The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere - 06.27.2025
Ramblings & Readings, Creativity & Conservation, Happenings & Hope
My Fishy Friends,
Last weekend, we spent three glorious nights on the river and away from it all. The weather was, in a word, variable and we kept a close watch on it the whole time; it seemed to be our only concern. It was a refreshing recalibration as compared to studying, say, the news or the stock market or email. I wish you all some good weather-watching this weekend, whatever it may be.
Cheers,
Jesse
Banner photo: Our newly-named Dusky Dipper at camp, awaiting the weather.
A First Descent
I’ve talked a bit about the removal of the four lower Klamath River dams in this newsletter and the ‘New Klamath’ but last week, an article titled “First Time in 100 Years: Young Kayakers on a Ride for the Ages” ran in the New York Times and it details yet another good element this restoration effort. It tells the special (and unfolding) story of what will be the first descent of the river since the dam removals by a group of Indigenous youth from the Klamath, Shasta, Karuk, Hoopa Valley, and Yurok tribes. The group, under the Paddle Tribal Waters program, will go from river ‘source to sea.’ I’m incapable of pulling a favorite quote or two from this piece, as there are too many good ones to choose from. So just read it, enjoy the photos, and celebrate this river-running!
Death Bridge
Years ago, during my brief guiding career and when I began my introduction to drift boat and raft rowing, I was introduced to “Death Bridge,” a local railroad bridge that provided a curious and challenging challenge to floaters. The bridge was well-known in the area because of its angled river crossing against the river currents; it requires a very careful approach that varies depending on the flow. Floating under the bridge is described in this essay of the same name, written by my fishy friend Will Rice. I can’t remember why this article popped into my head but, coincidentally, Will also released a new essay, “The River Doesn’t Care,” on Flylab, which offers a cautionary tale for of high- and white-water rowing as well as a variety of helpful resources to help prepare.
Trout in Warming Waters
As July approaches, it’s time to consider water temperatures when angling for coldwater species like trout. I shared this article from Keep Fish Wet last year about the same time but it’s worth re-reading now. The science goes deep but the message is simple: be aware of the water temperature as the summer wears on and be ready to stop fishing, if it gets too high. As to handy river thermometers, Fishpond offers a couple nice options that will fit nicely into your boat bag, fishing pack, or fishing vest. (My dear readers — who among you are still wearing a fishing vest??)
Larison Reads
The Drake Magazine has been releasing some new episodes of their podcast, The DrakeCast and a recent one features Oregon author, angler, and educator John Larison. In the episode, Larison reads his essay “Cold and Clear,” which is, as magazine editor Tom Bie puts it, “one of best stories about steelheading we’ve ever run.” It’s always great to hear a writer read their own stories, so earmark this one for your next drive.
What is Fly Fishing?
It's that ice-cold Belikin on a sweltering tropical night. The sweet scent of wet alders and the pungent odor of low-tide mangroves. The 4:00 am alarm clock. Endless drives on dark Canadian highways. Rivers coming in and going out. Muddy trails. The Bucket. Insomnia and exhaustion. Nearly crashing every time you cross a bridge. A twenty-inch brown sipping duns and the rattling explosion of tarpon. Roosters crowing at dawn in the Keys.
~ From Dylan Tomine’s Headwaters
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© Jesse Lance Robbins, 2025
