Forget the blue ribbon, trophy streams with all the associated social hype, crowds, and everything that comes with it---

"... let me introduce an idea - just something to kick around: Maybe your stature as a fly fisherman isn't determined by how big a trout you can catch, but by how small a trout you can catch without being disappointed, and, of course, without losing the faith that there's a bigger one in there." - John Gierach, Fly Fishing Small Streams.


- this is what I am after.

American River

This is the river where I learned to fish. I began fishing with worms and lures and eventually grew a taste for fly fishing many years later. I vividly remember my father taking me on trips to this river in the summer of my adolesence.

One day, in particular, is so ingrained in memory that I will never forget. My father was teaching me how to drift a weightless worm down a very slow to almost stagnant section of the river. He explained to me that big Browns in this particular stretch of river were always spooked by anyone who attempted to fish for them. The only way to catch these fish were far upstream and wait patiently as the worm drifted downstream. As we waited, my father sat back in thought and said "RJ, this is the last thing I can teach you about fishing. I have taught you everything I know." That moment will forever be with me as I sat and watched my Dad land a huge Brown.

Kings River Sept 06

Another beautiful, wild trout. I landed this little trout in the most idealistic way. I saw a nice slow section of the river upstream. I ever so carefully positoned myself behind a boulder as I cast upstream to where I thought a trout would be lurking. I was using a classic #12 Tan Elk Hair Caddis and sure enough he was there. It rarely works when you expect it but it is a pleasure when it all comes together. Btw, notice the brand placement ;)

photo curtousy of David Westburg, www.DavidWetsburgPhoto.com

The Man named Uncle Joe

My Uncle Joe, just look at the guy! He is the essence of a no frills, hardcore outdoors man. I look up to Uncle Joe in the way he leads his life. He has his priorities in check: He loves his family, works as a firefighter with excellent hours (3 days on, 4 days off), lives within feet of a trout-crazy river, shows his sensitiviy when necessary, and leads a simple life. It is always a breath of fresh air to visit him away from my hectic Southern Cal life.

When I visit it is always a gamble if he will be home. He always leaves a note on the front door informing any unexpected visitors where he is. For example, last summer he had a note on the front door that said, "Up in Desolation Wilderness, I'll be back on Wednesday, maybe Friday." There is something I admire about living without a set agenda.

Not to mention he is the best fly fisherman I have ever fished with. He is very unconventional in the pretentious fly fisher sense. He just kills it on the water. With my own eyes he hammers fish all day with his 4lb mono (no foo-foo tapered leader and tippet), cheap Cabela's reel, and a garage-sale rod.

Hats off to my man, Uncle Joe.

Rumors in CA

I heard from some reputable peeps that The Dept of Fish & Game passed a new law this year stating that all CA rivers and streams are open for catch and release only all year. That means there is no longer a 'closed season' for us CA fly fishers...

Big Sur...

I love this photo of my friend, Hayes, doing some technical manuveuring in some often unfished territory in Big Sur, CA.
There is something special about boulder hopping up a small creek hoping there is another picturesque pool that's home to beautiful, little wild tout. If we don't catch a thing, it's still a pleasure because we are out there - I mean it's BIg Sur, what is there not to love about it?
The fish are hungry, aggressive, wild, and nothing larger than 6 inches. Got to love it.