Bret Bishop

Photo By: Alex Long “Always play the hand you have, not the one you wish you had.” – Garry Tan When the hatch wanes, the wind wails, or the current runs swift, the best anglers don’t complain; they simply adjust. Silver Creek The recent storm cycle is delivering a mix of much needed rain and snow to the area around…

Photo By: Alex Long “Many of us would probably be better fishermen if we did not spend so much time watching and waiting for the world to become perfect.” – Norman Maclean Don’t wait for the high pressure to shift, the inversion to lift, the storm to abate, or the wind to hush. No matter the conditions, the river awaits…

Photo By: Alex Long “Only a river gonna make things right.” – Bob Weir Anglers, and trout, depend on cold, clean water and a healthy insect life; those conditions only exist where rivers and their watersheds are protected. We can help our rivers by angling with a conservationist mindset and by supporting local organizations dedicated to saving our rivers for…

Photo By: Alex Long “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche The love of the pursuit makes even the coldest day seem like an invitation to angle. The river doesn’t ask for comfort, only presence. Silver Creek The Nature Conservancy is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open…

Photo By: Alex Long “How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” – Thomas Wentworth Higginson Winter teaches the angler in a way no other season can. Patience and persistence are tested when winter’s chill freezes guides and stings fingers. However, the season’s adversities sweeten the reward. Silver Creek The…

Photo By: Alex Long “Life isn't a matter of milestones but moments.” – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Whether fly fishing or fulfilling holiday obligations, savor the small moments. After all the preparation, it is time to let the holiday hatch happen. Silver Creek he Preserve portion of Silver Creek is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open…

Photo By: Alex Long “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” – Alexander Pope If you came to the Valley expecting to ski, don’t be disappointed. The fishing is excellent right now. Silver Creek The days are numbered for those wishing to fish the Creek above Kilpatrick Bridge; the Preserve closes to fishing on the…

Photo By: Hillary Maybery “A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it.” – Arnold Gingrich If you seek liquid and light mixed with crimson, emerald, black, gold and silver, what might you find? You find a moment in the presence of beauty; in short, a miracle. Silver Creek Wintry conditions are in the forecast;…

Photo By: Hillary Maybery “Gentlemen, I am ready for the questions to my answers.” – Charles de Gaulle Each fly in my box, rod in my quiver, and gadget I carry is an answer to some angling question. But having the right answers is not enough if I don’t seek the questions? Silver Creek November is the last month to…

Photo By: James Conrad “Magic does not come to those who do not expect it.” – Diana Vreeland While each cast is an occasion for hope, it is also an opportunity to learn how and where to make the next cast. Magic, like luck, comes to those who cast with a purpose, not a prayer. Silver Creek Like the rest…