Fly Fisher | Fall/Winter 2023

A L L F I S H • A L L W A T E R S // W I N T E R 2 0 2 3

DEFINING FLY-FISHING CONNECTIONS Family

The most remote tributaries still connect to the main stem

Community

Finding a calm pocket in fast, murky waters

Conservation

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FlyFisher

Board of Directors Dave Peterson Chairman of the Board

FlyFisher is published for FFI by

Patrick Berry (Non-Voting) President and CEO Tilda Evans Secretary Awards Committee Chair Jim Maus Treasurer Finance Committee Chair John Kirk (Non-Voting) Legal Counsel Marnee Banks Executive Committee Nominations, Elections, and Board Development Committee Chair Kathleen Bergeron Conservation Committee Chair Justin Bubenik Sandy Carpenter Membership Committee Chair Kastine Coleman International Programs Committee Chair Keith Groty Executive Committee Senior Advisor Shalon Hastings Todd Heggestad Council Presidents Committee Chair Patty Lueken Executive Committee Women Programs Chair Kuni Masuda Senior Advisor International Programs

Bird Marketing Group Inc. PO Box 227A Fly Fishers International 1201 US Highway 10 West, Suite D4 Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-9369 flyfishersinternational.org President and CEO Lee & Joan Wulff Legacy Circle President’s Club, 1000 Stewards Patrick Berry | pberry@flyfishersinternational.org Vice President of Operations Conservation/Education Coordinator & Webmaster Rhonda Sellers | operations@flyfishersinternational.org Communications Director Blake Parsons | blake@flyfishersinternational.org Membership Coordinator & Fly Tying Programs Cole Hirschhorn | membership@flyfishersinternational.org

Eastport, ID 83826

Executive Publisher Jennifer Bird jbird@birdmarketinggroup.com

Editor Bob Covey editor@flyfishersinternational.org

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Office Administrator Kim Carruthers

Department Contributors:

Conservation Tom Logan

Richard Ross Executive Committee AJ Rosenbohm Community Resources Committee Chair Berris Samples Robert Uselton Development Committee Chair Jeff Wagner James Wallner Executive Committee Education Committee Chair Jonathan Walter Fly Casting Education Programs Chair Bruce Williams Additional Members of Leadership Team (non-voting) Jack Gillis Fly Tying Programs Tom Logan Chairman Emeritus Senior Advisor Conservation Rick Williams Senior Advisor Casting & Conservation Board Advisory Council Glenn Erikson Will Godfrey Carl Johnson Len Zickler

Flyfisher is the official publication of Fly Fishers International, published two times a year and distributed by mail and online free to members. Send membership inquiries, fees and change of address notices to the FFI Headquarters at the address listed above. Flyfisher is produced for FFI by Bird Marketing Group Inc. Editorial & Advertising Inquiries: Editorial queries are welcome and should be sent to Bird Marketing Group Inc at the address listed above attention to the Editor. Email queries can also be emailed to editor@ flyfishersinternational. org. Visit flyfishersinternational.org for the full writer and photographer guidelines. Advertising inquiries can be directed to jbird@birdmarketinggroup. com. Visit flyfishersinternational.org for Ad rates and spec guidelines.

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Casting Jeff Wagner

Fly Tying Jerry Coviello

Feature Contributors Dutch Baughman Patrick Berry Derek Bird Kastine Coleman Allen Crater Jake Dicks Blake Parsons

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Cover credit: Jake Dicks Contents credit: Jake Dicks

6 President’s Message Reflections on the people, the experience, and the connections at their intersection.

8 President’s Club An incredible setting, a committed group and the inspiration of stewardship of our resources.

10 The Ties That Bind There are always hurdles to making family time on the water. But the river doesn’t judge.

14 Just Being John A good friend. An unfair burden. And the healing power of the river.

20 The Aging Angler What similarities do three fisherman of different generations share?

Hint: it’s not the number of times they are willing to cast to a fish.

22 The Reason, But Not the Purpose In fly fishing, when successful, we are momentarily connected to something. But how can we make that connection last?

26 Corps of Discovery When is the best time to go fishing? Whenever you can. Even if it’s in February. In Michigan.

32 Conservation Embracing the principles a New Conservation Paradigm is critical to protecting everything anglers value.

36 Casting It shouldn’t be surprising that the quickest, most accurate, most creative and most adaptable casters can also cast at long distances.

40 Fly Tying Life cycle of a caddis fly

46 Chairman’s Message Some things are immutable. Like otherworldly concerns lost along the stream.

47 2024 Events Calendar 54 2023 FFI Awards

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

P

araphrasing Henry David Thoreau, many of us go fishing our entire lives without realizing it’s not the fish we were after.

So what is it then? Is it the cool fly fishing gear? The enjoyment of planning and preparing for a big trip? The satisfaction of solving the equation of which fly and technique will get a fish to eat?

Instinctively, most people would say it’s the fish they’re after— a point that is hard to argue. In my experience, the catching seems to matter for most anglers, and for a few it matters the most. But consider the question beyond the catching, and the fish. What’s left is where the true value can be found.

I would challenge you to reflect on some of your recent fly-fishing journeys and consider what stands out, aside from the most notable fish caught (or lost). Ask yourself what you truly remember. I would bet it’s the community, the people, and the experience through which you built connections that transcends the stories, photos, and all the bucketlist fish.

What we take away from a day on the water may not always be lifechanging, but it can still be worth far more than a big fish or a gripn-grin photo for a social media feed. Sometimes, the highlights are emotional. At times we’ve had to deal with a crisis. And then there are the moments when something funny has happened. The retelling of these

stories is evidence of the connections we have created.

Every year my son Willem and I go down to visit my friend Jon Detwiler to do some striper fishing around Cape Cod. For years we journeyed down to the farthest reaches of Monomoy, but now we generally

stay in the Bay near Jon’s house.

Regardless of location, the trip is most certainly not my trip. It belongs to Willem.

We’ve been fishing with Jon for over 10 years, and Willem, now 18, has developed a wonderful friendship with Jon that has nothing

Patrick Berry Patrick H. Berry is FFI President and CEO. Berry brings over 27 years of experience within the environmental conservation field, having come to FFI from the Vermont Community Foundation where he served as vice president of philanthropy. A former commissioner of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Berry is recognized as a visionary conservationist and is widely respected by his peers.

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

to do with me. In fact, they banter all day long on the boat as though they should have just left me on the dock.

Whether they’ll admit it or not, the two of them engage in a quiet competition to see which one lands more fish. After years of Jon’s mentorship in the ways of striped bass, Willem now gives him a run for his money. And while they are both solidly skilled with a fly rod, they’re happy to throw whatever works best.

Depending on the preferred tactic of the day, I may not even fish. I just hustle around the boat playing first mate while the two of them joke, poke fun and catch a heck of a lot of nice fish.

When the fishing is slow, we’ll check Jon’s lobster traps, look for bait, or see if we can find some blue

fish. At the end of a productive day, we always head back to Jon’s place to hang out and enjoy the camaraderie.

His 18th century historic home is like a museum of utilitarian hunting and fishing gear. He has around a dozen vintage Land Rovers, about ten heavily used antique waterfowl layout boats, a decoy collection that rivals any I’ve personally seen, and at least 20 Winchester Model 12s. I love exposing Willem to all of this.

Wait, were we talking about fishing? Not really. And that’s the point. Fishing is the unheralded and yet reliable path to something deeper and more meaningful; a gateway to learn and experience some of life’s treasures that have nothing to do with a tug on the end of the line.

When we look back at our individually distinctive fly-fishing

journeys, the value of the experience is most often sourced from the people who were there and the stories we created together. Some of those experiences were most memorable depending on what went wrong, what generated laughter and joy, or how much an outing meant to those with whom we shared a day on the water. The people can make the simple act of fly fishing life changing.

I will admit it took me a while to realize the true value and purpose of why we immerse ourselves in this sport. The answer varies across our community, but personally, I’m not convinced it’s the fish we’re really after. It really is the people, the experience, and the connections we make from the intersection of the two.

President’s Message

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PRESIDENT’S CLUB UPDATE

Community, Fishing, and… Garbage?

T

he President’s Club at Fly Fishers International represents the highest level of financial commitment to the organization, and over the course of FFI’s history has been instrumental ensuring the legacy of fly fishing for all fish in all waters.

As a way to thank FFI’s generous donors, an updated suite of benefits for members of the President’s Club was unveiled last year, including an opportunity to visit some of the premier fly fishing destinations in the world. This past year the inaugural adventure took place in Mexico.

In April an enthusiastic group of current and prospective President’s Club members journeyed to Grand Slam Lodge on the Yucatàn Peninsula that encloses Ascension Bay.

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

Guests enjoyed the accommodations, food, location, culture, and, of course, the world-class fly fishing opportunities. Depending on the day

and suggestions from the team of quality guides, FFI guests targeted permit, tarpon, snook, bonefish, and a variety of other species willing to eat a fly.

Acting on inspiration from FFI’s commitment to stewardship of our resources, FFI Board of Directors member Rob Uselton organized a beach clean-up effort that included the FFI contingent, the entire team of guides, and even the guests not affiliated with FFI. On a morning prior to heading out for the daily fishing excursions, the crew combed the beach for plastic and other garbage, and filled countless trash bags with refuse washed up by the wind and tide.

Plans for a 2024 adventure to the Bahamas is currently in the process of being finalized, offering another exciting adventure for existing, new, and prospective members of the President’s Club.

Join the Fly Fishers International

The President’s Club at Fly Fishers International represents the highest level of financial commitment to the organization and comes with exclusive benefits and opportunities as a way of thanking donors for this level of generosity. Over the course of FFI’s history, the President’s Club has been instrumental in our ability to ensure the legacy of fly fishing for all fish in all waters. Members of the exclusive giving circle can support any program or project at FFI that most inspires them, and at a level that recognizes their level of giving, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

LEARN ABOUT JOINING

operations@flyfishersinternational.org 406-222-9369 ext 4

flyfishersinternational.org/donate/presidents-club

The Ties That Bind Photo Jake Dicks

Family and fishing Kastine Coleman

J

une 1 is a special day for my family. It marks the opening day of the Atlantic Salmon fishing season in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The salmon have completed their migratory journey, some travelling from as far away as Greenland, only to return to our pristine rivers, waters just minutes from my front door. My dad, two brothers and I also return to the rivers each year, the boys coming from the other side of the island just for this occasion. Our daily lives grinding to a complete halt to be on the water together on opening day.

Family fuel We spend the majority of the year raising our families, working, and enjoying the days, but for most of us, after October 7 and before June 1 is truly thought of as the “off season.” We’re all waiting for the opening day to resume normal life for a mere four months. Family gatherings add fuel to the fire. When we

come together for a Christmas celebration, or even a casual Sunday dinner, the evening will start off like any other: we talk about what we did that week and laugh with the kids.

But somehow these get-togethers always end up with the four

Kastine Coleman Kastine Coleman is a conservation minded angler and teacher with a goal to inspire a new generation of young anglers. Kastine is a FFI certified casting instructor, the Canadian ambassador for FFI, a fishing guide and owner of “Tight Loops Tight Lines.” Kastine is a director with FFI and the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon, a SPAWN board member, a freelance writer and a department editor for Fly Fusion Magazine. Kastine resides in Corner Brook, NL Canada with her three children and her partner Terry Byrne.

The Ties That Bind

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adults huddled closely around the table, discussing new flies or techniques to try, the health of the rivers, and where we want to fish that coming summer. The pull is too great for any one of us to ignore.

Fishmas Eve As June 1 nears closer, just as the Atlantic salmon make their way to our rivers each year, so do we begin to stage.

“Fishmas Eve” arrives and waders are laid out. Leaders have been changed, flies neatly arranged in their boxes. Very little sleep will be had on Fishmas Eve; we set alarms for 3 a.m. and crawl into our beds with the same excitement a child feels on December 24. Finally, with coffee in hand, we drive through the darkness and make our way back to the rivers.

The water is a respite, a place where we have the ability to reflect on and renew our commitment to our current journey, which includes the obstacles that will inevitably arise. There

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are always hurdles, our children are getting older and school schedules will increase demands on our time. There are deadlines at work, aging bodies with aching joints, the list goes on.

But the river doesn’t judge, and every year it welcomes us back, no matter where we are or what we have been through.

The flow of time has been replaced by the flow of the river.

The water hugs our legs and birds chirp in the nearby forest.

We all focus on the beauty of the moment, and recognize this interlude in our busy lives as a true gift. During this interlude there are no problems, no deadlines, no aches and pains. The annual migratory cycle of Atlantic Salmon has galvanized our strength for the coming year.

Time and space From my spot in the river, my dad is 30 again, taking me to the river to show me a new pool. Despite the illusion, however, if I look carefully, I can see him moving a little slower now. His eyes still sparkle, but they’re tired from the early morning start. He’ll take more breaks to enjoy a hot mug of tea.

Our shared passion for fly fishing has been a blessing that I didn’t truly appreciate until I myself turned 30. This year I have given my kids the day off from school and brought them to the river with us to experience the magic of opening day. They are all teenagers now, long past the days of being safely strapped

into the baby carrier, with their toes tucked into my wading belt. I watch my dad spend time with each of them as they make casts and explore the river. Three generations fishing a pool. Shared time that will carry forward in perpetuity. These moments form the short compilation of precious memories that define, embolden, and strengthen us. Shared together, in those summer afternoons on a bank of the river, we touch the past, present, and future all at once.

The Ties That Bind

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Just Being John Wading through murky waters

I

Patrick Berry

n May of 2022, before his life would forever change, John Kirk was on top of his game both personally and professionally. Life was good and he was going fishing.

The much-anticipated annual striper junket to the Cape was finally in full swing. The fishing reports had been good, and John had brought along his surreal collection of gear and specialty “Kirky” flies. This was a magical intersection of his favorite things: fly fishing, friends, and an opportunity to just be John.

Over the four-day trip, John revelled in his usual roles as ring-leader, cheerleader, and fountain of distinctive Kirky quips and off-the-cuff movie quotes. When he’s in his element, John can make himself chuckle, even if no one else is in on the joke. It’s an endearing window into John’s whimsical nature.

By the time we parted ways and headed home, we had all caught fish, but that was genuinely secondary to the gathering itself. In John’s world, even as a talented and accomplished lefty fly caster, the people and experience always came first.

But just a month later, John seemed to be losing his equilibrium. During our fishing trip to Maine, some of us noticed John was having difficulty wading. His legs would just give out as he navigated along the edges of the river. He went down multiple times.

Over the course of the summer, John’s condition deteriorated. His legs kept giving out and he was losing sensation. I assumed this was all related to some of the ailments he had been battling over the previous months.

In the prior fall, John contracted a shingles infection which caused discomfort and stinging in his legs. He couldn’t sleep. As the virus ran its course, John continued to struggle with mobility and intermittent pain. A trip back to the doctor revealed a new health challenge: diabetes. But with some modest changes to his diet, test results showed substantial improvement.

And yet the pain, fatigue, and mobility difficulties continued to get worse. He could barely walk. What on earth was going on? Considering John’s history, this all seemed incredibly unfair.

Just five years earlier, John had completely reinvented himself. He beat the alcoholism that had taken over his life and emerged with impressive strength, determination, and fortitude. He moved from the Bangor area to Portland, lost the beer gut and got a promising new job leveraging his skills as a top real estate title attorney.

Life was good. Until it wasn’t.

By the fall of 2022, after successfully managing shingles and diabetes, John was now confined to a wheelchair. He was in relentless pain and was watching his life unwind before him, with no clear path to wellness.

Patrick Berry Patrick H. Berry is FFI President and CEO. Berry brings over 27 years of experience within the environmental conservation field, having come to FFI from the Vermont Community Foundation where he served as vice president of philanthropy. A former commissioner of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Berry is recognized as a visionary conservationist and is widely respected by his peers.

Just Being John

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And then, an answer came.

