Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope

My Fishy Friends,

As you may have noticed, after two years of weekly emails (save for one), I took an unannounced break from this newsletter—a month-long break, in fact. It was unplanned actually, though I’d been considering it for some time. But, we’re back!

Given my bandwidth, I’m moving this newsletter to monthly editions, and what you’ll find here, and going forward, is more: more writing from me, and more links to other writing, events, books, conservation updates and engagement opportunities, art, films, music, and whatever else catches my eyes and ears over the course of the month. So, thanks my fishy friends, for your patience, and thanks for staying with me!

My book, The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere, is now available in fine fly shops and independent book stores across the country, and online. I’d be honored if you got a copy, and if you were inclined, wrote an online review. Thanks for all the incredible support since its release—I’m blown away by all your responses, and have been filled with joy as you all make your way through the stories within

Cheers,
Jesse

Banner photo: A new day on the water.

“A New Season”

I suppose that there are more baseball fans than anglers, but I don’t think the ratio corresponds to the anticipation felt for their respective opening days.

So let’s assume that they’re equal: that these two national pastimes carry with them an equivalent amount of excitement leading up to their official start dates…

Keep Reading‍ ‍

“Live” in NYC with Metropolitan Fly Fishing Club

On Thursday, April 30th at 7:30 pm EST, I’ll be joining NYC’s Metropolitan Fly Fishing Club virtually for a book reading and accompanying slideshow. For those in NYC, the Club will be meeting in person at the historic Metropolitan Rod and Gun Club in Brooklyn. The event is open to the public, both in-person and online. To attend in person, simply arrive at the Club around 6:30 pm EST. To attend online, simply follow this Zoom link around 7:30 pm EST on 4/30. ‘See’ you there!

Is A River Alive?

Have you ever had the experience where it seems that all the people you look up to — be it artists, athletes, whatever — are simultaneously looking up to one person? Such was the case for me as Robert Macfarlane’s Is A River Alive?was reaching its publish-date. We received a copy as a wedding gift and I finally consumed it last month. What I found within were a host of new ideas, places, people, and rivers — new to me, at least. The overarching theme of the book concerns the legal implications of and efforts to recognize rivers as rights-holders. Along the way, we meet three rivers and ecosystems across the globe, and some incredible, insightful, and inspiring people who are working hard to protect it all. This would all be enough (to me) to want to read the book, but Macfarlane’s writing falls in line. It left me wanting more; thanks to the extensive appendix of sources and recommended reading along with Macfarlane’s other titles, there’s more at hand.

Jack’s Songs for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, Jack Johnson curated a playlist of songs for Mother Earth. I’ve had it going for a few days now. He posted it to Apple Music, but I put it on Spotify as well. And, if you weren’t aware, Jack’s upcoming tour—coinciding with his new film SURFILMUSIC—starts next month.

50 Years of The Book

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Norman Maclean’s A River Runs ThroughIt. In honor, I started re-reading it, and I recommend everyone does! I’ve also seen a few cool events and essays about the book come up recently, including:

An impressive panel-discussion on the book and its influence on fly fishing, organized by the Santa Barbara Fly Fishers. The panel included John Maclean (Norman’s son and author), Tom Skerritt (who played Reverend Maclean in the movie), Kayeloni Scott (ED at Columbia Snake River Campaign), Chris Wood (President of Trout Unlimited), and others. You can watch the discussion online here.
An article in the New York Timesfrom angler-author Monte Burke entitled “Could ‘A River Runs Through It’ Have Been a Hit Today?”

Fly Chicks

Online now at PBS is “Fly Chicks,” a short film from Kenzie Claflin and Sofia Carmosino, students at University of Denver, that “explores the practice of fly fishing through a feminist lens. The film follows three fly fisherwomen and their relationship with the river and its inhabitants, the sport, and their identities.”

Sandy River Spey Clave

The Sandy River Spey Clave is back (again)! After a multi-year hiatus, the Spey Clave that was originally ideated by legendary Oregon guide and shop owner Mark Bachman, has been taken over by Mia and Marty Sheppard of Little Creek Outfitters, and it’s going down this weekend at Oxbow Park on the Sandy River, outside of Portland. There’s free Spey casting instruction, tons of exhibitors, local non-profits, fly tyers, an author’s booth, and great, great community!

America’s Finest News Source on Atlantic Salmon

Here’s a fun read from The Onion: “Once-Adventurous Salmon Can’t Believe She Ended Up Moving Back To Birthplace, Having A Bunch Of Kids”.

Looking for Answers to Questions

I had no choice now but to cast into the willows if I wanted to know why fish were jumping in the water all around me except in this hole, and I still wanted to know, because it is not fly fishing if you are not looking for answers to questions.

~ From A River Runs Through It

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, please send it to a friend.
If this email sent to you by a friend, click here to subscribe.

The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 04.24.2026