The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 02.20.2026 (100th edition!)
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
At the top of the stairs leading to my office/garret, there’s a small window that looks northwestward to the hills surrounding our little city. A few days ago, for the first time this winter, I saw a dusting of snow on the trees at the top of those hills. It didn’t last long, but the smile it gave me did.
Cheers,
Jesse
Banner photo: Looking westward across Puget Sound.
One Hundred
This email marks the 100th edition of The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere email newsletter! In addition to providing an outlet for my own rambling writings, it’s this journey has given me the opportunity to read, watch, listen to, and connect with countless other fishing- and river-related artists and creatives. Thank you for coming along! I hope you’ve had some fun and found some inspiration. In honor of 100 of these, here are a few highlights from my ramblings—that is, according to you, dear readers!
On Soul: a trip report of sorts from our time in The Bahamas.
Whatever Happened to Vests? This question should speak for itself.
Fishing With Friends: memories and reflections from two bachelor parties!
If You Don’t Go Fishing: entertaining the idea, which was planted by a good friend.
The High, The Hangover & The Healing: coming down from a multi-day river trip.
Nat’l Paddling Film Fest
Admittedly, I heard of the National Paddling Film Fest for the first time this week. But I’m glad I did because from now through Feb. 28, a $5 ticket (!) allows for on-demand watching from home of all the films in the festival, including the live showing on Feb. 21, which takes place in Frankfort, KY. Get your ticket and start watching here.
Fishtrap in the West
Located way over there in northeast Oregon, in the little town of Enterprise, is Fishtrap — a literary arts and humanities nonprofit serving Western writers since 1988. I became aware of Fishtrap through fellow Writer on the Fly, poet, educator, and guide Cameron Scott, who has taught there over the years. Since its inception, Fishtrap has welcomed writers of all genres to its campus and its online workshops and their programming has become robust! Check out their upcoming online and in-person workshops and their summer fellowships.
Recent Swings
Hosted by Oregon-based Dave Stewart, the Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast is nearing its 900th episode! From my standpoint of 100 email newsletters, that count it staggering! I’ve followed this podcast over the years, but especially enjoyed two recent episodes, which featured close friends and fly fishing mentors of mine. Check out the episode with Zack Dalton, as he talks all-things St. Croix fly rods and rod design; and then check out the episode with Marc Bale, who talks about the history of Far Bank Enterprises—the umbrella company for Sage, Redington, RIO Products, and Fly Water Travel—and the fly fishing industry in general. These are two fishy fellows and there’s plenty to learn and enjoy in these two chats.
The Verb of It
The river’s liberation resulted from seeing it as a living system, not just a power generator or water resource, from seeing the verb of it more than the noun, and out of settler society finally listening to the first stewards of these fish, these waters, this land.
~ From Rebecca Solnit’s introduction to The Theory & Practice of Rivers by Jim Harrison
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