John was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune disease called Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. More commonly known by its acronym CIDP, the rare neurological disorder is caused by inflammation of the nerves and nerve roots, which destroys their protective myelin, and causes weakness, pain, fatigue and numbness.

John’s neurologist told him his case was the worst they had ever seen. And John’s CIDP seemed immune to the standard treatments.

In the following months, John’s journey veered into a brutal and unforgiving landscape. Unable to walk, forced to relocate to medical facilities for treatment, and incapable of managing the pain and fatigue enough to work, his life fell apart. He lost his job. And with a multi-faceted treatment regime bordering on criminally expensive, the medical bills began to pile up. Facing complete bankruptcy, John relocated to Colorado where he could stay with his mother and seek treatment in the Denver area.

During these dark months, the John we all knew started to slip away. The whimsy and light-heartedness had faded.

There was an increasing and overwhelming sense of hopelessness. The promise of fishing again—a vision John clutched tightly, and we encouraged—had become elusive.

It could be difficult to talk to John on the phone. When the effects of pain medication or even the pain itself abated— even slightly—John would provide grim reports through tersely worded text messages on the battle he waged every hour of the day. We tried to inspire him, support his journey, and let him cry when the weight of his burden became too much. I cried for him. I think we all did.

This wasn’t how karma was supposed to work. By his very nature, John is superlative in his loyalty, generosity, good

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will, gratitude, and, yes, sometimes overly-sharp tongue. He had gotten his life together. All he wanted to do was spend time on the water with his friends. How did he deserve any of this?

I first met John more than 30 years ago in a wacky alignment of fly fishing bucket lists. I was trout bumming in my junker Dodge truck, and had ventured to what seemed like the middle of nowhere to experience the legendary fishing along the Green River in Flaming Gorge, Utah. I landed at the Dripping Springs Campground near Dutch John, Utah—and so had John.

In the camp site next to me was another Dodge truck, also with Vermont plates, also with a couple of Grateful Dead stickers, and also with a decal of our college alma mater.

What were the odds? We chuckled at this chance first meeting, and fell into the usual banter of the fly fishingobsessed as we traded flies over beer and chew.

During that first interaction, I learned that John is one of those incredibly rare fly fishing types who is genuinely happier for others’ fishing success than he is for his own. The guy just loves to celebrate the experiences and achievements of others. And in those wondrous moments when John holds court, your stories become John’s stories— stories that he will carry around and unveil.

In John’s retelling of your success, the fish grow bigger, the experiences are enhanced, and the lessons learned become more profound. He does this because he loves his people. He loves the time together. He loves to celebrate you.

The fish are just a vehicle to express those connections.

As the fall of 2023 approached, John had made some improvement in his ability to use his legs, which had atrophied from nerve damage and lack of use. But a wheelchair was still his only form of mobility, the pain and fatigue were too-often overwhelming, and of all the bad luck… his hands and arms were now being affected.

However, John carried on. And we noticed his affect and mood were improving. Whatever he was doing to make progress with this awful disease wasn’t enough to get him walking on his own, but we could hear the signs of hope returning. John was returning. His excitement to go fishing was returning. But few topics of conversation could tap into his enthusiasm more than the expectation of spending time with friends.

You would be hard-pressed to find more loyal and generous friends than Jon and Laurie Detwiler. Laurie is a kind and pragmatic grounding force, offering the

occasional “adult supervision” that grown men sometimes seem to require. Jon is 6-foot-5 with a presence that enters a room before he does. He has been called “Bigman” for as long as I’ve known him. As John’s closest friend since college, Kirky and Bigman have amassed a multi-volume history of incredibly entertaining fishing and waterfowl hunting adventures.

When John needed support during his tragic ordeal, the Detwilers were there. They visited John from their home south of Boston as often as their schedules would allow.

They moved his now-vacant apartment, put his life-long collection of belongings in storage, and helped guide his medical decisions. They even got him out fishing during a visit over the summer—a challenging trip, but one that only motivated John to try again.

As the summer began to wind down, Bigman encouraged a couple of us to visit John, knowing it would cheer him up.

So we did. In late September of 2023, one of John’s long-time fishing buddies Garrett Staines joined me for a mission to get John out on the water again with a fly rod in his hand.

Garrett and I picked up John and his gear and headed west, with high hopes we could make this work. The first morning was rough. After little sleep, continued discomfort, and nausea from pain medication, John was a slow-moving train.

We arrived at the river far later than planned but viewed this first foray as a test run. John had been able to purchase an “all-terrain” wheelchair with funds raised through a GoFundMe page, and it worked beautifully. We were able to get John to a bank perched above some decent looking water

Just Being John

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that held a few risers. I silently begged the trout gods to smile on John with a bent rod, but it just didn’t happen. After missing a couple small fish who slapped at his fly, John’s fatigue and pain worsened. It was time go. Still, this was a small victory. John was fishing again.

Day two arrived with some signs of hope. As I greeted him in the doorway of the adjoining motel rooms I could tell John was in much better shape. Even before his first cup of coffee was drained, John’s distinctive “jabberjaw” was in full motion. He was just chatting away, excited to be on a fishing trip with his people. On this particular morning, the only difference from the John I met in the Dripping Springs Campground was his means of getting around.

The three of us hit the road and followed some intel on a section of river that we thought might allow John to actually get in the water. We stumbled upon a spot that had every fishy feature: riffles, runs, seams, bubble lines, deep rock walls, and even a little pocket water— all repeating down a sweeping bend in the river. Two additional elements were key. First, we had the place to ourselves on a day when in other spots, fishermen seemed to line every inch of river. Second, there was a gently sloping gravel bar for about 100 yards that could allow John access to the water.

After some quick scouting, we noticed the river was a bit high with a tinge of color, but those factors had no impact on our ability to ease John into the river, in range of some likely

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holding water. With little hesitation, John fished as though there were no barriers for him, switching between dry flies on his fiberglass 4 weight to streamers on his custom twohanded rod. After a moderately-full day navigating up and down the gravel bar, John never touched a fish. And yet…he had the time of his life. And so did Garrett and I. It’s understandable how time and experience can decay the mystique and anticipation of fly fishing. It just happens. But getting out with John brought me back to the magical discovery of a sport in which the reward is truly the experience itself. There was so much joy in the outing, regardless of obstacles or uncooperative fish.

John was in his element, blissfully revelling in his connection with friends and being immersed in the sport that has been an enduring feature of his life. Through the good times and dark episodes, fly fishing has always been there for him. Unsurprisingly, as we drove away from the river on that final day, John celebrated the few fish I managed to dredge up on nymphs. That’s just John.

I’m not sure I will ever completely comprehend how John managed to hang on to life itself, but I know he kept himself going with the not-yet-broken promise of another day on the water. In the dark moments when the pain and tears and shroud of hopelessness that would understandably envelop most people, John hung on. How? He envisioned another personal reincarnation, this time from a wheelchair, pursuing his favorite version of fly fishing, where friends and the experience are at the center of it all.

John’s journey continues. Along with Bigman and Garrett, the two of us are already planning the next trip. Through John, I have rediscovered a deeper, more fulfilling version of fly fishing in which the fish matter far less than the connections, community, and simple joy of going fishing.

I know in my heart there will be better days ahead for John. I also know there will episodes of pain, suffering, and sadness. Regardless, the people John has met through fly fishing will continue to be instrumental in his journey, and he in theirs. Hang in there, John. Another day on the water with friends will be here soon.

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The Aging Angler Derek Bird

he other day I found myself fishing with somewhat of an odd group, mostly because of the wide age range between each of us. I surmised, based on my companions’ appearances, the three of us were each approximately 20 years apart, which meant I (a Gen Xer) was firmly sandwiched between a Baby Boomer and a Millennial.

I have little to discuss about generational speculation and stereotypes, though I am sure someone one day will write their doctoral dissertation on something as specialized and completely useless to society as generational differences amongst fly anglers. What struck me about this group was not so much our generational differences but the difference 20 years, or 40 years, makes to a fly angler’s level of enthusiasm.

The youngest member of the group, I’ll call him Pat, first diverted my attention from the task at hand—the bugs coming off the water and the trout rising for them— to the less important concept of enthusiasm. As the day went on, I noticed he approached the water with a certain level of ferocity, an unbridled passion, like he possessed some innate drive which controlled his every cast. He left no water untouched. If a pocket had even a remote possibility of holding a trout, he threw a cast into it. As a result, Pat exceeded my cast count and the Baby Boomer’s cast totals combined.

He also changed flies like celebrities change hairstyles. If a particular midge pattern didn’t work, he’d tie on a variation and then another until he ran out of variations. After that, he went to mayflies and repeated the process, then moved

onto terrestrials. Pat’s approach to the water was machinelike, but not without feeling. He did what he did because he loved catching fish with flies: nymphs, streamers, dries…it didn’t matter. If I were to ask him why he loved fly fishing so much, my guess is he wouldn’t have much of a clue because he has not taken the time to actually think about it. I know I wouldn’t have known at his age. Pat’s too busy fly fishing to think much about something as cerebral as answers to the philosophical “why” question. There were fish to be caught that day and he would not stop to rest until he’d at least done everything within his power to present a fly to each and every one. The hours in the day were really all that could attempt to contain Pat’s enthusiasm for fly fishing.

I found myself a little envious of this young fly angler’s energy, but I also identified with the desire, which ran like a spring river during runoff—deep and unable to be controlled by its banks. Twenty years ago, I, like Pat, never wanted to leave the river; I’d arrive early and stay late. Stopping for lunch was optional because the desire to fish often masked hunger pains. Risks like crossing streams and sliding uncontrollably down steep terrain meant little as long as a remote possibility to catch a large trout existed. Darkness alone—not sunburns or heat or mosquitoes or injury—drove me from the stream. At times, if the moon was full on a cloudless night and if lack of responsibility allowed, I’d even fish until well past dark.

But something gradual happens to enthusiasm over 20 years, over 40 years. For some, I guess it goes away completely and they trade in their fly rods for golf clubs, or they replace misty mornings on a tranquil stream with

Derek Bird I’m always willing to share a few fly-fishing secrets. My favorite fly, for example, is the one the trout are taking. My favorite season is the one when trout are biting. My favorite stream is the one where the trout are plentiful and the anglers are few.

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daybreaks spent sipping coffee at fast food joints. For other anglers though, passion for fly fishing morphs into something almost unrecognizable. Enthusiasm transforms into a tested and far-reaching knowledge which envelops feeling, comparable to an autumn stream meandering its way through plains and prairies. I only assume this based on the older gentleman—call him Gordon—whom I fished with in this odd trio. Gordon was 20 years my senior, so he fished with less fervency than Pat but with greater efficiency. Gordon made every cast count. He did not appear to fish all the seams or riffles; instead, he sat back a little more and put thought into each cast, strategically placing his fly. Though he changed flies, he did so with less urgency.

On this particular day, he rested, observed and then reached into his fly box for a classic pattern, tied it on, pulled line, cast and hooked a large trout, possibly the largest of the day.

At one point in the afternoon the fishing slowed.

Though the trout continued to rise, they proved to be more wily and didn’t come up for our flies. Gordon tried a few different patterns, with no success, and then sat back for a while, seemingly enjoying the unpredictability of the moment. Then, after a short reprieve, he surveyed the stream and headed back out. As he stood in the water firmly securing footholds and casting to the shadows in the forefront and avoiding the firs on his back cast, he framed a portrait. He stood in front of me, a harbinger of what I could be in 20 years if I stood strong against the forces which deterred me from my pursuit. This portrait communicated the message, that for some, fly fishing can be a lifelong relationship.

I saw fly fishing and Gordon as the old couple who’ve been married for their entire adult lives and remain loving companions because they’ve learned the secret of growing old together. The two respect each other. At one time they were probably more like Pat, all over each other with displays of public affection, but that’s not them now. Their affection is more subtle. They know the other more intimately than anyone could know an individual, and their relationship is not based on expectations but on acceptance.

I suspect this is the result of a recognition

of dissonance, of discord. Knowing that the challenges—the wind-knots and the fishless days, the slips and the broken rods—have to be there so an individual can appreciate the rare days when the steelhead consistently take the swung fly and the trout rise effortlessly to the dry. Maybe within this balance resides the answer to the riddle of why some fly anglers maintain enthusiasm and passion. Interestingly enough, in Latin, passion actually means suffering.

Somewhere along the way someone understood that the level of tension is a necessary ingredient in the creation of a deep desire. I wonder if this tension, this folly mixed with beauty, actually creates a level of enthusiasm towards a pastime as simple and complicated as casting a fly to a fish.

Age-wise, I’m right in the middle of the 40-year generational continuum between Pat and Gordon. Though I’ve tried not to acknowledge it, I know my enthusiasm for fly fishing is changing. If I’m honest with myself, I can feel my youthful passion flickering like a malfunctioning neon sign in a fly shop window. But after fishing with Gordon, that which I misunderstood as a waning passion was actually just transforming, simply burning at a rate that matches my age and maturity, prodding me to stay younger than I would without it, yet not leaving me breathless, yearning for my youth.

The Aging Angler

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The Reason But Not the Purpose The meaning behind the method Blake Parsons

I

don’t remember the first fish I caught fly fishing.

I don’t remember if I used a small, red soft hackle famous in the area. I’m not absolutely sure I even set the hook.

I do remember the exact place I was standing, as though, after 20 years, my footprints are still on that rock.

I remember the look I shot Carey Parsons, my dad, when my fly rod bent to that first fish.

“I think it was the moment when we saw things we’d been told actually come together for us,” he told me when we talked recently, adding with a grin, “I’m not sure then we knew how far this would go.”

Process of discovery I’ve taken myself back to the same spot over the years, both in my mind and literally, with others, to fish. My first

connection to fly fishing has grown into both an advocation and vocation, providing me with friends and memories in enough places to cover a map. Fly fishing has driven me to raise my voice, to champion the protection of places, and I’ve found fulfillment in teaching the sport to others. In the process, I’ve discovered parts of myself.

As my fly fishing world has grown, it’s reached into other parts of my life. My wife has been known to out-fish anyone in the boat, and she’s found her own perspective on the sport. Friends I’ve had for more than 20 years have gotten together for fly fishing adventures, far away from where we met. I called my college buddy Daniel Harrison, to ask about a group trip to the Missouri River we took a couple of years ago.

“As we’ve gotten older we’ve seen the importance of getting together with each other, who we’ve known since

Blake Parsons Blake Parsons is Communications Director at Fly Fishers International. He’s rarely far from a fly rod, having escaped a career in advertising to make the rounds as fly shop guy and guide. Blake lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Ally, who out fishes him on a regular basis.

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we were young. That trip was a good time to see each other away from our routines and hometowns,” he said.

“Some friends had a brand-new experience, for others it was a time to share something that had become a big part of life. Fly fishing was the reason for that trip, but really not the purpose.”

Indicators of connection The idea of connections in fly fishing is an analogy that almost writes itself. When successful, we are momentarily connected to something which seems otherworldly. Beyond simply fishing, through time and experiences we develop connections we don’t always see but certainly feel. We become a part of special places, we influence the lives of other people, and we raise our voices fighting for important causes. We feel our mentors in moving rivers and shifting tides, even after those people have left us.

Sometimes, we don’t even have to know a person to make that connection. A rod tube in an airport terminal or a faded fly shop sticker on a truck in a parking lot can be all the confirmation we need to know a person felt the

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same draw, the same push of water, the same pull of a fish.

Comfortable conversation In the middle of a busy Nashville neighborhood, Fly South is my hometown fly shop. This 22-year-old business sees a variety of people walk through the door every day.

Some visitors are in town for music, some for sports, and occasionally an errant bachelorette party comes in looking for a bar. Often, the shop gets to welcome an angler who’s just moved to town, knows no one and is seeking familiar conversation and connection.

Jessi Cole moved to Nashville in the fall of 2020. As she found her way around her new hometown she made it into Fly South. She hoped it would be a good place to get some insider intel on good fishing.

“I knew that would be a starting place for a new community,” she said. “The folks at Fly South were some of my first friends in Nashville and helped me get to know my new home waters.”

