He looked both ways before passing me the baggy, and being as it’s California I didn’t leave it out in the open for prying eyes, quickly tucking the goods into a breast pocket, before returning to the truck whistling innocently. I might have been less eager if I’d known more about songbirds and whether you’re [...]

I’m sure most of you have seen reference to the passing of Sylvester Nemes earlier this week, author of The Soft-Hackled Fly and The Soft-Hackled Fly: A Trout Fisherman’s Guide. I attribute much more to the man than most, as he appeared at exactly the right time and rescued fly fishing from a fate worse [...]

You assumed my earlier warning a product of an overly active imagination, and scoffed at the notion that animals were capable of holding a grudge. Now as you bar the door and shovel your fly tying stash out the rear window hoping to escape the vengeful eyes of the neighboring flock, it ain’t so funny, [...]

The smart phone revolution allows us practiced urbanites the luxury of ignoring both our fellow man and the world around us. We get to demonstrate to others how small our existence has become, as we grimace and mutter in digital isolation, sparing us the uncomfortable interaction with others on the bus bench nearby, or ignoring [...]

I’d call it just enough to acknowledge the Orgy of Pigskin without inducing undue strain on belt or zippers.  A couple of pretzels and some Garlic Salsa, absent dripping sour cream or lard-based condiment whose mere presence causes artery walls to tremble … Like you I endured the inane punditry and pre-game hype, but resolved [...]

I’ve always associated the distance driven and the elevation climbed as proof positive I’ve left civilization in my wake. Once the skyline changes from cement and glass rectangles to jaggy pines, I start getting those destructive thoughts; how I can drink the water, or bathe in it – as filters and iodine are no longer [...]

I guess I’m a bit less notorious with the authorities than the Trout Underground would have you think. In light of my sudden fascination with European Starling and then a mysterious kill of same – with carcasses scattered across most of Sonoma … … the county next door that I never visit, ever. Given a [...]

Now that the Governor’s on the prowl – bent on trimming wasteful government spending, all the service unions are busy pointing fingers at one another trying to deflect attention to the the other guy, and how “them other fellows have been living really high on the Hog, your Frugalness .. “ Fish & Game’s new [...]

Research on Oregon’s Hood River steelhead population suggests a bit of good news may be in the offing. Wild trout inhabiting the river are the source of 40% of the genetic makeup of its steelhead brethren, which is neatly offsetting the “watering down” of genetic makeup due to hatchery fish. The trout and steelhead are [...]