with overviews of some coveted rivers and their permit systems. And, for those in Colorado, Down River Equipment is offering in-store credit for your lottery entries. Good luck, and let me know if you win!
Follow That Shit
When you find
It
Whatever
It
Is
That
Thing
You cannot
Not do
Follow that shit
As far as you can
Into whatever
Land it leads
And don’t
Look
Back
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© Jesse Lance Robbins, 2024