The best fly shops are places which are welcoming and help provide instant connection to people in a world

needing more of it. These connections build a community with no geographic designation. Cole figures that’s possible because many anglers consider fly fishing to be not just something we do, but something we are.

“To me, and to most I would guess, fly fishing is an art form. It’s rhythmic, peaceful, and both strategic and instinctual at once. Using feathers and fur that I’ve harvested and tied myself makes every fish caught just a little more special,” Cole shared.

Sowing seeds Fly South staffer Andrew Smalling himself has seen these connections impact his own life, from his time growing up and fishing in East Tennessee, to his time guiding in Alaska, to fishing with old friends in the Bolivian jungle.

Fly fishing has taken him to interesting places with special people, and he enjoys seeing those experiences and relationships take seed in the store.

“I love seeing new people come to the shop knowing they can make a connection here in a new town, and find something familiar in a new place. A lot of former customers I now consider to be some of my closest friends.”

I wish it didn’t, but it can take guts to leap into fly fishing.

This isn’t a warning for new anglers, but a reminder for those of us at the longer end of experience: It’s our responsibility to be the people we needed when we started.

A second meaning In this age of endlessly-accessible information, a lesson is often most meaningful when it’s learned through human connection. When we offer what we know, the fly fishing community grows in front of our eyes. By opening ourselves up to questions and curiosities, we can give a second meaning to our days walking rivers and flats with a fly rod.

Those days get to live again when past stories are told and those experiences awaken when the lessons from them are applied by someone new.

Each one of these connections is a thread, making the fabric of fly fishing brighter, stronger, and able to cover more people. Almost daily, I feel lucky to hear about some of the happiest times in an angler’s life. One thing I’ve noticed and remind myself often, is that the conversation is usually not about one fish, one day, or one trip. It’s a memory about people, and some connection that led them deeper into the joys of this lifelong endeavor. As my college buddy might say, fly fishing was the reason, but not the purpose.

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Corps of Discovery A Winter Float and…Camp?

Allen Crater

S

weat from every pore of my body was dripping onto the cursed stationary bike when the text from my buddy Mark buzzed through.

“When we heading north for another cold weather streamer sesh?”

Like me, it seemed, Mark was entering that post-holiday funk and starting to climb the proverbial walls of Michigan’s dark season—searching for some type of adventure.

Now, before I get too far ahead, there are a few things you need to know about the sender of this message, for the sake of context.

First, Mark has what I would describe as a mildly obsessive personality—when he goes after something, he really goes after it. I mean all in, no holds barred. And one of his “all-ins” is fly fishing.

Second, he has built a nice life that allows him and the family to spend almost half the year (essentially all the of the prime fishing season) on the backside of the Tetons; literally in the heart of the greatest fly fishing this country has to offer. So, 15 or 20-fish days are not as uncommon for him as they are for most. I’m not saying he’s spoiled (actually, I am), just that his expectations run relatively high.

Last, Mark and I, along with our friend Josh, had been down the Michigan cold-weather-streamer-sesh road before, with results much as you’d expect: plenty of fun but zero fish.

So I shot back a counter proposal. How about a winter float and camp—essentially an overnight camping trip, bookended by fishing on either side at the end of February?

My reasoning was fairly straightforward; I didn’t hold high hopes for the fishing, but cocktails around a campfire sounded like a fun dark-season diversion and, if we couched the outing as camping with a side of fishing, we wouldn’t feel quite so bad if the bite was slow. To add some sex appeal to my sales job I dubbed the whole thing “The Corps of Discovery,” albeit the two-day, not-needing-to-scale-theRockies or carve-our-own-canoe version. It sounded good to him, and we rounded up four other buddies that thought so too.

As departure day clicked closer and closer our gungho group of six slowly whittled its way down to two.

Responsibilities, family obligations, work events, and the rest of life taking precedent over tough fishing and cold camping. That left just my good friend Ozzy and me—Lewis

and Clark (or maybe more appropriately Mutt and Jeff). We were in—no matter what—we solemnly pledged.

After a couple quick conversations, we recruited two more hearty companions into the corps—folks who have rarely said no to my kooky ideas (or me to theirs) and, importantly, knew their way around drift boats and camp saws.

The first was my buddy Chris, or “Pickle Farmer Chris” as my family knows him. But that’s a whole other story.

Chris is an outdoorsman of the highest caliber—trad bow hunter, fly angler, caller, trapper, backcountry camper— you name it. He does it all and does it well. If you ever found yourself stranded in a survival type situation, Pickle Farmer Chris is the guy you’d want along. Besides that, he’s just good people, whose company is always enjoyable.

He’s well read, knowledgeable on a myriad of topics, and a perpetual optimist.

The second was my older son, Kyle. At 22, Kyle is a damned impressive outdoorsman in his own right. He and his younger brother Blake have been banging around the woods with me since they could walk and, though I hate admitting it in writing, the kid can flat-out hunt, fish, hike, ski, and row much better than his old man. Having spent the last four years in the mountains and rivers of Montana has upped his game even further. And he’s funny. Not as funny as he thinks he is, but funny enough. Plus, it never hurts to have some young muscle along for camp chores.

Haha. Joke’s on you, Junior.

It was a solid crew.

We rolled up to the landing in fluffy fresh snow and proceeded to wrestle the watercraft and manhandle the mounds of gear down to the water. While this was winter camping, there was no reason it had to be uncomfortable, and we would by no means be roughing it. Although the wall tent and wood stove didn’t end up making the final cut despite our most creative efforts, numerous other creature comforts found spots in the sterns. It only needed to look like an episode of Alone in the pictures, we figured, as we packed the tents, stove, kitchen utensils, lanterns, camp chairs, piles of food, and other assorted accessories and accoutrements.

In my experience there are two key ingredients that make an adventure truly special. The first is setting. A spectacular setting cures a lot of other woes. Much like winning in

Allen Crater Allen Crater is a husband and father of two adult sons that frequently out fish him. His work has appeared in several publications including Solace, Backcountry Journal, and Strung. He is the host of allenoutside.com, and author of Outside in Shorts.

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professional sports can cause folks to look the other way regarding other franchise fiascos, the proper setting has the power to forgive a lot of other sins on these types of outings.

And, fortunately for us, we had “setting” buttoned up nice and tight, floating one of the most beautiful, boundless, and wild pieces of water in lower Michigan.

While the route was selected more so for its scenery and solitude, the top end of the run, at least in the warmer months, can produce respectable numbers, and the middle and lower stretches hold some shockingly huge fish.

But, as expected, the fishing started slow, though we barely noticed because the landscape was alluring, the coffee was warm, and the overcast day quiet in an almost reverent way. Just the oars dipping and pulling, dipping and pulling, the whisper of fly line punctuated by quiet conversations, and the occasional call of an eagle that we followed down the winding waterway.

“Ain’t nothing like a boat to teach a man the worth of quiet contemplation,” as Ruark so succinctly stated in The Old Man and the Boy. And quiet contemplation mixed with fresh air, pipe smoke, and good bourbon can often cause one to become suddenly philosophical, leading to the second and, for me, more important trip ingredient: the company.

You can visit some pretty darn spectacular places with bad company and be miserable. Conversely, having the right people alongside can turn a ho-hum location into an adventure you will talk about for the rest of your life, likely embellishing the story along the way from the fondness of the memory. Some of my most treasured times have sprung from downright desolate trips with good company.

More and more with whom I spend my time has become one of the most important decisions I make. In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my nearly 50 years on Earth, it’s that a life worth living should be carried out in a way that is in accord with your nature—one of constant discovery and growth—and much of that depends on who you spend your time with.

When it comes to that squishy term “self-improvement,” you’ll find piles of books, podcasts, videos, TED talks, and speakers. It seems that we are, as a society, obsessed with it, or at least the idea of it.

I don’t have all the answers, hell, sometimes I don’t even have the questions, but my personal recipe calls for daily exercise of body and mind, time outdoors, and surrounding myself with the right people.

I’ll spare you the whole “iron sharpens iron” cliche, but

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sharing time with folks that have similar passions, are willing to give it to you straight, cause you to think about things differently, challenge you to push a little further, and can be counted on even when the chips are down—those are the ones to hang on to.

They help you grow. They teach you things about the world, about life, and about yourself. They call your bullshit.

They level set you. And they support you. And that’s all damn important.

Without so much as a hook-up, nibble, or chase, our corps arrived at the planned campsite for the evening; a low, flat bank on a sunny inside bend, protected by high hills on nearly all sides. As the clouds cleared, we unloaded gear and then, like a well-oiled machine and without really needing to divvy things up, we began the chores. A few guys headed out to find firewood, another stayed back to build the fire ring and manage the splitting and cutting, and the last got the rest of camp settled— tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and the cook area.

Many hands make light work, they say. Especially when everyone seems to know the program. With camp set and a substantial wood pile cut, split, and stacked, Chris and Kyle headed out with the rifle and call to see if they might trick a couple ‘yotes, while Ozzy and I stayed back to “manage the fire.”

It might sound simple, but the very important task of fire management involves several critical components. First you must make sure to get a good blaze going; a wimpy little fire while winter camping won’t cut it. Second, you need to select a comfortable seat from which to observe this blaze, making sure to remain close enough to give it a poke, kick, or additional log as needed. Third, you are required to mix and consume strong cocktails in sizeable quantities—in our case Ozzy’s special concoction known as a Drunken Sapsucker. Fourth, it is your responsibility to get the pipes lit and properly functioning. And finally, and only in this order, you must summon the wisdom to solve all the world’s problems.

I’m not sure we accomplished the last step, but we nailed the first four, managing to clean out the pipes and tie on a nice warm glow, while at least avoiding becoming the cause of any more of the world’s problems, by the time the fellas got back from their hunt.

Before we go too much further, I need to come clean: the highlight of the weekend for me was always going to be the camping. Despite the sales pitch I delivered to prospective

recruits, the fishing was merely a thin excuse to break out the tent and sleeping bag and spend some time out of doors.

And the central character in the whole camping show, as it is in most outings of this nature, was bound to be the bonfire. Eating and drinking around a glowing fire with friends is something particularly special, and damn near anything tastes better in the backcountry (that whole setting thing). Sure, when efficiency is at stake you can keep it simple with a variety of decent dinner-in-a-pouch options, but it’s possible to take food to a whole new level on an outing like this, and we intended to.

Like slightly over-salted popcorn, Ruark went a tad heavy with the machismo seasoning on this one. But, again like popcorn, it’s Ruark, so salty or not it’s always tasty.

“I am talking of manhood, pure and simple, and the uncontrived joy that a man has derived from hunting and fishing and camping and firelight and good bourbon and a reeking pipe and a sound collection of poker players who also tell tremendous lies about past exploits which have become fact instead of fancy merely by the rubbing of frequent usage.”

And so it was around our campfire, the warm gathering where, in uncontrived joy, we feasted on bear jerky, hard Parmesan cheese, peanuts in the shell, venison chili, homemade pickles (obviously), tenderloin charred rare in cast iron, chocolate chip cookies, and frozen Snickers bars. Where we broke out cans of Busch Light, savored top-shelf Tequila, and polished off the last of the Drunken Sapsuckers before puffing pipes (and Marlboros), swapping bullshit stories, debating important topics (such as the musical merit or lack thereof of U2; maple syrup—love it or hate it; and Euro-nymphing—effective, stupid, or both), and brandishing bad fisherman jokes under a sky littered with a thousand stars. Like someone had tripped and inadvertently spilled a bag of glitter on a coal-black floor.

It probably wasn’t much different than campfires from generations past, which lent a bit of feral primacy to the moment, despite the relative comforts. A connection back to something long hard-wired into each of us but often overlooked. I was glad to have it back. If only for a brief time.

The coals eventually burned down, and the conversations quieted as we took in the crispness of the clear winter

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sky one last time before, one-by-one, heading off to our sleeping bags.

The morning dawned clear and frosty. We fixed a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and camp coffee while sitting around the fire thawing frozen boots and waders and stomping some feeling back into coldnumbed feet.

A warm February sun crested the opposing bluff just as we finished packing camp and shoved off, Chris and Ozzy out front.

I was content to run the sticks and let the warming rays kiss my face while Kyle fished. It was nice to simply have some quiet time together with my son and catch up in a way that only outings like this seem to provide these days.

Near the bottom third of the float, Kyle had a solid chase, our first of the trip, that got my blood up a little. But a quick false swipe was all that came of it, and I continued to row.

A few bends later we could hear Chris coaxing a wary follow and watched him hook up and land a nice little brown. We pulled up alongside and celebrated with a

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couple of drinks and the few remaining chocolate chip cookies, before Ozzy jumped up front for his turn.

Despite Kyle offering to switch me up, I stayed on the oars and enjoyed the float while he alternated between fishing and sitting to just take in the sun and scenery.

And then, not long after, we heard more excitement downstream, pushed hard with the oars, and rounded the bend just in time to witness Ozzy hefting a heavy, brightlycolored brown from the net. It was an unexpected grand finale, on an already grand weekend.

While we may not have broken that first route to the Pacific, I believe we discovered something equally essential: the mystical je ne sais quois that only moments in the outdoors, under the stars, on quiet floats, or around campfires within the camaraderie of close friends and family afford.

I couldn’t have been happier. For the time. For the place. For the people. For the sun on my face and a break from routine that was desperately needed. For this corps of cherished companions and the discoveries we made together on a winter river in Michigan.

CONSERVATION

Climate Change Affects Fly Fishing “We all are bound by a covenant of reciprocity: plant breath for animal breath…” - Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass Tom H. Logan Senior Advisor - Conservation

R

obin Wall Kimmerer was speaking about the mutual relationship between plants and animals like us when she wrote those words in her book, Braiding Sweetgrass. She was emphasizing how essential plants are for the oxygen they process for us to breathe, and we to them as they produce the sugars they require for growth from the carbon dioxide we exhale. We learned about this as photosynthesis by plants when we were young, but now understand how complex and critical to life on our planet this cycle is.

Dr. Carl Sagan testified before U.S. Congress in 1985 that carbon dioxide and other gases are accumulating as an abnormal atmospheric layer around Earth, affecting climate unnaturally. He

described that Earth warms naturally by absorbing some rays from the sun, while radiating those not absorbed. He cautioned that the accumulating layer of gases trapping these rays causes otherwise normal temperatures to rise, warming waters and air around the earth. He referred to this as a “greenhouse effect.”

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is accumulating at an unnatural rate as clearing forests, draining wetlands, altering floodplains and combustion of carbon-based fuels expands globally.

Scientists conclude this is causing the “climate change” we speak of as “global warming,” including warming our waters.

Fly fishers, especially, see Dr. Sagan’s predictions happening firsthand as the

waters we fish warm. We see numbers of fish declining in cold water streams as temperatures rise above normal.

We see “hoot owl” regulations imposed to reduce stress on fish by prohibiting fishing during warmer afternoon temperatures. Surveys of the Big Hole River in Montana have documented a decline in trout abundance from approximately 3,000 fish per river mile over the past 20 years to a number in the hundreds today. Data also show that air temperatures have risen by 2.7 degrees over the past 70 years in Montana. Declines in insect numbers are also observed with these higher water temperatures, as are increases in pathogens which affect fish health and survival.

Similar trends of rising water

Tom Logan Tom H. Logan, is a retired certified wildlife biologist from Tallahassee, Florida who has specialized more than 58 professional years in the research and recovery of threatened and endangered wildlife species and conservation of natural landscapes. He received the Fly Fishers International “Silver King Award” in 2013, “Conservation Award” in 2015, “FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership & Service” in 2021 and “Fly Fisher of the Year Award” in 2023. Tom currently serves as Board Chairman Emeritus, Senior Advisor for Conservation to the Board and past Chairman of the Board Conservation Committee.

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temperatures are being observed in the coastal waters of Florida and affecting the strength of tropical storms. Hurricanes more typically reduce in intensity as they make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, but according to climatologists, due to warmer nearshore waters this no longer appears to be the pattern.

