The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 05.22.2026
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
Have you ever taken a trip somewhere and been spoiled by the weather? As in, it’s hard to imagine how it could’ve been better? I just returned from the coast and was treated to such an experience — it almost feels a little naughty. Almost.
As some readers and followers may have seen, in addition to giving away some of my new stickers (see below!) I held a little online giveaway for some signed books this week. The three lucky winners, who will soon receive their stickers and books, are: Matt H., Robert A., and Spencer W.!
Cheers,
Jesse
Banner photo: A welcome drizzle, awakening mayflies.
“Remembering the Deep Water”
There’s a lot that I don’t remember about what happened, and there’s a lot that I do remember.
I don’t remember what month or what year it was, but it wasn’t too long ago. Still, more and more I’m finding that ‘not too long ago,’ is actually longer ago than it seems, so maybe it was. It happened in that time that feels less long ago than it actually is…
TBFFIE Stickers!
As mentioned before, my book features the thoughtful, graceful, and elemental artwork of my friend Bre Drake. Specifically, she designed the pieces that separate the three parts of the book — Here, There, and Everywhere. I had these pieces made into stickers recently and I want to share them with you! Email me your mailing address and I’ll send you one of each unique design.
Salmon vs. Stripers?
There’s an interesting and concerning situation happening in eastern Canada as changing populations of Atlantic salmon and striped bass — both native species — collide. On the Miramichi, there’s an active lawsuit against Fisheries and Oceans Canada to better manage the striped bass population; meanwhile, on the Gaspé, there’s a blossoming interest in combining sightfishing for stripers and traditional Atlantic salmon fishing. For more, here’s a summary of the situation and some varied perspectives.
Photo by Joe.
Write with DJD
Author of The River Why, The Brothers K, Sun House, and others, David James Duncan announced two more writers’ retreats. Taking place this fall near Missoula, Montana, the retreats offer three full days of instruction, insight, and introspection. Maybe I’ll see you there! Click here to learn more and to register.
“Advent of The Indicator”
I think it’s wise to remember that, no matter the craft or pursuit, we all stand on the shoulders of giants, as the saying goes. And within fly fishing, there are giants all around us. Ken Morrish is a giant, and he’d also be the first person to tell you that he stands on giants’ shoulders. I had the great fortune to work with him for a few years at Fly Water Travel, but that tenure was long enough to just get a small glimpse of his fly fishing understanding. Despite his claims to be neither a fly fishing writer or reader, I think he is far above average at both.
Kenny recently penned an essay for California Fly Fisher that not only showcases his writing chops, but also his understanding and appreciation for the fly fishing legends and pioneers who came before us. It’s a bit of a history lesson as well, and it’s entitled “Advent of The Indicator.”
It’s definitely worth your time. Here are a few of the many gems Kenny plants within:
It is well documented that bad news travels faster than good news, but when it comes to fishing, especially good fishing, the inverse is often true.
We all evolve as anglers, and for most, our preferences shift over time. But we must be careful not to judge others on their journey.
Some techniques evolve with time. Others, I could argue, devolve.
Oona Seas
I had the recent, good fortune of collaborating with Florida-based artist, angler, and advocate Oona Watkins and in doing so, quickly went down the rabbit hole of her work, in which she combines all three into meaningful and moving illustrations and designs. Her passions shine bright in her work and meld into something greater, as a message for hope, action, and change. For more on Oona and her work, check out her website and her Instagram.
Your Name in Landsat
This is really cool: from NASA, your name, or your text, written in satellite images. As a bonus, the location of each image is also shared. As example, “Fly Fish” below is spelled in images from Brazil, Indonesia, Peru, South Africa, Iceland, Bolivia, and Russia.
Bob’s “Fisherman’s Trail”
There’s an incredible online archive of Bob Ross episodes available on his YouTube, and if it’s been a while since you last watched this legendary artist and instructor in action, I encourage you to do so. For various reasons, we’ve watched a handful over the last year and even attempted to follow along with him a couple times. Last week I came across his episode, “Fisherman’s Trail,” noted for its faux wood grain background. I was attracted to it for the obvious reason, but was pleasantly surprised to learn of Bob’s angling interest, including his catch and release practices!
Promises
It is always the dark water that promises the most.
~ Russell Chatham
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