The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 12.06.2024

Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope

My Fishy Friends,

While getting gas a few days ago, the pump’s monitor (why are these necessary?) was blaring ads at me before switching to the forecast. For our area, it read, Frozen Fog Warning, followed by, Air Stagnation Warning. I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret this, but am sensing now that we are on the very cusp of winter — a calm before the cold, so to speak. I keep looking for ‘weather windows’ in the forecast that might be fitting of trout fishing, but none are to be seen. I won’t stop looking, but I may stop hoping, at least for a little while.

Cheers,
Jesse

“The Brook of My Youth”

Not far from the house I grew up in, where my parents still live, is a small stream. It’s hardly a half-mile away, down the dirt road and slight hill that heads south out of the driveway.

I’d love to know how many hours I’ve spent in, on, and around that stream, Jam Black Brook. I can now see how lucky I was to have such a ‘playground’ so close to home, just how formative the brook was for me, and that I’m still doing a lot of the same things now that I did in that stream as a boy…

Keep Reading

Through the Grapevine

Way out in northeast Oregon is a very special river with a lot of steelheading history — the Grande Ronde. For decades, pioneering Pacific Northwest Spey casting instructor and steelhead guide Scott O’Donnell has operated during the fall on this river via his business Speywater. Before securing his current lodge location, Scott was based out of a small ranch along the river that was previously owned by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty, which added to the allure of the experience. When you walked in on your first night, they played CCR loud and proud over the speakers. The ranch just came up for sale and you can take a peek inside at this Oregon Live story. If only those walls could talk… In the meantime, in honor of Mr. Fogerty and the music and steelhead he found out there, enjoy this extended version of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”.

Compleat Conservation

Just outside of New York City, in Darien, Connecticut, is one of my favorite fly shops, The Compleat Angler. What sets them apart, to me, is their expertise and assortment, and they are well-stocked and informed on trout, bonefish, Atlantic salmon and, of course, stripers. And, now in their new, larger location, their whole retail experience is exceptional. They’re hosting an event on December 14th, in support of the American Saltwater Guides Association, and that nonprofit’s continuing work to protect striped bass populations. The event showcases two local artists — Matthew DeLorme and Frances Ashforth, illustrators of recent fly fishing books, among other great works — who will be selling originals to support ASGA. Wins all-around.

Western Writing Workshops

Speaking of northeastern Oregon, located in the small town of Enterprise is an organization known as Fishtrap, a literary nonprofit that ‘runs programs to cultivate clear thinking and good writing in and about the West.’ I was introduced to Fishtrap through fly fishing guide, poet, and teacher Cameron Scott and have since followed their workshops and programs from afar. They recently announced their in-person and online workshops for 2025, which cover both fiction and non-fiction writings.

Hula Hula for Cutthroat

When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, I became surrounded by water in which trout swam, and yet I didn’t have a clue on what to do about it. Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) roamed those waters and eventually I learned a couple things about how to fish for, and catch them, but to a large degree, they remain an enigma to me. What is clear, however, is that they are super cool: they’re beautiful like all trout, strong for their size like stripers, and, when you find them, they usually eat well. The Coastal Cutthroat Coalition is a Washington-based organization dedicated to the science and management of these unique fish and their website has more great information about them. Additionally, their annual film tour/fundraising event, taking place at the infamous Hula Hula bar in Seattle is a guaranteed good time. This year, it’s on Thursday, Jan 9.

Birdsong is Never Fake News

Those who seek respite may come simply to escape the pings and dings of our digital world, leave the notifications and the updates behind and refocus on the things that matter. Here you can be reminded that despite what your phone tells you, you are not the center of the map, but a small part of a much broader world. Birdsong is never fake news. This is a place to turn off your phone and tune into the spiritual and sensual, and remember that as humans, we too are part of the natural world. Many of us need this healing acutely during this time of global sickness and pain.

~ From former Baxter State Park Director Eben Sypitkowski

Banner photo: Fresh snow and first swings on the Grande Ronde.

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