Shallow waters were reported to be two degrees above normal in October 2018 when Hurricane Michael intensified to Category 5 before making landfall southwest of Tallahassee, and Hurricane Idalia made landfall last month in the Florida Big Bend after intensifying to Category 3. Waters were reported to be two to four degrees above normal during that storm. A record water temperature of 101 degrees was documented in Manatee Bay near Ft. Myers, Florida on July 26, 2023. These storms are certainly catastrophic when they pass over land, but they and the warmer water temperatures that drive them

also adversely affect plants, fish and other marine life.

These environmental changes are affecting our fly fishing and enjoyment of the out doors and will ultimately affect our quality of life. It is for these reasons that Fly Fishers International has made a major revision to our Policy on Climate Change. We have done so to better inform our members and policy makers of the changes that are occurring, why they are occurring and how these changes affect our lives.

We also feel compelled to advocate for sound solutions which must be made to change human causes of global warming trends.

The most important fact is that sound and achievable solutions do exist. They fall into two fundamental categories of action, both of which ultimately reduce the “greenhouse”

layer Dr. Sagan described. First, renewable energy sources that reduce our current dependence on fossil fuels are essential. This will reduce the current rate of accumulation and development of the greenhouse layer.

The other action is to understand and invest in the already-existing natural process that sequesters (removes and stores) carbons from the atmosphere. Both solutions

Climate Change Affects Conservation Fly Fishing

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are necessary but sequestration of atmospheric carbons is an action we can embrace immediately. Moreover, it is affordable and achievable.

Plants which grow in our parks, forests, prairies, wetlands, lakes and oceans—even our backyards— remove and store CO2 from the air. We appreciate these plant communities as fish and wildlife habitat, but their added value is their ability to sequester CO2 and transpire oxygen and water vapor for the benefit of all animal life. Plants of wetlands, coastal and ocean systems are especially important in this regard because they store carbon in their roots and organic soils at rates up to five to 20 times that of tropical and upland forests. Thus, each wetland, forest or grassland landscape that is managed to support robust fish and wildlife populations is also of high value for its sequestration of CO2 and helps reduce the warming

effect of the greenhouse layer that Dr. Sagan described.

Plants use only a portion of the CO2 they sequester to produce sugars, oxygen and water vapor; therefore, it is important to understand the different ways plant communities store the larger portion of the carbon they remove from the atmosphere. Grasses, for example, store much of the carbon they sequester in their roots and soils, while trees store carbon in their wood. Wetlands store carbon in their highly organic soils. Stored carbon in grasslands is relatively secure during management operations but carbons stored in the wood of trees returns to the atmosphere when trees are destroyed during catastrophic wildfire. Prescribed fire, a managed simulation of natural fire, is one of our most important management tools for sustaining the health and production of grassland and forest

communities. Prescribed fire also reduces fuel loads which accumulate in forest understories and protects trees and the carbons they store from destructive wildfires. Carbons stored in the organic soils of wetlands also are relatively secure from release as long as wetland soils remain wet and are not dewatered during prescribed drawdowns for extended periods of time.

We’re fortunate in the United States to have had pioneers like Gifford Pinchot, Theodore Roosevelt and scientists and land managers who recognized the value in conserving the more than 500 million acres presently managed by federal agencies under various conservation designations, and approximately 3.5 million miles and 42 million acres of rivers and streams and lakes and ponds protected as “Waters of the United States.” The importance of the plants that grow on these vast acreages for their sequestration of CO2 from the atmosphere cannot be overstated.

Too valuable to lose But that essential value has not yet been embraced as a management goal for these conserved landscapes. These

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wild lands set aside for conservation are not as secure as it would seem. Many of the natural areas that are managed by federal agencies were designated with a provision for allowing other uses that are compatible with the original conservation purpose. Such allowable uses include timber harvesting, livestock grazing and mineral extraction. The consequence is that many of these otherwise-conserved natural landscapes are subject to destruction from clearcutting, overgrazing and pollution from abandoned mine seepage. Protection of our waters and fish habitat has been compromised recently by a courtdetermined redefinition of wetlands that excludes specific but biologically valuable wetland types from protection under the Clean Water Act. The plant communities of our conservation lands and waters are too valuable to lose.

The United States Forest Service

and Bureau of Land Management are currently revising management plans for the approximately 438 million acres of forests and grasslands they collectively manage as public lands.

They are doing so for reasons that include consideration of climate change that affects informed management of these lands. Fly Fishers International has responded to requests for public comment by encouraging those agencies to adopt a New Conservation Paradigm. This new paradigm embraces the essential value that plants provide. We further urged the agencies to incorporate priority goals for management of plant health and abundance in the natural landscapes they conserve as forests, grasslands, wetlands and waters in the revision of their respective land management plans and provided specific recommendations for how they can achieve those goals.

Those of us who actively enjoy the outdoors understand the importance of conserving natural landscapes as habitats for fish and wildlife. We also appreciate how important natural landscapes of plants and waters are to our qualities of life, as Robin Wall Kimmerer discussed so eloquently in her book. As individuals, we can play a role in supporting how we move forward with the recommendations provided in the Policy on Climate Change by adopting the New Conservation Paradigm as personal philosophy. We should share our philosophy with other fly fishers and friends and tell policy makers and land managers how conservationminded Americans prefer the lands and waters of the United States be managed. It is in this way the legacy of fly fishing will endure for generations.

Fly fishers and others who enjoy the outdoors have everything to gain.

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CASTING

Going the Distance Casting Farther to Cast Better

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ithout exception, the best casters I have ever met can cast a long distance.

Never have I watched someone cast a long line that couldn’t also control a short line, and never have I watched someone cast a long line that couldn’t also cast well in a variety of fly fishing situations.

Distance competition casters are often poked fun at—their niche skills viewed as interesting, but not essential, to fly fishing success.

However, the average angler can learn a lot from those who can throw the long line. Every component of the cast can be improved by learning how to do it at distance, and if effective casting is key to effective fly fishing, it’s worth doing a distance casting deep-dive to refine and improve our overall technique.

Haul-all The double and single hauls are primary components to distance casting. The haul increases line speed directly, by pulling on the line, and also indirectly, by increasing the load in the rod. Hauling can be used to pick line up off the

Jeff Wagner water, fire casts into the wind, and perform or accentuate other casts, such as curve casts. Making tighter, more efficient loops can be aided by hauling, and hauling can make it easier to shoot line into the fore and back cast—necessities when distance casting.

Questions first, shoot later The ability to shoot line into the back cast takes practice. When you start to figure it out, this skill can be put to good use when fishing in adverse conditions. In windy conditions, for example, it is often not possible to carry large amounts of line in the air. By shooting line in the forecast, one can mitigate having to deal with a strong tail wind.

By the same token, when fishing into a headwind, shooting line into the back cast allows one to preload the rod, making for a stronger forward cast.

Shooting line is a good technique in countless situations, including dry-fly fishing for spooky fish, fishing in areas with little back cast room, and when fishing with a strong wind across your

casting arm, where the only way to avoid getting lined is turning around and presenting the fly with your back cast.

Throwing darts An often-unsung benefit to distance casting is improved accuracy. A good, accurate cast comes from having the ability to make tight, parallel loops and from having a straight-line path of the rod tip.

Remember this principle: the fly line will only follow the path of the rod tip.This becomes even more pronounced at distance. At short distances, slight imperfections in the cast hinder accuracy.

At distance, when carrying more line, these imperfections can make your cast fail entirely. Try starting with shorter casts, then gradually working out more line. Little problems will become evident, and you can coursecorrect as you go. By working on keeping tight, parallel loops and keeping a straight-line path of the rod tip, you will soon have the ability to hit a 30-inch target at 55 feet 9 out of 10 times, in a variety of conditions.

Jeff Wagner When he’s not fishing or casting you’ll find Jeff hiking or biking the back country with his family. They also volunteer their time to conservation efforts with groups such as Fly Fishers International. Oh, and during business hours Jeff does business stuff.

36

FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

cast’s trajectory, the next loop may come in contact with the ground or water. Effective distance casters must control the amount of line in the air, and at times compensate for the drop of the line in the back or forward cast. Such changes in

trajectory can be a necessity when casting into a head wind, by aiming the forward cast down and the back cast up. Similarly, when casting with a tail wind, a low back cast and high forward cast often helps get the job done. Specialty casts such

Photo Gilbert Rowley

Trajectory directory Another benefit to practicing distance casting is learning how to control your cast’s trajectory. Often, when false casting large amounts of line, by the time the loop unrolls, the fly line drops. Without adjusting the

Going the Distance Casting

37

as steeple casts, parachute casts and pile casts all require a change in trajectory, too.

Faster, further, fishier All combined, the final result of practicing the distance cast is increased control—and hopefully more fish. Most instructors and guides agree that if you can’t get the fly to the fish, you won’t catch the fish. So try these distance practice techniques and tips to help you achieve more control, cover more distance, and catch more fish.

Tip 1: Practice using gradually less power It sounds counterintuitive, but practicing using less power can help you achieve more distance.

Many casters use too much power when casting. To find the right amount, begin by casting a comfortable amount of line and then progressively use less power—until the cast almost fails. This exercise helps many casters realize that it takes very little power to keep line in the air—even large amounts of line. Many anglers, when confronted with a longer cast or windy conditions, begin overpowering the rod instead of using the rod. The way to deliver the fly and the fly line to the target is by loading and then unloading the rod. Certainly in windy conditions or when needing a long cast, more power may be needed. However, often what’s missing is a more positive stop.

Once you’re making that stop, then you can add a little longer casting stroke. Don’t get mad, get even. Learning to cast with less power will help you make that cast effortlessly.

38

FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

Tip 2: Find your point of failure While we’re working on increasing our distance, we all have a maximum amount of line we can cast. If we can find that limit, we can better hone our technique. To figure out yours, false cast, increasing the amount of line foot by foot until the loops start to fall apart and the cast can no longer be maintained.

When that point of failure is found, decrease the amount of line being false cast by several feet then start again. Your maximum false cast distance is the point where adding one more foot of line would cause the cast to fail. Mark this point on your fly line and don’t strip any more line off your reel until your loops are tight and the line is consistently staying airborne.

This exercise will increase your stamina, improve your efficiency and make it easier to cast into the wind, shoot line, and cast larger flies. Soon you’ll be able to mark new, further maximums.

Tip 3: Practice faster false casts One of the best ways to beat the wind, cast more distance, or get the fly to the fish faster is to increase your false casting speed. To practice, simply continue to increase the amount of speed in the haul and the casting hand speed (while maintaining proper loop shape).

Line speed is a pivotal part of any casting technique but is particularly critical for distance casting, casting in the wind and making quick casts.

In these situations, the angler must make the next cast before the line has time to touch the water—or before the fish move out of range.

The best way to do this is with increased line speed and increased

casting cadence.

Tip 4: Practice sans-haul When anglers start casting, they rely 100 percent on the casting arm.

After learning the double haul, many casters forget about casting without it. While the haul is important and useful, the casting hand is still the foundation for the cast.

Start with a short amount of line, increasing the length every two or three false casts, trying to maintain good loops and control. Build on this and you will strengthen your casting stroke.

Tip 5: Vary your stroke width Often, anglers use a casting stroke that is wider than what is needed.

This is fine; the wider the casting stroke, the easier the cast. However, there are merits to practicing a narrower stroke. To do so, start with your normal casting stroke, then progressively decrease the length of the casting stroke, until the loop shape begins to deteriorate. This is an effective way to learn or re-learn to load the rod; it quickly becomes apparent that you don’t need a wide stroke to make a simple cast.

It’s also a good reminder of the importance of the positive stop.

It might not be surprising that the quickest, most accurate, most creative and most adaptable casters can also cast at long distances.

To throw the long line, one has to have tight loops, perfectly-timed hauls, precise trajectory control and the ability to shoot line while keeping one’s rod tip path straight.

Practicing these distance casting components can only make you a better caster in general, which can only make you a more effective fly fisher.

F LY T Y I N G

Life Cycle of a Caddis Fly Jerry Coviello

O

nce you get to a piece of water, the first thing you look for is what are the insects living there. Caddis are one of the most prolific aquatic insects to be found in our rivers and streams and happily, they can tolerate lessthan-perfect water. The caddisfly is such an import insect in fly fishing

that the late Gary LaFontaine wrote a whole book on them. Caddisflies won the 1981 United Fly Tyers Book of the Year Award and was named one of the best fly fishing books by Trout Magazine. LaFontaine’s book has become an enduring classic in modern fly fishing literature.

But if you get on the water and see

that there isn’t any caddis activity on the surface, it’s never a bad idea to start with a pattern which imitates the caddis larvae. These bugs live on the bottom of the steam, and often you can lift a rock and spot them crawling on the stones. Because they are easy prey for any fish to pick them off the rocks, they’re an easy choice for us to tie.

Olive Caddis Larve Hook: Curved hook (vary the size to match the insect) Rib: Copper Wire Abdomen: Olive Fur (match the color to the insect) Thorax: Brown Fur

Jerry Coviello Jerry Coviello is an accomplished fly tier and an FFI Buz Buszek Fly Tying Memorial Award Recipient. Jerry is a past Chair of the FFI Fly Tying Group, a columnist for Fly Tyer Magazine and current President and newsletter editor for Delaware Valley Fly Fishers. He contributes to the FFI Learning Center and develops Fly Tying Workshops for members to learn how to tie flies. He has a YouTube Channel, “Jerry’s Fly Tying Tips,” which has more than 100 fly tying videos.

40

FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

Bead Head Caddis Larve Hook: Curved hook the insect Rib: Copper wire Thorax: Brown Fur Abdomen: Color to match Head: Bead

JC’s Electric Caddis Hook: Daiichi 1120 Heavy Wide Gape Scud Hook Thread: Color to match the body, I am using olive 6/0 Tail and Underbody: Olive Antron Yarn

Body: Micro Tube with Small Copper wire inserted into the middle Legs/Thorax: Brown Ostrich Herl Wingcase: Thin UV Resin

Alternate

JC’s Electric Caddis

Lafontaine Sparkle Caddis Pupa Antron Dubbing Hook: Daiichi15601 Bubble: Olive Antron Yarn XStrong 1XLWet / Legs: Partridge Body NymphHook Feather Thread: Color to match the Thorax: Brown Antron body, I am using olive 6/0 Sparkle Dubbing Underbody: Olive Sparkle

The Henryville Special Hook: Dry fly Wing: Mallard wing slips Hackle: Brown Body: Olive floss Palmar Ribbed: Grizzly hackle

The Elk Hair Caddis Dry Fly Hook: Dry fly, size 12 to 14 Hackle: Brown, Palmered Thread: Tan Wing: Light elk hair Rib: Fine gold wire Head: Trimmed wing hair Body: Tan dubbing

Recipes, step-by-steps and video tutorials for these and other patterns can be found online by visiting flyfishersinternational.org/Get-Involved/Fly-TyingGroup/Fly-of-the-Month and flyfishersinternational.org/ Get-Involved/Fly-Tying-Group/Fly-Tying-Skills-AwardProgram/Silver-Award

Life Cycle of a Caddis Fly Fly Tying

41

AK Best Spent Caddis Fly This fly lies flush on the surface of the stream and is an easy meal for the fish. The hackle is cut flush to the body.

Steps to tie AK Best Spent Caddis Fly

Step 1. Tie your thread. Bring it to the point of the hook and dub a thin dubbing noodle.

Hook: Dry fly Body: Color to match natural but tied thin Wing: Hungarian partridge feather Hackle: Rooster but cut on the bottom

42

Step 3. Set the thread to the 2/3 section of the body.

Step 4. Secure a Hungarian partridge feather to the second third of the body with your tying thread. Cup the feather so it goes around the body.

Step 6. Cut the excess stem of the Hungarian partridge feather. Make wraps around the stem. Tie in a rooster hackle.

Step 7. Wrap the hackle with touching wraps towards the eye of the hook.

