With storm after storm raging outside, I’ve been spending some good time at my fly tying desk. I love this time of winter, for the quiet hours spent either tying favorite patterns, or experimenting with new ones.
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Recently, Dwayne and Kyle at DSF shared some photos with me from their recent stocking efforts. In looking at them, I wish I had been there with them.
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Over on his blog, Atlantic Salmon Flies, Ben Bilello — talented classic salmon fly tier, guide, and writer — recently shared some great tips about the upcoming Connecticut broodstock salmon season
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This June, I drove north to the Gaspé peninsula in search of Atlantic salmon. I’ve been very fortunate to have made this drive north almost every summer for the last 25 years. But this year would be different.
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It is commonly said that fly fishing is a sport for gear heads. It’s true — there is a lot of gear. But after spending a part of my day in a high-end photography store, I wondered: just how much gear do I bring fishing?
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Recently, friends have gone to the Bahamas, to Boca for tarpon, and to the Miramichi for Atlantic salmon. I’ve been thinking about this last one a lot, as my close friend Ben Moody went salmon fishing for the first time on the Little Southwest Miramichi. This winter, I tied him some flies, and so I was anxious to find out how he had done.
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In sitting with Ben the other night, we talked about the river, and what might work well while he’s there. Being one for tradition, and for history, I suggested he try the classic Miramichi flies. Upon getting home, I was drawn to Ted’s old desk to tie those very patterns — patterns I plan to share with Ben, in hopes that he might catch a salmon on one.
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In 2013 I was fortunate to have some great days on the water — including one of my best ever. But all of this was marred by persistent bad news about the continued decline of striped bass (more on that later). What follows is a short summary of some key trends, trips, and events from 2013.
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This is the Margaree: a beautiful river, with tremendous character. But unlike other salmon rivers, where the water is private and, as a consequence, often eye-wateringly expensive, the Margaree is accessible – at least in price. Getting there is another matter. Situated in a heart of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, trip is an epic one; 12 hours from Boston, according to Google maps. And that’s without pitstops.
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