Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope

My Fishy Friends,

Over the past several weeks, I’ve traveled a bit and talked on the phone a bit, and was able to establish and re-establish some connections. It’s been a fine reminder of how small and closely-knit the fly fishing, conservation, and outdoor writing communities are; it seems there’s always someone that knows someone else that I know. I love that fact about it, but also recognize that it may be daunting to approach for some. So, if it wasn’t clear before now: please reach out if I can be of any help!

Cheers,
Jesse

Banner photo: A laser across a falling tide in Washington, courtesy of ZD.

In Common

I’m especially intrigued by fly fishing writing from writers whose primary works and genres are not related to angling at all. In this spirit, I recently came across Annette Oppenlander, an American-German historical novelist whose catalog of books is extensive and is largely based on her family members’ experiences in World War II. However, pertaining to this newsletter, I was excited to find Annette’s blog post, “What Do Fly Fishing and Writing Have in Common?” It’s a quick, refreshing read with some helpful reminders for both of these practices.

Podcast with a Pal

A prime example of the connected-ness of the fly fishing world that a I referenced above is the way that I was introduced to veteran fly tyer and designer, PNW angler, pun pro, and stand-up guy Patrick Kilby. To make a long story short, we had a mutual friend in the industry but it all came full circle when the three of us all ended up working for the same company. Patrick is now a fly designer at RIO Products and it’s fun to see his personality come through in his patterns and their names. Here’s a recent podcast interview (on Apple, and on Spotify) with Patrick from Wade Out There. I chuckled when I saw the cover photo for the episode — which was taken by yours truly, years ago.

A Coalition and A Campaign

A group of 20-some Tribes, organizations, and businesses have formed under the the moniker Columbia Snake River Campaign to advocate against salmon extinction in the Pacific Northwest by removing the four lower Snake River dams. The Learn More section of their website is full of insightful, related information, including studies, reports, FAQs, and a multi-media presentation of the potential restored river corridor. Also check their Events page for online and in-person engagement opportunities across the region.

Mayflies for Kids

The therapeutic benefits of fly fishing are well-known to those who practice it consistently. But, more and more, fly fishing is being used more formally as a way to help those with stress, anxiety, PTSD and other traumas. The Mayfly Project, a national nonprofit that uses fly fishing as a catalyst to mentor children in foster care, is one organization doing just this. Check out this recent article from the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare for more on the healing aspects of fly fishing and to learn more about The Mayfly Project in action.

Viable Valentines

I’m usually not much for Valentine’s Day but I did get fed a variety of pretty good, outdoor- or river-related V-Day pun-cards on Instagram over the past few weeks that I thought I’d share. Eugene, OR-based Helfrich McKenzie Rafting had some good boating ones; the Denver Audubon posted some great bird-themed cards; Liberty Graphics in Maine shared a handful of fun animal puns; and finally, sea creature Valentines from Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Every Day Exercise

Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.

~ Jane Yolen (some great writing inspiration and resources on her site)

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The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 02.14.2025