Whipfinish and cut the thread.

FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

Step 2. Dub a reverse tapered body.

Step 5. Pull the feather through the thread wraps until the tips of the feather are a gap-width past the bend of the hook.

Step 8. Turn the fly upside down and cut the hackle flush with the body.

FFIFLY GUIDES & OUTFITTERS/BUSINESS LISTINGS FISHERS INTERNAITONAL CLUB LISTING Fly Fishers has expanded the Guides Association to include andlocal is now offering additional The ClubsInternational of Fly Fishers International are the heart and soul ofOutfitters FFI at the and regional level.benefits, These clubs provide an high-quality educational opportunities, strong and information inclusive fly fishing communities, and help including insurance plan offered through ESP Specialtycreate Insurance.

For more about FFI Guides & Outfitters FFI achieve of mission of fostering the flyfisherinternational.org legacy of fly fishing for all fish in all waters. We encourage all of our Association and Business members, please visit members to join and participate in your nearby FFI club. Below is a list of clubs organized by region.

ALABAMA Eastern Shore Fly Fishers Fairhope @easternshoreflyfishers Tennessee Valley Fly Fishers Huntsville @TennesseeValleyFlyFishers tennesseevalleyflyfishers.org info@tvff.club

ARIZONA Arizona Flycasters Inc Phoenix @Azflycasters azflycasters.org info@azflycasters.org Arizona Veterans Fly Fishing Inc Scottsdale AzVeteransff.org info@azveteransff.org Desert Fly Casters Chandler @DesertFlyCasters desertflycasters.com desertflycasters@gmail.com

Aguabonita Flyfishers Ridgecrest aguabonitaflyfishers.org California Fly Fishers Unlimited Sacramento cffu.org jberdan@aol.com Conejo Valley Flyfishers Newbury Park conejovalleyflyfishers.com korfknb@gmail.com Deep Creek Flyfishers Riverside @deepcreekflyfishers deepcreekflyfishers.org treasurer@deepcreekflyfishers.org Delta Fly Fishers Stockton @Delta-Fly-Fishers-Inc deltaflyfishers.com deltaflyfishers@gmail.com

Long Beach Casting Club Long Beach @LongBeachCastingClub longbeachcastingclub.org edwalv@msn.com Merced Fly Fishers Merced @Merced-Fly-Fishing-Club mercedffc.org mercedflyfishers@gmail.com Mount Tamalpais Fly Fishers Corte Madera mttamflyfishers.org treasurer@mttamflyfishers.org

Sierra Pacific Flyfishers Van Nuys spff.org president@spff.org South Bay Flyfishers Redondo Beach @southbayflyfishersofCA southbayflyfishers@gmail.com Southern Sierra Fly Fishers Strathmore @ssffclub ssffclub.org ssffclub@gmail.com

Oakland Casting Club Oakland oaklandcastingclub.org oaklandcasters@hotmail.com

Stanislaus Fly Fishers Modesto @stanislausflyfishers stanslausflyfishers.org webmaster@stanislausflyfishers.org

Pasadena Casting Club Pasadena @pasadenacastingclub president@pasadenacastingclub.org

Streamborn Fly Fishing Club Inc Rowland Heights streambornffc.org jflx8@dslextreme.com

Peninsula Fly Fishers Belmont @SFpeninsulaflyfishers peninsulaflyfishers.org president@peninsulaflyfishers.org

Tahoe Truckee Flyfishers Truckee @tahoetruckeeflyfishers tahoetruckeeflyfishers.org tahotruckeeflyfishersclub@gmail. com

FLORIDA Backcountry Fly Fishers - Naples Naples @BackcountryFlyFishers flyfishingnaples.com bffpresident@flyfishingnaples.com Florida Big Bend Flyfishers Inc. Tallahassee @FloridaBigBendFlyFishers fbbflyfishers@gmail.com Fly Fishers of Northwest Florida Pensacola @northwestflyfishers ffnwf.org lsisney@cox.net Gold Coast Fly Fishers Pompano Beach goldcoastflyfishers@yahoo.com Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers Sarasota facebook.com/groups/1472100149 569391 mcff.club mcff.membership@gmail.com

Join the Fly Fishers International Join the Fly Fishers International Diablo Valley Fly Fishing Club Walnut Creek dvff.clubexpress.com info@diablovalleyflyfish.org

Fly Fishers Arizona Phoenix @flyfishersarizona flyfishersaz.com trailrunneraz@gmail.com

Flycasters, Inc. Campbell flycasters.org webmaster@flycasters.org

Northern Arizona Flycasters Inc Park nazflycasters.com nazflycasters@gmail.com

Fly Fishers For Conservation Inc Clovis flyfishers.clubexpress.com flyfishersfc@gmail.com

San Pedro Flycasters Sierra Vista @San Pedro Fly Casters oasisbenches@theriver.com

Fly Fishers Of Orange County Santa Ana ffcoc.org treasurer@ffcoc.org

White Mountain Fly Fishing Club Inc. Pinetop wmflyfishingclub.com info@wmflyfishingclub.com

Gold Country Fly Fishers Grass Valley Mckinley0751@gmail.com

Russian River Fly Fishers Novato @russianriverflyfishers rrflyfisher.org rrffweb@gmail.com San Diego Fly Fishers Club San Diego facebook.com/ groups/488091464591278 sandiegoflyfishers.com info@sandiegoflyfishers.com Santa Barbara Flyfishers Santa Barbara @Santa-Barbara-Flyfishers sbflyfishers.org sbff.president@gmail.com

Mid-Coast Flyfishers Inc Edgewater @MCFF mid-coastflyfishers.org

Tri-Valley Fly Fishers Livermore @TriValleyFF tri-valleyflyfishers.org info@tri-valleyflygishers.org

Panhandle Fly Fishers Destin panhandleflyfishers.com panhandleflyfishers@gmail.com

Wilderness Fly Fishers Los Angeles wildernessflyfishers.org wildernessflyfishers@gmail.com

Sanibel FlyFishers Inc Sanibel @SanibelFlyFishers sanibelff@gmail.com

COLORADO

Suncoast Fly Fishers Saint Petersburg @scff2020 suncoastflyfishers.com Pres_vp@suncoastflyfishers.com

Gunnison Gorge Anglers Montrose facebook.com/ groups/610476489287752 gunnisongorgeanglers.tu.org gunnisongorgeanglersctu@gmail.com

The President’s Club at Fly Fishers International represents the highest level of Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club

Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club San Francisco financial commitment to the organization and comes with exclusive Odessabenefits and Santa ClaritaInternational Casting Club ggacc.org Club at Fly Fishers The President’s represents the highest level of tbffc.org Valencia club.ggacc@gmail.com Highlevel Plains Drifters tampabayFFC@gmail.com opportunities as a way of thanking donors for this of generosity.

Over the course @santa.clarita.casting.club Arvada financial commitment with exclusive benefits and http://www.scflyfishing.org and comes Golden State Flycasters TUto / FFFthe organization @hpdffi Tarpon Coast Fly Fishers Inc infoscflyfishing@gmail.com San Diego the President’s of FFI’s history, Club has been instrumental to ensure flyfisherscolorado.com/ in our ability New Port Richey the course goldenstateflycasters.org opportunities as a way of thanking donors for this level of generosity.

Over ARKANSAS info@flyfisherscolorado.com @tarponcoastflyfishers Cruz Fly Fishing president@goldenstateflycasters.org the legacy of fly fishing for allSanta fish Members of the exclusive giving tarponcoastflyfishers.com Arkansas Fly Fishers Santa Cruz in all waters.Pueblo Tailwater Renegadesin our ability of FFI’s history, the President’s Club has been instrumental to ensure freshdead99@msn.com Little Rock @santacruzflyfishing Granite Bay Flycasters Pueblo @ArkansasFlyFishers santacruzflyfishing.org Granite Bay any program circle can support or project at FFI that most inspiresGEORGIA them, and at a @PuebloFlyFishing arkansasflyfishers.com the legacy of fly fishing for allinfo@santacruzflyfishing.org fish in all waters.pueblotailwaterrenegades.

Members of the exclusive giving gbflycasters.org info@arkansasflyfishers.com gbf-president@gbflycasters.org Fly Fishingor Club Bronze. wordpress.com level that recognizes their level of giving, including Platinum, Gold,Atlanta Silver, Santa Luciaproject Flyfishers circle can support any program or at FFI pueblotailwaterrenegades@ that most inspiresAtlanta them, and at a North Arkansas Fly Fishers San Luis Obispo Hi-Desert Flyfishers Fly Fishers Arizona Phoenix @flyfishersarizona flyfishersaz.com trailrunneraz@gmail.com

Mountain Home northarkansasflyfishers.org naff.members@gmail.com

gmail.com

@atlantaflyfishing

santaluciaflyfishers.com Apple Valley level that recognizes their level of giving, including Platinum, Gold,atlantaflyfishingclub.org Silver, or Bronze. @Hi-Desert-Fly-Fishers info@santaluciaflyfishers.com president@atlantaflyfishingclub.org CONNECTICUT hidesertflyfishers.com hdff4trout@gmail.com

Connecticut Fly Fishermans Georgia Women Fly Fishers operations@flyfishersinternational.org Association Atlanta East Hartford @GAWomensFlyFishing Amador Flyfishers ctflyfish.org sespeflyfishers.org Visalia 406-222-9369 ext 4 georgiawomenflyfishing.com Jackson steinmillergary@yahoo.com operations@flyfishersinternational.org president@sespeflyfishers.org kaweahflyfishers.org gwfftreasurer@gmail.com @amadorflyfishers L E A R N Akaweahflyfishersclub@gmail.com BOUT JOINING amadorflyfishers.org Shasta Trinity Fly406-222-9369 Fishers Inc. Veterans Flyfishing Inc ext 4 treasurer@amadorflyfishers.org Redding Kern River Fly Fishers

CALIFORNIA

Sespe Flyfishers

L E A R N AKaweah B OFlyfishers U T J O I N I N G Ventura @Sespeflyfishers

Bakersfield kernriverflyfishers.com jpe2459@sbcglobal.net

shastatrinityflyfishers.com shastatrinityff@gmail.com

Big Canoe veteransflyfishing.org drmauldin@windstream.net

flyfishersinternational.org/donate/presidents-club FFI Clubs

43

HAWAII

MICHIGAN

MISSOURI

KENTUCKY

Anglers Of The Au Sable Grayling ausableanglers.org membership@ausableanglers.org

Capital City Fly Fishers Jefferson City capitalcityflyfishers.org jkramer@centurylink.net

Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers Crescent Springs @NKFFlyfishers nkff.org tim@nkff.org

Bamboo Bend Project Inc Oakland @BambooBendProject bamboobend.org ddmettam@me.com

MAKO Fly Fishers Joplin @makofly makofly.org contact@makofly.org

Brotherhood Of The Jungle Cock - MI Sault Sainte Marie bojcmi.org bojcmich@gmail.com

Ozark Flyfishers Saint Louis ozarkflyfishers.org slekich@charter.net

Flygirls Of Michigan Benton Harbor flygirls.ws info@flygirls.ws

Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers Assoc Springfield @ Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers swmoflyfishers.com swmoflyfishers@gmail.com

Heart Of America Fly Fishers Shawnee Mission hoaff.org contact@hoaff.org

Hawaii Fly Fishers Kailua hawaiiflyfishers@gmail.com

IDAHO 5B Anglers Hailey @5BAnglers 5BAnglers.org hello@5BAnglers.org

LOUISANA

Boise Valley Fly Fishers Boise @BoiseValleyFlyFishers BVFF.com president@bvff.com

Contraband Fly Casters Inc. Lake Charles @contrabandflycasters contrabandflycastersinc.net contrabandflycastersinc@gmail.com

Magic Valley Fly Fishers Twin Falls magicvalleyflyfishers.com mvffeditor2014@hotmail.com

Gulf Coast Fly Tyers Kenner @Gulf Coast Fly Tyers gulfcoastflytyers@gmail.com

North Idaho Fly Casters Club Inc Coeur D Alene @NorthIdahoFlyCasters northidahoflycasters.org northidahoflycasters@gmail.com

Kisatchie Fly Fishers Alexandria kisatchiefly.org kff@laflyfish.com

Snake River Cutthroats TU/FFF Blackfoot snakerivercutthroats.org

New Orleans Fly Fishers Metairie neworleansflyfishers.com nolaffc@gmail.com

Grand Valley Fly Fishers Caledonia gllindquist@comcast.net Michigan Fly Fishing Club Livonia @theoriginalmichiganflyfishing clubmffc.org admin@mffc.org

Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Clinton @Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers trilakesflyfishers.com trilakesflyfishers@gmail.com

MONTANA Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot Victor flyfishersofthebitterroot.org flyfishersofthebitterroot @gmail.com

South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers Northfield @SJCoastalFlyAnglers southjerseycoastalflyanglers.com southjerseycoastalflyanglers @gmail.com

NEW YORK BC Flyfishers (Broome County NY) Endicott @Bcflyfishers bcflyfishers.org bcflyfishers@yahoo.com Capital District Fly Fishers Mechanicville @CapitalDistrictFlyFishers cdflyfishers.org rodneypriddle@gmail.com Lake Erie Chapter FFI West Seneca lecffi.com lecfff@gmail.com Salty Flyrodders of New York Inc Pelham saltyflyroddersofNY@gmail.com Twin Tiers Five Rivers Big Flats @TwinTiers5RiversFFI twintiersfff.org flyfishing@twintiersfff.org

Join the Fly Fishers International

Upper Snake River Fly Fishers Rexburg usrff.org usrff.org@gmail.com

Pere Marquette Watershed Council Baldwin peremarquette.org pmwcinfo@gmail.com

North Louisiana Fly Fishers Shreveport northlaflyfishers.org nlffclub@gmail.com

ILLINOIS

Red Cedar Fly Fishers Inc Okemos redcedarflyfishers.org presrcff@yahoo.com

Red Stick Fly Fishers Prairieville @Red-Stick-Fly-Fishers rsff.blogspot.com

DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers Wheaton @driftorg driftorg.com support@driftorg.com

West Michigan Hacklers Custer vetmedcenter243@gmail.com

MARYLAND Antietam Fly Anglers Williamsport @Antietam Fly Anglers afa-md.org/ bruland3@outlook.com

Illinois Smallmouth Alliance Wheeling @illinoissmallmouthalliance illinoissmallmouthalliance.net isalliance2@gmail.com Rock River Fly Casters Consortium Rockford @rockriverflycasters rockriverflycasters.club mike@rockriverflycasters.club

Glacier Country Fly Fishers Kalispell @mtgrizzly67 glaciercountryflyfishers.org glaciercountryflyfishers@gmail.com

Free State Fly Fishers - Maryland Davidsonville @FSFFMD fs-ff.com fsffmd@gmail.com

Minnesota The Arrowhead Fly Fishers Club Duluth Arrowhead Fly Fishers arrowheadflyfishers.com arrowheadflyfishers@outlook.com

MINNESOTA

NEBRASKA Cornhusker Fly Fishers Lincoln @Cornhusker-Fly-Fishers cornhuskerflyfishers.org cornhuskerflyfishers@gmail.com

NEVADA Carson Fly Fishing Club Carson City @carsonflyfishingclub carsonflyfishing.club president@carsonflyfishingclub.com

Wild Trout Flyrodders Inc Cuddebackville wildtroutflyrodders.org info@wildtroutflyrodders.org

NORTH CAROLINA Cape Fear Flyfishers Inc Southport capefearff.com cffrdd2006@gmail.com Carolina Fly Fishing Club Kannapolis carolinaflyfishingclub.org jewettwg@gmail.com French Broad Fly Fishers Brevard frenchbroadflyfishers@gmail.com

Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota The President’s Club at Fly Fishers International represents the highest level of Triangle Fly Fishers TU / FFF Edina

INDIANA St Joseph river South Bend sjrvff.com sjrvff@yahoo.com

IOWA

flyfishingwomenmn.com

Durham

@triangleflyfishers High Sierra Fly Casters with exclusive financial commitment to ffwnmn@gmail.com the organization and comes benefits and Friends of Lefty Kreh Frederick

Gardnerville

triangleflyfishers.org

ffi-liaison@hsfc.us

OHIO

contacttff@gmail.com Jewett Fly Fishersdonors for@highsierraflycasters friendsofleftykreh.com opportunities as a way of Lew thanking this level of generosity.

