It was never planned. On Sunday, February 24, I was packed for six days of biking and camping around Tucson, Arizona. Bags were meticulously stuffed to handle dry daytime heat and cooler overnight temperatures. My bike was tuned up and dialed for a few hundred miles of hot pavement and gravel. Even my snacks were packs. My fucking snacks. I was ready to go. But … Continue reading The San Juan River and the Joys of Being Flexible
It’s not the most storied river in Oregon. When it comes to fishing in this state, I’d be surprised if most folks even mentioned the Breitenbush. It begins on the slopes of Mt. Jefferson and ends in Lake Detroit, and it’s as cold in the summer as most northern rivers are during spring runoff. My Portland friends said the trout are many in number, but … Continue reading Breitenbush River, Oregon
My first time fly fishing for trout was on the Kinnickinnic River. It was a rainy day in late April of 2014. A buddy and I spent the morning watching Premier League soccer at my place in Uptown. We paid close attention to the radar to find a break in the weather. That break never came, but we embarked anyway. The Lower Kinni at the … Continue reading Back On The Kinni
My journey began in northeast Spain in the region of Catalonia. The flight from London took me over the teal waters of the Mediterranean before approaching the beaches of Barcelona and landing between the mountains and water in Spain’s second-largest city. This is where I was to meet with my guide from the Salmon 2000 Fly Shop in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. My cab … Continue reading Barcelona Fly Fishing
I offered to pick up breakfast sandwiches for Mike and I before going to the river because I’m a nice guy. This fact can’t be overstated. A nice sausage patty with scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese between a biscuit bun. But I’ll get back to that later. It was close to 40 degrees at the height of the day. The handwarmers I tucked into the … Continue reading Calendar Says January, Weather Says March
Winter fly fishing is synonymous with empty rivers. All the spots you like at your favorite place are open. That hole that guarantees a few big rainbows just before the rock? It’s all yours. That run with the long, deep stretch that holds fish all day? Have at it, champ. That slow pool that looks tasty and you can see the hogs rolling on the … Continue reading Icy Rivers And Sluggish Fish
I forgot to have dinner the night I flew to Bozeman from Minneapolis. It was a mistake. With the exception of vending machines, there were no food options open late in the BZN airport. There was nothing open in Big Sky when we got into town at 11pm either. I inhaled two granola bars and two beers before bed. It’s also worth noting that you … Continue reading Madison River Fly Fishing
I’ll start by letting you in on a secret. Minnesota doesn’t have 10,000 lakes. We’ve actually got 15,291. Something like 6% of the state is covered in water. Needless to say, lots of fishing is to be had. But instead of lakes, let’s talk about rivers and the exceptional trout fishing to be had. Minnesota trout fishing is largely divided into two areas: North Shore … Continue reading Fly Fishing In Minnesota
It’s been four years since I started regularly fly fishing for trout. The handful of times I picked up my dad’s fly rod and caught panfish as a kid don’t count. Every time I fish, I learn something new. Sometimes I learn many new things. And sometimes I learn them the hard way. On a recent trip, a few lessons were learned. Here they are. … Continue reading Fly Fishing: Still Learning
Always bring a tent. Even if you think you’ll sleep in your car instead. Even if you’d rather not set up said tent at 11pm. Even if you’re just lazy. I learned this lesson because mosquitos can squeeze through cracked windows, bite you in the night, and leave blood spots on the interior roof of your car when you rage-kill them all at 3am. Always … Continue reading Overnight Getaway
Birch & Flannel 