“For some things there are no wrong seasons. Which is what I dream of for me.” – Mary Oliver Don’t put away the rod, reel, and waders and dream of warmer days to come. After all, there is no wrong season to fish. Big Wood Parking access along the Wood is still good, as the valley floor has yet to...

“How many activities can you count in your life that you engage in simply because they delight you and grip your soul? Find them out, cultivate them, for they are your passport to freedom and to love.” – Anthony de Mello Certainly fly fishing is one such soul-gripping activity. We are grateful to all who help us cultivate our passion...

“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emmerson Fly fishing is not only about catching fish; it’s about trying new waters, exploring different techniques, discovering new flies, learning from mistakes, and connecting with nature, friends, and family. It is a constant experiment,...

“Hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action.” – Ralph Ellison Some fair-weather anglers prefer to spend the cooler months in a dormant state, remaining inactive, indoors, and away from water. But others scoff at hibernation and simply don more layers, top the flask, fill the thermos, and head to the river. There will be time for covert...

“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” – Ernest Hemingway Bad anglers blame their fly. Good anglers, on the other hand, know the value of the right fly at the right time. But great anglers adapt their approach and embrace the variables of each moment,...

Photo: Chris Blesius “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” – Samuel Butler While wild flowers and leaves fade from view, the fruits of wet seasons past, ripe and true. With the swish of a fly cast above the stream, and a trout holding fast in the golden gleam, autumn's...

“‘Only today,’ he said, ‘today, in October sun, it’s all gold—sky and tree and water. Everything just before it changes looks to be made of gold.’” – Eudora Welty When the frosts come, we know nothing gold can stay. So get out, rod in hand, and enjoy the October sun. Silver Creek If you head to the Creek, expect to...

“How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – John Burroughs Fly Fishing is about the pursuit of the elusive. And the transient nature of fall with the fleeting and temporary display of colors adds to the experience. This fall, savor the ephemeral. Silver Creek If you are heading down to the...

“More details explain things more, but less details confuse things less.” – David James Duncan Too much information can lead to confusion, while too little can result in a lack of understanding.The key is finding balance. The bottom line: the more anglers know, the more they understand that the simplest solution is often best. Keep it simple this September. Silver...

“You know what the happiest animal on earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.” – Ted Lasso Sound advice for an angler. The last dropped fish, hooked branch, lost fly, tangled tippet, broken rod must be forgotten. Move on, and make another cast. And be thankful that a wild trout is...

“No gold for me. Just the rainbow.” – Elsa Dutton If you follow the seasons of a river, study it through a day, a month, a year, a decade, then you understand the nature of change. Sometimes the change is subtle and ephemeral, like a morning hatch. Sometimes the change is torrential, like a summer thunderstorm that turns the river...

“A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.” – Marcel Proust With the deluge of Tropical Storm Hilary behind us, the rivers should drop and clear quickly. Still, you will want to check with us about water clarity and flows before committing to a drive outside the Valley. As we return to a more normal...