Over the course hsfc.us andymekelburg@outlook.com

Saint Paul

Frederick

lewjewett@gmail.com

Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club

Cincinnati

Pine to Prairie Fly Fishers

Las Vegas sntrout.com lasvegasflyfishing@gmail.com

buckeyeflyfishers.com

@LewJewettFlyFishers of FFI’sPotomac history, the President’s ourUnited ability to ensure lewjewett.org Club has been instrumental in Buckeye Fly Fishers Valley Fly Fishers Inc (LVFFC Inc) the legacy of fly fishing for all fish in all waters.

Members of the exclusive giving @pvflyfish @BuckeyeFlyFishers potomacvalleyflyfishers.club

Menahga contact@potomacvalley info@buckeyeflyfishers.com circle can support any program or project at FFI that most inspires them, and at a @pinetoprairieflyfishersIFFF flyfishers.club

Hawkeye Fly Fishing Assoc West Des Moines hawkeyeflyfishing.com hawkeyeflyfisher@gmail.com

pinetoprairieflyfishers@gmail.com

Fly Fishers Truckee River Fly Fishers level that recognizes their level of giving, including Platinum, Firelands Gold, MASSACHUSETTS Avon Lake Silver, or Bronze.

KANSAS Flatland Fly Fishers Wichita flatlandflyfishers.org flatlandflyfishers@gmail.com Free State Fly Fishers Kansas Edgerton @freestateflyfishers freestateflyfishers.org steve_skis@hotmail.com

44

Granite State Fly Fishers Wakefield joe.cresta@projecthealing waters.org

MISSISSIPPI

Historic Ocean Springs Saltwater FF (HOSSFLY) Ocean Springs hossfly.org hossflyclub@gmail.com

L E ANashua R N FlyACasting B OAssoc.

UT JOINING Stow nashuaflycasting.com

FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

Magnolia Fly Fishers Madison magnoliaflyfishers.com johntindall7474@att.net

Reno truckeeriverflyfishers.org tomsmith@truckeeriver flyfishers.org

@Firelands-flyfishers firelandsflyfishers.com firelandsflyfishers@roadrunner.com Land of Legend Fly Fishers

NEW JERSEY Newark operations@flyfishersinternational.org landoflegendflyfishers@gmail.com SimplyFly-NJ Cherry Hill 406-222-9369 ext 4 Miami Valley Fly Fishers Inc @SimplyFly-NJ simplyflynj@gmail.com South Jersey Fly Fishers Inc West Deptford sjflyfishers.org sjflyfishers@gmail.com

Dayton mvff.us mvffemail@gmail.com

flyfishersinternational.org/donate/presidents-club

Mohican Fly Fishers Of Ohio Shelby @MohicanFlyFishersofOhio mohicanflyfishersofohio.com bowermab@yahoo.com

Rogue Flyfishers Inc Medford @rogueflyfishers rogueflyfishers.org Rffishers90@gmail.com

North Branch Boys Inc Perrysburg northbranchclub.org mnprocaccini@gmail.com

Santiam Flycasters Inc Salem @santiamflycasters santiamflycasters.com santiamflycasters@yahoo.com

North Coast Fly Fishers Concord Twp northcoastflyfishers.com northcoastflyfishers@gmail.com

OKLAHOMA Green Country Fly Fishers Bartlesville greencountryflyfishers.com sectres@greencountryflyfishers.com Oklahoma Fly Fishers Tulsa oklahomaflyfishers.org oklahomaflyfishers@gmail.com Tulsa Fly Fishers Tulsa @Dave Whitlock Chapter #420 of Trout Unlimited and Tulsa Fly Fishers tu420.com tu420membership@gmail.com

Southern Oregon Fly Fishers Grants Pass @southernoregonflyfishers soff.org rlsteed@charter.net Stonefly Maidens Fly Fishing Club Lake Oswego stoneflymaidens.club president@stoneflymaidens.org Umpqua Valley Fly Fishers Roseburg @umpquavalleyflyfishers umpquavalleyflyfishers.org jdhfishon@yahoo.com Washington County Fly Fishers Portland washingtoncountyflyfishers.com President@washingtoncounty flyfishers.com

UTAH

Aggieland Fly Fishers College Station aggielandff.org AggielandFF@gmail.com

Bonneville Fly Fishers Salt Lake City bonnevilleflyfishers.com fred.jepson@gmail.com

Alamo Fly Fishers San Antonio @AlamoFlyFishers alamoflyfishers.com alamoflyfishers@gmail.com

VIRGINIA Falmouth Flats Fly Fishers Fredericksburg falmouthflatsflyfishers.org falmouthflatsflyfishers@yahoo.com

Austin Fly Fishers Austin @atxflyfishers austinflyfishers.com kathiharris@swbell.net Collin County Fly Fishing Club Wylie collincountyflyfishing.org contact@collincountyflyfishing.org Corpus Christi Fly Fishers Inc Corpus Christi @CorpusCristiFlyFishers corpuschristiflyfishers.com txsod@me.com

Fly Fishers of Virginia Inc. Richmond flyfishersofvirginia.org info@flyfishersofva.com Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders Alexandria tpfr.org reganeb@mindspring.com

WASHINGTON Alpine Fly Fishers Bonney Lake alpineflyfishers.org flytier015@gmail.com

Dallas Fly Fishers Inc Dallas dallasflyfishers.org dallasflyfishers@gmail.com

Bainbridge Island Fly Fishers Bainbridge Island @Bainbridgeislandflyfishers bainbridgeislandflyfishers @gmail.com

Puget Sound Fly Fishers Club Tacoma @PugetSoundFlyFishers psff.org South Sound Fly Fishers Olympia @SouthSound southsoundflyfishers.org southsoundflyfishers@gmail.com Spokane Fly Fishers LLC Spokane spokaneflyfishers.com president@spokaneflyfishers.com Washington Fly Fishing Club Mercer Island wffc.com treasurer@wffc.com Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers Wenatchee wenatcheevalleyflyfishers.com richmond.jj@outlook.com

WISCONSIN Classic Anglers Of Wisconsin Pulaski @Classic-Anglers-of-Wiscon groupspaces.com/classicanglers nregister@netnet.net

lanoitanretnI srehsiF ylF eht nioJ

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

Cascade Family Flyfishers Springfield cascadefamilyflyfishers.com treasurer@cascadefamily flyfishers.com

Cumberland Valley TU/FFF Carlisle pacvtu.org cvtu052@gmail.com

Central Coast Fly Fishers Waldport sites.google.com/view/ flyfisherscentralcoast flyfisherscentralcoast@gmail.com Central Oregon Flyfishers Bend @CentralOregonFlyfishersClub coflyfishers.org president@coflyfishers.org Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild Sisters steelefly@msn.com

Dame Juliana League Fly Fishers Kimberton @DameJulianaLeague djlflyfishers.org sbasson316@gmail.com Delaware Valley Fly Fishers Philadelphia @DVFlyFisher delawarevalleyflyfishers.org delawarevalleyflyfishers@gmail.com Keystone Fly Fishers Inc. Franklin Keystone Fly Fishers @Keystone-Fly-Fishers keystoneflyfishers1@gmail.com

Fort Worth Fly Fishers Fort Worth @fortworthflyfishers fortworthflyfishers.or president@fortworthflyfishers.org Kekoa Outdoors Melissa cgorman@kekoaoutdoors.org Lubbock Fly Fishers Inc Lubbock @Lubbock Fly Fishers lubbockflyfishers.org lubbockflyfishers@gmail.com New Braunfels Fly Fishers New Braunfels @newbraunfelsflyfishers newbraunfelsflyfishers.com nbflyfish@gmail.com

Clark Skamania Flyfishers Vancouver csfly.net gullingphil@q.com Clearwater Flycasters Pullman clearwaterflycasters.com kaylynn4341@gmail.com

Cowlitz Fly Anglers Longview cowlitzflyanglers@gmail.com

WYOMING Frank Johnson Memorial Fly Fishers Sheridan sherdanwyffi@gmail.com Popo Agie Anglers Lander popoagieanglers.wordpress.com phunker@wyoming.com

INTERNATIONAL Japan Fly Fishing Assoc (JFFA) Mitaka-shi jffa1205.com jffa.info@gmail.com

Evergreen Fly Fishing Club Granite Falls @EFFCWashington evergreenflyclub.org atkinson.es@comcast.net

fo level tsehgih eht stneserper lanoitaPineywoods nretnFlyI sFishers rehsiF ylF tFidalgo a bFlyuFishers lC s’tnediserP ehT Lufkin pwff@usa.com

Anacortes

dna stifeneb evisulcxe htiw semoc dna noitazinagro eht otfidalgoflyfishers.com tnemtimmoc laicnanif fidalgoflyfishersmail@gmail.com Fly Fishing Veterans

Seneca Fly Fishers

Red River Fly Fishers

esruocSutherlin eht revO .ytisorenePortgAllegany fo level siht rof Sherman sronod gniknaht foInland yaEmpire w aFlysFishing a se itinutroppo Club flyfishingveterans.org rrff.org dmyers@flyfishingveterans.org

@SenecaTroutUnlimited

Spokane

erusne ot ytiliba ruo ni tuseneca@gmail.com latnemurtsni neebSansGabriel ah Flybu lC Inc s’tnediswww.ieffc.org erP eht ,yrotsih s’IFF fo Fishers Klamath Country Fly Casters

TENNESSEE

Georgetown

mail.ieffc@gmail.com

Klamath gniv i@Klamath g eFalls viCountry sulcFlyxCasters e eht fo srebmeM .sretaw @sangabrielflyfishers lla ni hsif lla rof gNorthwest nihsFlyifAnglers ylf fo ycagel eht Mid-South Fly Fishers sgflyfishers.com

Seattle

a ta klamathcountryflycasters.com dna ,meht seripsniMemphis tsom taht IFF ta tsgflyfishers@gmail.com cejorp ro margorpnorthwestflyanglers.org yna troppus nac elcric kcflycasters@gmail.com msff.org jmoneypit@bellsouth.net

Texas Flyfishers

Middle Tennessee Fly Fishers Nashville @mtff.org middletennesseeflyfishers.org rlcasalone@bellsouth.net

@TexasFlyfishers texasflyfishers.org txflyfishers@gmail.com

nfa@northwestflyangers.org

LinnrBenton .eznorB o ,rFamily evlFly iSFishers ,dloG ,munitalP gnidulcni Houston ,gnivig fo level rieOlympic ht sFly ezFishers ingofoEdmonds cer taht level Lebanon @linnbentonfamilyflyfishers linnbentonflyfishers.com lbfflyfishing@gmail.com

Texas Hill Country Fly Fishers

Fishers grMcKenzie o.laFly no itanretnisrTEXAS ehsifylf@snoitarFredericksburg e@oktoberfisch po Eugene mckenzieflyfishers.org Abilene Fly Fishers 4 txe 9639-222-thcff.org 604 mckenzieflyfishers@gmail.com president@thcff.org Abilene Rainland Fly Casters Astoria rainlandflycasters.com rick@eyeofnewt.net

@abileneflyfishers abileneflyfishers@gmail.com

Texas Women Fly Fishers Plano @texaswomen twff.net tightlines@twff.net

Edmonds @Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds, Washington olympicflyfishers.com sissonoffpresident@gmail.com

G N I NOverlake I O JFlyTFishing U OClub BA NRAEL Bellevue @OverlakeFlyFishingCLub offc.org president@offc.org

bulc-stnediserp/etanod/gro.lanoitanretnisrehsifylf

FFI Clubs

45

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

F

ly fishing shapes our lives in innumerable ways; we all treasure indelible memories of our fly fishing journeys. Many of us marvel at the natural landscapes we encounter, many of us find peace in the beauty of the places where we fish, and for some, it’s of course about the extraordinary fish we’ve caught (or lost). For others, it’s the casting or tying skills we practice—skills that we could never have imagined before becoming a fly fisher.

Where my personal journey as a fly fisher has had the most meaning is in the friendships I’ve made. Really good friends—the kind you can count on, no matter what—are hard to find.

Enduring friendships which last more than 40 years are even more unlikely.

If you’re like me and you are lucky enough to have those relationships, you hold them dear and reflect on how you’ve been fortunate enough to forge connections that can’t be broken by time or distance.

Fly fishing has been the glue that binds me to the closest and best friends I have. Sure, we’d likely still be buddies without fishing, but I am convinced our connections wouldn’t be nearly as strong without our shared adventures holding us together.

Over nearly a half century, almost every year, my friends and I have made trips together. One to Mike’s camp in northern Maine for brookies and landlocked salmon. Another to the Pere Marquette River, in northwest Michigan, for browns, salmon or steelhead. There were years of

paddling trips to the Boundary Waters and to the Quetico Wilderness, fishing for plentiful and aggressive smallmouth and pike. Other trips to Labrador, Florida, Montana, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have filled out the bill.

What about these adventures creates such unbreakable bonds?

Maybe it’s the time spent together, paddling and fishing in the peace and beauty of the Canadian wilderness, the place where we first saw the Northern Lights. Perhaps it’s tipping the canoe over on the Pere Marquette in 18 degree weather and paddling like hell to get off the river before hypothermia set in. There are too many good times, mishaps and small victories to mention.

Through all this time, the vagaries of life (divorces, depression, illness and even the death of one friend) have tried to tip the boat. Regardless, we’ve come to know that some things are immutable. Harry will be the first one to fall in and fill his waders (or maybe even fall out of the boat). He’ll also be the first one to get his fly stuck in the alders and getting that fly back will involve some sort of trouble. Invariably, Mike will catch the most fish as his line is always in the water. Finally, at some point on every trip, we’ll all end up laughing uncontrollably at some stupid thing.

All this makes for easy and predictable rhythms that offer comfort and safety. Habits and idiosyncrasies are well-known. Often little needs to be said other than the occasional “nice fish!” or “what fly did you get that fish on?” Other worldly concerns are lost along the stream.

While I may recall the joy of a remarkable fish from many of those trips, I will never forget the shared camp fires, arguments that flared up and then were resolved, and the solace and peace of companionship on the water. As memory pales with time and the fish and the places become more distant, the great friendships never fade.

If I had to stop fishing tomorrow, I’d have enough memories of these friendships to last me the rest of my life. My wish for you is that you take the same joy from the friends you’ve made on your own fly fishing journey.

Tight lines, Dave

Dave Peterson Dave is currently Chairman of the Board of Fly Fishers International. He is a semi-retired school superintendent who fly fishes as often as he can. The Pere Marquette River in Michigan is his home water and he also fishes regularly in Montana, Maine, Florida and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He has served as Chairman of the FFI Conservation Committee and is a Life Member of FFI. He is also Conservation Vice President for the Great Lakes Council of FFI and a dedicated member of the West Michigan Hacklers, his local FFI charter club.

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

FLY CASTING EDUCATION PROGRAM Loops, a new fly-casting education program providing instruction and engaging activities for fly fishing enthusiasts of any skill level.

Supported by FFI’s 1,100 certified casting instructors worldwide and a robust network of existing FFI clubs, Loops offers casting instruction for single and two-handed casting, as well as technique specific instruction for all coldwater, warmwater, and saltwater fly fishing. Teaching workshops, testing and casting continuing education events are offered throughout the year online and in person. Check for the 2024 schedule coming this Spring on flyfishersinternational.org!

Make sure to visit an FFI Casting Instructor at the 2024 Fly Fishing Shows. Check out a location near you listed below!

