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Voices from the river: Chiaroscuro
Nature's chiaroscuro. Carmel River, June 2018 By Sam Davidson One of the required courses at the high school I attended was a class called Western Civilization. It was basically a survey course of ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture, and Western European art, architecture, and music since the Renaissance. In those days I was…
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Voices from the River: Five questions for Tess
If you've spent much time fishing in Montana, you're probably familiar with Rock Creek just outside of Missoula. While it's importance to fly anglers has been long known, it's key role in trout recruitment for the Clark Fork River is starting to come to light. With that in mind, Trout Unlimited brought in Tess Scanlon,…
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Video spotlight: Hank Patterson reviews the Orvis Practicaster
Let's say you've developed a great little practice tool—a fly rod in miniature that's designed to help anglers improve on the various aspects of fly fishing. And, as noted, it's small. Small enough that it can even be used indoors. In the dead of winter. When you're binge-watching Jessica Jones on Netflix (don't judge). How…
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Fly tying: The Squirmie Worm
With all the new synthetic tying materials available today, it's becoming easier and easier to craft patterns that are at the same time wickedly accurate imitations of natural fish food and oddly surreal. A couple weeks back, my son and I spent eight days chasing pike in northern Manitoba, where I put to use the…
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Gear test: Chaco Teton boots
Just a few years ago, and while still in my 30s, I was required to have both of my hips replaced as the result of arthritis and overuse. My ankles, unfortunately, are in about the same shape as my hips. Rolled ankles, sprains and softball sized swelling are maladies with which I’ve become all too…
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Voices from the River: ‘River Karma’
Volunteers walk along railroad tracks in Provo Canyon, Utah, after participating in an organzied river cleanup by Brighton Anglers. Courtesy Brighton Anglers. By Brett Prettyman The sudden jolt backwards almost made me fall out of the boat. After my less-than-graceful fall into the dory seat I turned to witness what I was sure was going…
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Gear test: Sage SPECTRUM MAX reel
Heavy duty fly reels, particularly for saltwater angling, need to perform in some intense situations. Bigger and stronger fish violently pull line from reels, and in hot, humid and salty conditions, a big-game reel needs to be able to withstand the elements, too. Most anglers who've ventured to the salt to chase anything from bonefish…