The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 01.30.2026
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
I fished a half-day last weekend and spent a quarter-day before that tying flies. I lost one of those flies while fishing and it stung in a unique way, given that its existence was less than 24 hours, and I’d become particularly fond of it in that time. But, if we tie a specific fly for a specific fishing trip, and we fish it specifically on that specific trip, and happen to lose it, I’m not sure that’s so bad after all?
Cheers,
Jesse
P.S.—We’re less than a month away from the official release of my book; you can pre-order yours now here!
Banner photo: A coastal Oregon stream, in beautiful shape.
The Book in The Opera
Now here’s something pretty cool: in honor of the 50th anniversary of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs Through It, an opera rendition is set to premier this year! From what I can tell, there’ll be a “special preview performance and workshop” in Brooklyn, NY this spring and then showings in Bozeman and Missoula this September and October. From the site:
“Opera is an art form built on big emotions—feelings so intense and complicated that words alone are not enough,” said co-librettist Kelley Rourke. “It is hard to imagine a better starting point for an opera than A River Runs Through It, a complex meditation on love and all the other feelings that flow from it—frustration, joy, and grief, to name but a few.”
This is The Dean
British Columbia’s Dean River stands alone for many reasons: its remoteness, astonishing beauty, history and lore, its community, and of course, its incredible wild steelhead. Todd Moen of Catch Magazine just released a 20-minute film on this mighty river and the footage is simply magnificent. It features guide and lodge owner Jeff Hickman and his family, and I can’t think of another film that captures this number of eats, grabs, and hookups of steelhead. There’s plenty to be learned in watching this film, but the sheer entertainment value is off the charts! It’s worth pouring a drink for this one. And, if you’re curious, here’s a rough blog post I wrote back in 2013, following a trip I was fortunate to make to this special place.
Speak (Again) for Clean Water
The Clean Water Act is under attack again, and the current proposed rule change seems to be flying under the radar for now. The proposal refers to Section 401, which provides states and Tribes an important tool to protect water quality within their borders, but this rule is being targeted under the name of “responsible development.” For more information, check out the official press release, this article from Grist, Trout Unlimited’s take, and then submit your comments by Feb. 17.
Seattle Spey Clave
Tomorrow, Jan. 31st, the Seattle Spey Clave returns to the banks of the Snoqualmie River for its 11th year. It’s free to the public and features many of the PNW’s extremely talented Spey casting instructors and steelhead guides. There’s always a few ‘light bulb moments’ to be gleaned in these events, not to mention the great community that gathers. They’re also an awesome way—the best way?—to get a feel for different Spey rods and lines and hear from their manufacturers.
Lessons
Fly fishing teaches us a few things about a few things. We know which way is north and which direction the winds blow when the weather's about to turn. We can stop the bleeding, patch the leaks, and always have duct tape handy. We know a few good knots, a few good jokes, and can curse in a handful of languages. We can pitch a tent in the dark and point to a few constellations. We know how to ford a river, build a fire, and brew a cup of coffee. We can open a beer with almost anything.
~ From Steve Duda’s River Songs
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