Every Friday BT’s Fly Tying Fridays 6:00 PM MDT This is a weekly virtual tying event featuring well known tyers and helpful hints and techniques to make you a better fly tyer. Al and Gretchen Beatty are both FFI Buz Buscek Award recipients and incredible Fly Tyers and educators. To attend these sessions, send a Facebook friend request to Al and Gretchen Beatty.

FLY TYING GROUP The Fly Tying Group’s work revolves around sharing and teaching to provide opportunities for the fly fishing community to learn new or enhance their current skills.

September FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous The Rendezvous features a vibrant program that caters to the passions of fly tying enthusiasts and draws dozens of enthusiastic fly tyers from

November 2023 to May 2024 Masters of International Fly Tying Weekly Workshops and Recorded session The FFI Fly Tyers Group will be offering an all-new fly tying demonstration series with sessions held every two weeks and featuring a variety of tyers teaching all aspects of of fly tying. Visit flyfishersinternational.org/events for dates and featured tyers.

all corners of the country. One of the highlights of the event is a spirited live auction, which features a range of meticulously crafted fly patterns, each a work of art in its own right.

The second annual Rendezvous is planned for September 2024 with date and location coming soon!

Fifth Annual Fly Fishers International Fly Tying Challenge The Challenge is open to everyone regardless of skill level and age. Dates and details coming soon on flyfishersinternational.org FFI WOMEN CONNECT The mission of FFI Women Connect is to create a community of women fly fishers where learning, sharing and inspiration are offered in a safe and non-intimidating environment, to develop and improve fly fishing/ tying skills and offer new opportunities in a creative and fun manner.

Fourth Thursday monthly Tuesday Talk Zoom Sessions Check out the Women Connect calendar for more details online at flyfishersinternationl.org.

June Women’s Fly Fishing Month June is a time of new beginnings, full of fresh flowers, nesting birds, joyous weddings and graduations and Women’s Fly Fishing Month! The goal of Women’s Fly Fishing Month is to offer support and fly fishing education to women anglers, and to highlight contributions women are making within the fly fishing community. We invite you to join in the celebration, by watching an FFi Women Connect Zoom Program, volunteering at or

2024 Events Calendar

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2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

participating in a regional Council event, or by taking a woman fly fishing. Watch for details on regional and online activities throughout June 2024!

February 16-18 34th Fly Fishing Hand Craft Show Tokyo, Japan CHESAPEAKE COUNCIL ccffi.org

Oct 7 – 13, 2024 Fourth Annual Driftless Rendezvous Lanesboro, MN Join the Upper Midwest Council and FFI Women Connect for seven days in the heart of the Minnesota Driftless, an area is known for its expansive trout habitat and beautiful, deeply carved river valleys with pristine spring creeks. This is an event hosted by women, for women to gather, learn and of course, fly fish!

Check on flyfishersinternational.org for more details and registration opening in March.

January 13-14 Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA The Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is the largest event of its kind in the country and attracts fly anglers from across the United States. Nowhere else can anglers learn about the quiet sport in such a beginnerfriendly environment. This unique event combines fine wine tasting, microbrewery beer, and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing but were afraid to ask.

The Chesapeake Council will host an information booth and hold Free Introduction to Fly Casting classes each day of the festival.

For more information visit vaflyfishingfestival.com

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS April 13-14 Germany 19th International Experience the World of Fly Fishing Event Forum Fürstenfeld, Germany

March 2-3 The Fly Fishing Show Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA The Chesapeake Council is pleased to offer FREE fly-fishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show. Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

EASTERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN COUNCIL ermc-ffi.org January 19 - 21 The Fly Fishing Show Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, CO The Eastern Rocky Mountain Council is pleased to offer FREE flyfishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show.

Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

ME WA

VT ND

MT

MI

MN

OR

WI

SD

ID WY CA

UT

CO

MI

IA

NE

NV

NY

IL

KY

MO

KS

MD WV

AZ

NM

AR MS LA

TX AK

HI

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

AL

VA NC

TN OK

RI

NJ

PA OH

IN

NH MA CT

SC GA FL

DE

Chesapeake (PA-WV-VA-MD-DE) Eastern Rocky Mtn (WY-CO-NM-AZ) Eastern Waters (NY-NJ) Florida Great Lakes(MI-IN) Gulf Coast (LA-MS-AL) Northern California (CA-NV-HI) North Eastern (VT-NH-ME-MA-RI-CT) Ohio

Oregon South Eastern (KY-TN-NC-SC-GA-AL) Southern (NE-IA-KS-MO-IL-OK-AR) Southwest (CA-NV) Texas Upper Midwest (MN-WI-IL) Washington (WA-AK) Western Rocky Mtn (UT-ID-MT-ND-SD)

EASTERN WATERS COUNCIL January 26 - 28 The Fly Fishing Show New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ The Eastern Waters Council is pleased to offer FREE fly-fishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show.

Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

GULF COAST COUNCIL gulfcoastcouncilffi.org Kisatchie Fly Fishers Fly Fishing 101 April 27 LDWF Booker-Fowler Hatchery, Woodworth, LA Hands-on sessions covering basics of fly fishing, overview of fly fishing, tackle and terminology, knots and leaders and fly casting. This event is free and open to the public, however seats are limited, so pre-registration is required. For details, go to kisatchiefly.org

May 2-4 2024 Gulf Coast Classic Learning Campus of Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL The Classic features fly tying demonstrations, casting instruction, fly casting skills development sessions, fly fishing seminars, raffles and auctions.

More information can be found online at ffigulfcoastclassic.org NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL January 5 - 7 The Fly Fishing Show Royal Plaza, Marlborough, MA The North Eastern Council is pleased to offer FREE fly-fishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show. Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

September Casting Rendez-Vous Mont Tremblay, QC

Council Presidents: Chesapeake Lane Thurgood lthurgood68@gmail.com

North Eastern Jon Larrabee jon@larrabeereels.com

Southwest Earl Arnold president@swcffi.org

Eastern Rocky Mountain Dwyne Combs president.ermc.ffi@gmail.com

Northern California Mark Rockwell mrockwell1945@gmail.com

Texas Rick Haness president@texascouncilffi.com

Eastern Waters Sam Decker samfishes@hvc.rr.com

Ohio Jeff McElravy jmcelravysr@hotmail.com

Upper Midwest Lyth Hartz president.umc.ffi@gmail.com

Florida David Olson david@whitestackle.com

Oregon Sherry Steele orcffi@gmail.com

Washington State Steve Jones president@wscffi.org

Great Lakes Mark Johnson mjohns1588@outlook.com

Southeastern Debra Pauli president@secffi.org

Western Rocky Mountain Dave Londeree dlonderee@roadrunner.com

Gulf Coast AJ Rosenbohm ajrosenbohm@gmail.com

Southern Chris Allen callenshooter@aol.com

2024 Events Calendar

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2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

NORTHEREN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL nccffi.org February 23 – 25 The Fly Fishing Show Almeda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA The Northern California Council is pleased to offer FREE flyfishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show.

Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

September 28 - 29 Yuba Fest Sycamore Ranch County Park, Browns Valley, CA If you fly fish, love rivers, recreate on the water, or have an interest in conservation this event is for you!

OHIO COUNCIL February 3 Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show Oasis Conference Center, Loveland, OH This event features over 21,000 sq ft of exhibition, demonstration, and presentation space with something for all fly fishers - from beginner to advanced. Come down to check out over 75 exhibitors, educational fly fishing speakers, casting pond, fly tying demonstrations, beginner fly tying booth, Fly Fishing 101 Q&A session, Women’s Fly Fishing Forum, kids area, raffles and so much more!

More information can be found at buckeyeflyfishers.com

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

OREGON COUNCIL Nov– March Free Winter Zoom Fly Tying Series Weekly Tying Demonstrations presented by the Central Oregon Fly Tyers Guild. Tune in at 5 pm PST to learn from different instructors each session. For more information email Sherry Steele at steelefly@msn.com.

March 8 - 9 Northwest Fly Tyers Expo Linn County Expo Center, Albany OR Sponsored by The Oregon Council of Fly Fishers International this event serves a large part of the west with exhibitors selling and demonstrating the latest and greatest products in the sport. Fly tying, casting, youth, and conservation education are all a big part of this event. This Expo is ideal for families, youth, and any individuals that are interested in the sport. For more information on this event, check out nwexpo.com.

June 17 - 23 Oregon Council Annual Women Connect 6-day Campout Metolius River, OR Join to enjoy daily get-togethers by the fire, BBQ dinner and dining out together. Learn which flies to use and how to fish the Metolius. Gain useful fly-tying skills, knowledge about conservation and challenges women face in fly fishing. For registration details email Candace Bell at sebcan3@gmail.com.

July 8 – 14 Oregon Council First Annual Lake Fishing Campout East Lake, OR Programs offered daily on subjects including how-to fish lakes, flies to use, tying lake flies, conservation presentations, fishing safety and equipment. Then wrap up the evenings with our BBQ gatherings. Hosted

by Sherry & Eric Steele (steelefly@ msn.com).

SOUTHEASTERN COUNCIL secffi.org February 2 - 4 The Fly Fishing Show Gas South Convention Center , Atlanta, GA The Southeastern Council is pleased to offer FREE fly-fishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show. Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

May 17 – 19 Fishing the Waters of the Southeastern Council Brevard, NC Fishing Friday and Sunday.

Participation in a stream clean-up event with Headwaters Outfitters.

Food trucks and music after the cleanup event.

August/September (Date TBD) Trip to Yellowstone Angler’s Basecamp, Cody, WY

November 7 – 11 Fishing the Waters of the Southeastern Council Crystal Coast, NC We will be fishing for bluefish, false albacore, and speckled trout on the coast either guided or in the surf near Morehead City, NC. There will be a virtual fly tying event beforehand to fill our boxes for the trip.

SOUTHERN COUNCIL ffisoc.org March 21-23 Sowbug Roundup Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, AR Presented by North Arkansas Fly Fishers the Sowbug Roundup is Arkansas’ premier fly tying show with upwards of 120 fly tyers from all around the world. Show hours are 9-4 all three days and admission is $10 for all three days of the show.

Kids under 12 are free with an adult.

For more information check out northarkansasflyfishers.org.

April 13 Tri Lakes Fly Fishers Expo Benson Center, Clinton, MO Doors open at 9 am Central Time and admission is free.

SOUTHWEST COUNCIL swcffi.org

individual clubs. This event is open to all FFI clubs.

January 25 - 28 Bart Hall Show Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, CA The Southwest Council will have a booth at this event with information on clubs as well as fly tying demonstrations, casting lessons and demos. More information can be found online at hallshows.com.

February 10 Trout Rodeo Bishop Fairgrounds Bishop, CA This catch-and-release tournament is a challenge to ALL anglers to see who comes out on top. The event is open to fly and conventional anglers with an awards ceremony in the evening.

February 17 - 19 Women Connect Fly Fishing outing Bishop, CA A ladies only guided fly fishing weekend.

April 6 FlyBuy XIII Long Beach Casting Club, Long Beach, CA Come on down for tying, casting, vendors, garage sale, and a great lunch to boot!

May 11 Riptide Rendezvous Riptide Rendezvous is a catch-andrelease, artificial lure only, surf fishing tournament. It’s a non-profit fundraising event, organized by the Southwest Council of Fly Fishers International, with the support of Coastal Conservation Association California. Details will be available soon on swcffi.org.

May 25 - June 21 Surf Fishing contest At a beach near you!

The month-long Surf Fishing contest worked so well last year we are doing it again. Catch and release and open to both fly and conventional gear and this time, we are hosting a gathering two weeks before for people to meet each other, share info and have a lot of fun.

TEXAS COUNCIL tcffi.org February 10 Ed Rizzolo Tying Festival

Bethany Christian Church, Houston, TX Presented by the Texas Fly Fishers, the objective of Dr. Ed Rizzolo Annual Fly Tying Festival brings many of the top fly tyers from Texas and surrounding states together in an open forum to present their talents and artistic ability to both fly tyers and, non-fly

January 13 Club Management Day Long Beach Casting Club, Long Beach, CA Featuring a guest speaker and breakout rooms where directors can share their experience and mechanics of each function of the management of

2024 Events Calendar

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2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

tyers alike. The festival also includes one-hour classroom sessions on different types of flies, as well as an Iron Fly Tyer contest.

February 16-18 Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited Troutfest Lazy L&L Campgrounds, New Braunfels, TX The Troutfest is a nationally recognized event, and the largest of its kind in Texas, bringing out a crowd of over 4,000 people interested in fly fishing and preserving and protecting cold water fisheries. We host this threeday event right on our home water, the Guadalupe River, and it includes a fund-raising banquet, and weekend Expo.

UPPER MIDWEST COUNCIL umcffi.org March 15 – 17 Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo Hamline University, St. Paul, MN The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo is the largest fly-fishing event in the region. With vendors including fly shops, guides, top brands, outfitters and non-profits, you will find the

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

newest and best in the world of fly fishing. There will be dozens of free programs and seminars, as well as on-going free casting instruction offered by the Upper Midwest Council. For more information, visit greatwatersflyexpo.com.

casting skills development course led

by FFI Certified Instructors. And don’t miss fly tying introduction classes and demonstrations which will be offered by some of the best FFI fly tyers in the Pacific Northwest. Families and kids are welcome.

WASHINGTON STATE COUNCIL wscffi.org

WESTERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN COUNCIL

February 17 & 18 The Fly Fishing Show Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA The Washington Council is pleased to offer FREE fly-fishing instruction at the Learning Center located on the main show floor. Basic fly-tying, and knots, will be taught throughout the day, every day of the Fly Fishing Show. Check out flyfishingshow.com for more information.

May 4 Washington FFI Fly Casting Fair Ballinger Park, Mountlake Terrace, WA Stop by for intermediate, advanced, youth and spey-casting skills classes, a free walk-in casting clinic and

January 5-6 Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo Expo Idaho, Boise, ID For 19 years, Boise Valley Fly Fishers has proudly presented this two-day event. Over 2,500 fly fishers from throughout the western region of the United States attend. Proceeds are used to support fly fishing education and conservation programs throughout Idaho and Eastern Oregon. For more information visit bvffexpo.com.

March 22-23 East Idaho Fly Tyers Expo Mountain America Events Center, Idaho Falls, ID This event is organized and hosted by the Snake River Cutthroats, Idaho Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Western Rocky Mountain Council of Fly Fishers International.

The Expo is the Cutthroats’ sole fundraiser to support their mission of habitat conservation and education and features over a 100 fly tyers, including national award winners, demonstrating their tying techniques. Workshops will be offered on casting, tying, and fishing, including women’s and youth specific workshops. For hours of operation, visit snakerivercutthroats.org

FFI FORUM

The flies for the fourth annual FFI Fly Tying Challenge were a selection of Dave Whitlock flies. The participants had to tie the following:

Red Fox Squirrel Nymph, Dave’s Hopper, the Whitlock Mouse Rat, and the Whitlock Matuka Sculpin.

Let’s start with our third place winner who comes from the state of Florida: Joel House. Our second place winner comes from the state of Louisiana: Leon Cuccia. Leon and Joel will receive second and third place award certificates.

There was clearly one person who stood out, making this again a truly international contest. Agniezka Kubale won first place. That name should sound familiar because she won last year’s contest in 2022. The Kubale family come from Poland.

Congratulations Agniezka! Agniezka

will receive a Norvise Rotary Fly Tying Vise from our sponsor NORVISE, a medal and certificate.

2023 Winners: First Place Agnieszka Kubale Poland Second Place Leon Cuccia Terrytown, LA Third Place Mary Esther, FL Watch for the 2024 Fly Tying Challenge to be announced soon.

Red Fox Squirrel Nymph

Dave’s Hopper

Whitlock Matuka Sculpin

Whitlock Mouse Rat

Life Cycle ofConservation a Caddis Fly

53

2023 FFI AWARDS

FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership and Service

Tilda Evans, Collbran Colorado

T

he FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership and Service represents the pinnacle of Fly Fishers International awards.

Consideration of individuals for this honor is extremely rigorous. Only those whose services and contributions to FFI have been prominent, extraordinary, and consistent may be considered.

There is no other volunteer who is more devoted to FFI or more integral to the smooth operation of the organization than Tilda Evans. Her association with FFI began 20 years ago when she founded and became President of the Stonefly Maidens.

She served in this capacity for several years before being appointed the first female President of the FFI Oregon Council of FFI. She was also a member of the Planning Committee and later became the Chair of the Oregon Fly Tying Expo.

Tilda and her husband eventually moved to Colorado, where she became President of the Grand Valley Anglers and Chair of the Western Colorado Fly Fishing Expo Planning Committee, again demonstrating consistent dedication, service and practicing diplomatic leadership skills.

Tilda joined the FFI Board in

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FlyFisher Fall/Winter 2023

2009 and continues today as Board Secretary, a commitment of 14 years and counting. She has been a member and later, Chair, of the Annual Expo Committee. This important, and highly demanding annual event ran smoothly for a number of years under her calm and steady leadership. Tilda went on to become a key member of the committee producing the FFI Virtual Expo and helped ensure its success in serving over 600 FFI members in 2021 alone.

Tilda has always been a champion of teaching women and children how to fly fish. She has worked to include women in fly fishing and in FFI activities at all levels. As a member of the Stonefly Maidens she developed a free Women’s Fly Casting Clinic to introduce women to fly fishing without having to spend a lot of money to get started. This practice has filtered through FFI Women Connect to the councils, most of which now offer annual women’s clinics and activities.

She has worked through the FFI Board to encourage diversity, ensuring that women are included in leadership and teaching positions and that FFI programs are accessible to all people who want to fly fish. It is worthy to note, that Tilda is a breast cancer survivor. During her chemotherapy and radiation treatments she maintained a full load of volunteer activities and responsibilities for FFI, never missing a beat.

Tilda has said, “For me, fly fishing provides a safe and beautiful place to relax, unwind, and build relationships.

Some of my most memorable fishing trips have been with women. We help each other learn the skills of fly fishing; we support each other in other aspects of our life; we provide healing for each

other through the environment that fly fishing provides. One of the most important things I have done while being on the Board of FFI is to promote fly fishing for all people. Women have become the fastest growing segment in the sport of fly fishing and in FFI. We now need to make sure that other segments of our society feel welcome to participate in fly fishing and in our organization.”

“My husband, Lew and I have built our life around fly fishing, teaching others how to fly fish and tie flies, going fishing, and supporting FFI now and into the future. The friends that we have made through our connections with FFI have proven to be some of the most supportive friends we have in our life’s journey together.”

FFI McKenzie Cup

Georgia Women Fly Fishers, Atlanta Georgia

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n award given annually to that FFI Club which has made the most outstanding contribution on behalf of FFI. The Georgia Women Fly Fishers (GWFF) is this the leading femalefocused fly-fishing organization in the Southeast and a model for success that all clubs can follow.

With a focus on fly fishing, friendship, and community, GWFF introduces women to the sport in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

The group was founded 26 years ago

by Darlene Koncak and Diana O’Brien who decided that other women could benefit from having an organization with their interests at heart. Like most FFI clubs, GWFF offered classes in both casting and fly tying and added regular introductory classes with meetings regularly followed by informal social events designed to instill a feeling of belonging and comfort. They have also made a great effort to interest younger folks in the sport through the annual “All Kids Fish” program, which offers three full days of fly fishing retreats for kids aged 10-18.

Because GWFF is such an active, dynamic club, it has attracted a diverse and numerous membership. Efforts like those of GWFF have brought to FFI a younger, more diverse membership base. There is no doubt that GWFF embodies the statement, “Elevate the standard of integrity, honor and courtesy of fly fishers,” and “Cherish the spirit of fellowship among fly fishers everywhere.”

FFI Fly Fisher of the Year Tom Logan, Tallahassee Florida

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n award presented annually to that individual or director who has demonstrated unusual devotion to FFI, and through outstanding contributions has benefited FFI as a national or international organization.

When Tom Logan was awarded FFI’s highest award, the FFI Award of Distinction for Leadership and

Service, he was described as someone who contributed to FFI in countless meaningful ways and who embodied FFI’s mission.

In addition to his contributions as Chairman of the Board, Tom has held other important leadership positions.

He served as Chair of the Fly Tying Programs Committee and Chair of FFI’s Conservation Committee. Tom has also served in various leadership positions in the Florida Council and Southeast Council of FFI. Overall, his leadership to FFI has spanned over 20 years.

When Tom learned he had been named Fly Fisher of the Year he shared the following, “I don’t remember a time growing up when my folks and grandparents weren’t taking me hunting or fishing. That’s what we did. My early life revolved around birddogs, bobwhite quail and bream fishing. Education was very important to my dad and missing school was not acceptable, with exception of opening days of quail season. That was the only day he allowed me to “skip” school each year and he wrote “excuses” for me to give my teachers that explained how I learned more with him afield on that day than I could have in a classroom. I did! My mom even took me quail hunting when my dad was away on military assignments. But it was one of my grandmothers, a voracious reader of wildlife and the wild places where they live, that had the greatest influence on my career path in wildlife research and recovery of endangered species.”

“I suppose it was inevitable that I would take up fly fishing at some point. I’ve worked and spent time afield but it was fly rod in hand and the artificial fly that opened a new

and very sensitive dimension for understanding and enjoying natural systems at another level. You simply cannot fly fish without finding yourself in a natural place and surrounded with biological richness. There’s something special about water, fish and the other creatures that live in these places. You can fly fish on your own but you can’t be a fly fisher, learn to cast fly lines and tie artificial flies without being a member of a very special community.

Time on the water is special but the life friends I’ve gained through fly fishing are truly a gift. I thank all of you most sincerely for that gift!”

FFI Buz Buszek Memorial Fly Tying Award Dutch Baughman, Southlake Texas

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ayne “Buz” Buszek developed a retail business during the mid-1900s, establishing a standard of excellence for fly tying materials and fly patterns, including the Western Coachman and Old Gray Mare. These patterns continue to inspire the most-skilled individuals in fly tying today. The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated the highest skills in fly tying and made significant contributions to preserving the fly tying art form.

Dutch began his fly tying journey after seeing an artificial fly in a magazine. His first year of fly tying was in hand, before acquiring a vise in 1957. Fly fishing and fly tying became

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a place of belongingness and lifelong connection. His fly tying journey has been enriched by excellent teachers, mentors, and friends including George Grant, Michael Radencich, Wayne Luallen, and many others. Dutch enjoys fly fishing for all species but became deeply involved with Steelhead and Salmon in the Pacific Northwest.

He’s a key member of the FFI Fly Tying Group and has been instrumental in establishing the Buz Buszek Fly Tying Library that will feature and preserve the work of FFI Buszek Memorial Award recipients.

He is also member of the Texas Roadkill Roundtable Fly Tying Group..

Dutch enjoys teaching fly tying and demonstrating fly tying at events across the country. He has willingly shared his passion and deep knowledge of fly tying for many years. Having honed his skills for more than 60 years, Dutch can teach simple tying for beginners or the most advanced classic Atlantic Salmon flies.

His demonstrations and instruction have promoted the advancement of the art of fly tying and his generosity is unmatched.

As an outstanding fly tyer, demonstrator, instructor, and historian, Dutch has done much for the expansion and preservation of fly tying. His tying skills have been honed over more than 60 years.

FFI Lifetime Achievement in Fly Casting Instruction Award An award presented to individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to fly casting instruction.

Contributions may include teaching, innovations in fly casting techniques, writing and sharing their knowledge

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of teaching to advance goals of the Casting Instructor Certification Program.

Dave Barron, Richland Center, Wisconsin

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ave Barron has a body of instruction and mentoring work that includes 34 successful Cl candidates and several MCI candidates. He has also worked throughout the United States teaching, mentoring and examining for over 100 Casting Certification events. Dave has a deep understanding of the history of the organization and has served in various roles over many years. He is currently Chair of the committee developing the CI Teaching Workshop as well as Chairman of the North American Events Committee.

Upon learning of his award Dave shared the following memory, “My fondest memory of fly fishing is with my Dad on the spring creeks of Missouri. When we went fishing I always had my spinning rod and my fly rod. I can remember standing in the water watching trout rise right in front of me. The only problem was that I had a spinning rod in my hand. It was in that moment that I decided that I would only fish with a fly rod and I have been a fly fisherman ever since (64 years).”

“I had a very good friend who was a manufacturer’s rep. He asked to

look at my casting and when we went outside and I began to cast for him, he told me I was good enough to fish but I would never be a good caster. I took that as a challenge, which I am still working on to this day.”

Fly fishing has given me the opportunity to fish many places around the world and to meet many new people. Many of the people that I have met have become lifelong friends. Fly fishing has given me the opportunity to start a new career after retirement, becoming a full time guide in my new home state of Wisconsin.”

Mac Brown Bryson City, North Carolina

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t’s unfair to say that Mac Brown is only a fly casting expert. He is also a wonderful husband and father, a livestock farmer, building contractor, musician, HAM radio operator, extreme whitewater rafter/kayaker, endurance athlete, auto mechanic, author, educator, fly fishing guide and instructor— and the list goes on. His countless friendships stretch back to his early childhood, and include colleagues and teachers of the highest caliber.

People who define his growth as a perpetual student. To quote Mac, Anyone who is advanced, doesn’t consider themselves as advanced, but, rather, they realize that there is so much more for them to learn and discover.”

Mac has never stopped learning or

discovering. He has experimented, observed, theorized, developed, researched, defined, collected data and applied a scientific approach to fly fishing and casting. More importantly, he has shared his vast experience with anybody willing or seeking to improve. Quick to point out popular versus proven, debunk fallacy and fiction with facts, Mac decided many years ago to be instrumental in assuring that the generations to follow will have a true map to guide their way.

When asked why fly fishing has meant to Mac, he shared; “The beautiful thing about the sport of fly fishing and fly casting is to remain curious down every avenue that presents a slight variation from the past to forge ahead in pursuit of continued growth. Far too many places, people, or a singular fish to state which one had the most impact, but the memories are a combination to make up a whole. Fly fishing teaches us many other components of humanity that have little to do with the act of angling. It also teaches us many things about life in general. We are all connected throughout the world with all waters.”

“One of the best lessons that I have embraced since a kid is to always give back to make the world of fly fishing a better place for future generations. This path has always been through education over entertainment. There is often a fine line between what is proven over popular beliefs. This is what drives me even today with every demo, teaching moment, and problemsolving on the stream.’

Molly Semenik, Blaine Washington

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olly has been fly fishing since her youth, and has been deeply involved with FFI for more than 20 years. She worked in the Livingston area of Montana as a guide for 14 years, and an outfitter for 7 years. She was an FFI CI, MCI, then gained her THMCI in 2019 and has been very active as a mentor and examiner for a number of years.

Molly’s energy and enthusiasm are always apparent and highly contagious. Through her Tie-the-Knot Fly Fishing Instruction business, Molly developed fly fishing curricula and schools specifically for women.

She’s also been a founding and integral part of FFI’s Women Connect program.

Molly helped build the FFI’s Learning Center. She led the development of scripts and videos to support basic fly casting instruction and also coauthored the initial Fly Casting Skills Challenge program during that same time period.

Upon learning of her award Molly said, “My sister and I were at an Arlo Guthrie concert in Northern Michigan back in the 70’s when I was about 16. My journey into fly fishing began when my sister and I returned to my parent’s cottage late that night after the concert. My father, who retires early, was still up waiting for us. He walked me into my room and on my

bed was his old fly fishing vest, Orvis bamboo rod and an Orvis creel. He said, “you are going fishing with me on the AuSable River tomorrow.” And that was that! My love of this incredible sport started in that moment.”

“The next pivotal moment was when I stepped into the front hall at the Park High School in Livingston, Montana.

The first person who greeted me was Darwin Atkin. His warmth and encouragement were endearing. He introduced me to the FFI and helped me sign up for classes. That was the same year I started guiding. Over the next 12 years or so I took classes from: Joan Wulff, Mel Krieger, Gary Borger, Gordy Hill, Tom White, Joe Libeu, Bruce Richards and Macauley Lord.

I am so grateful for those early years at FFI. The success of my professional career and my community of friends is in large part due to the FFI. The FFI Lifetime Achievement in Fly Casting Award is so very meaningful to me not only for what it represents, but also because of the years, memories, and friendships that encompass it. My dad would be thrilled.”

FFI Conservation Award

Dr. Mark Rockwell Santa Barbara, California

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n award presented to a person, group or organization which has made extraordinary

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contributions to the conservation of our fisheries resources in the past year.

Dr. Mark Rockwell currently serves as President of Fly Fishers International Northern California Council and is a long-standing member of the FFI Board Conservation Committee.

Mark is passionate about the health of our natural world and has been a clear and consistent voice for conservation of species and habitats in the Western United States and along the Pacific Coast for more than two decades. Being a fly fisher, he is especially concern with threats to wild salmon and steelhead and the rivers that are so essential to survival of these icons of western rivers that historically were free-flowing. Sadly, these rivers no longer free-flow, nor do they function as essential migratory pathways for the salmonids that scientists tell us are declining towards extinction.

He does his research and understands that more than survival of salmon is at stake. Mark has pointed out especially to policy makers that many species of birds and mammals depend on spawning salmon for food during their life cycles and are adversely affected by this declining food source. Salmon that grow to reach adulthood along the Pacific coastline are essential food of the southern orca whale that now is listed as “Endangered” because of the decline of salmon. And we must not forget the Indigenous cultures that developed around these historic fisheries.

Mark understands the biological and legal realities of how construction of dams on western rivers has

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impacted species and cultures, but more importantly has acted in a very organized and informed way to correct these consequential alterations of natural systems. He also knows how and has organized stakeholders, has written on conservation matters extensively, is articulate and knows how to speak to agencies and public officials.

Much of Mark’s important advocacy on conservation issues has been with stakeholders and officials in California but he also has spent many days during more than a dozen trips to Washington D.C. where he represented FFI and its NCC to effectively talk with public officials in collaboration with other organizations that include Save Our Wild Salmon (SOS), the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC), The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation and the National Resource Defense Council. He helped ESC and SOS organize the Salmon-Orca Alliance in Seattle, Washington and organized a public meeting in 2012 at the Seattle Aquarium to discuss removal of the four dams from the lower Snake River to assist recovery of salmon and steelhead and recover of the Southern Orca Whale. Mark continues to work on dam removal issues and is seeing the fruits of his labor come to life as the first dam in the Klamath River was removed this year.

Mark is now turning his attention to another important river system in British Columbia, called the Skeena River. It’s home to one of the most important steelhead habitats in the world. Stay tuned for more on this issue in the coming year.

FFI Fly Fishing Skills Education Award Chris Williams, Sorrento Louisiana

FFI Women’s Community Development Award Marlene Huston, Winona Minnesota

FFI Mel Krieger Fly Casting Instructor Award Jeff Ferguson, Lafayette, Louisiana

John Van Derhoof, Long Beach, California

FFI Council Leadership Award Leigh Ann Swanson

FFI Leopold Conservation Award Robin Wall Kimmerer

FFI Roderick Haig-Brown Award Steven Hawley

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In addition to leaving a bequest in your estate plans, you can also name FFI as a In addition leaving a in estate you also name FFI as In addition to to a bequest bequest in your yourContact estate plans, plans, you can can FFIBerry as aa to beneficiary of leaving an IRA or 401K account.

President and also CEO name Patrick beneficiary of an IRA or 401K account. Contact President and CEO Patrick Berry to learn more at beneficiary ofpberry@flyfishersinternational.org. an IRA or 401K account. Contact President and CEO Patrick Berry to learn more at pberry@flyfishersinternational.org.

learn more at pberry@flyfishersinternational.org.

E STA B L I S H YO U R L E G AC Y E STA B L I S H YO U R L E G AC Y

flyfishersinternational.org flyfishersinternational.org 406.222.9369 406.222.9369