FoulHooked...(how'd that get there?)

9 Days

2011-06-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

Get yourself there.

Yet another letdown...

2011-02-10T12:41:00.002-05:00

...for the 3 people that have been oh-(not)-so-patiently waiting for me to complete the Dear Joe series....Another obsession has returned over the past 6-8 months. Faire de l'alpinisme. Not that I need another time-drain, but at least it's motivation to be less fat-and-lazy. The mountains' call is strong. While we're on the topic, check this out:Top 5 NE Long Distance Day HikesMath may be off

Piggers, or, Dear Joe Part V: HOT DAMN!

2011-01-13T12:47:00.009-05:00

Fortunately, I have had (barely enough) time to get back to what's impo'tant...wasting my lunch break on the internets. Sorry for the delay.6:01 PM, Thursday November 18, 2010Dear Joe,It's official...the mojo is back. I was really worried. See...my last...oh...5 or 6 days on the salmon...the ol' fishin hat hasn't brought me luck. Zippo. It's times like that can really make you lose heart. Nothing

Not Regularly Scheduled Programming

2011-01-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

Morgan Lyle provides a primer on the what and why of 2-handing it in yesterday's Gazette. Unfortunately, you need a subscription to read it. Fortunately for me, a coworker brought in the article. Oh, and apparently, Alex is tying at the next Clearwater TU meeting. I've really gotta start showing up to these things; already missed plenty of awesome tiers.

(y)ear to (y)ear

2011-01-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

Gas in Troy (4 AM; shop closed): $3.27Gas on the Thruway (4:30 AM): $3.31Gas off Exit 31 (6 AM): $3.29Gas in Pulaski (11:30 AM): $3.15 (?)Gas in my waders (always): Free A December 31st, 2010, 3-hour drive home, grinning like a fool...Priceless.Happy New Year from Ole Sal Trutta. He mentioned something about the taste of rabbit fur too, but I didn't catch it all on account of the new piercing

Travel Day, or, Dear Joe V: OUCH

2010-12-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

3:22 PM, Wednesday November 17, 2010Dear Joe,I almost died today.Twice.First it was the suicidal doe as we were making our way to 390 this morning. I swear sparks were flying off her hooves when she realized she better get moving if she didn't wanna become a hood ornament. Seriously the closest near-miss I've had with a deer.Made it to the Salmon OK in the end. 'Course severe winds and driving

Salvaged, or, Dear Joe IV: Free-Range Balogna

2010-12-13T16:30:00.002-05:00

9:12 PM, Tuesday November 16, 2010Dear Joe,"Down at Oak Orchard Fly Shop, we don't F* around!"Hahaha. I'll never forget those words (though that's only my best effort to reconstruct from memory what was actually said).We stopped by the shop last night. Managed to bash my brains in on the car and prompt a laugh-fest doing so, but that's another story. Anyway, we were regaled with tips, tactics and

Big Water, or Dear Joe III: Long Way Down From Here

2010-12-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

4:00 PM, Monday November 15, 2010Dear Joe,Saw the Niagara for the first time ever today. Stared at Kinaideeyah for a bit. Pulled a sweet steelie. Alex said it was "doable" but there's a big difference in him saying it can be done and us being able to do it. Thousands of stairs (or at least that's what it felt like); Bmar won't stop complaining and I love it. When we got near the bottom I let him

Zoaring, or, Dear Joe II: F*** Gordy

2010-12-03T12:38:00.000-05:00

5:22 PM, Sunday November 14, 2010Dear Joe,If Gordy doesn't catch a fish soon I'll murder him.We seriously F'd with Karma when we designated first fish to him. Well no doubt she's gonna have the last laugh. Baulsir and I each lost 2 fish and had at least a couple more each toying with us. Meanwhile, FNG is joking that the first fish just might be the last of the trip. We'll see how funny he sounds

Arrival, or, Dear Joe Part I: Where's the Feesh?

2010-12-02T12:13:00.000-05:00

6:12 PM - Saturday November 13, 2010Dear Joe,Where'd all the fish go? I mean, seriously.We got in late last night...well, a couple hours earlier than last year, but still. Bmar and I had the opportunity, nay, pleasure of stopping in at Hardy's in Delevan waiting for the rest of the party. Man, what an establishment. As Bmar noted, never seen people go so crazy for Great White's version of Once

Sliced Bread

2010-11-23T10:18:00.002-05:00

Soon-to-be, best-thing-since. Or maybe I'm just jonesing hard already 2 days after 9 of working it...well, trying anyway. I guess it could be both....

"And just like that, I was thinking about selling all of my single-handed fly rods..."

2010-11-12T10:14:00.002-05:00

I would be remiss if I didn't give Alex at least a little flak here; I mean sure, the guy can fish, he can write, he can tie, etc., etc. But I'm seeing a little flip-flopping from Mr. "I don't need no stinking 2-hander, leave me alone all you band-wagoners!" In the end, seems like it may have been more sour grapes than anything. Musta been hard forming that D-loop with the size of the chip on

Counting

2010-11-11T13:11:00.002-05:00

42 hours (roughly) until my feet are in this. Round II is on. If I ever finish pulling and packing my gear. Happy Vet's Day and thank you to all who have served.

Swingin Addiction

2010-11-05T14:46:00.009-04:00

I've got a box full of hairwingsAnd a pocket full of bantamsI know I won't be fishing every oneBecause the patterns that control your mindThose patterns take away my timeHello Goodbye http://www.relevantmagazine.com/video/watch/534/mouth-full-of-diamonds

Take Note:

2010-10-12T11:06:00.002-04:00

-Levels have dropped on the Salmon; reports are in thick with many trout being caught. Please, if you do plan on keeping any fish, learn proper identification. There are people misidentifying trout and atlantics as pacific salmon, and as a result, keeping fish that may not be legal, simply out of ignorance.-Only a couple days left to hit the trout waters under statewide regs. I plan on getting

And there was much rejoicing...

2010-09-29T08:41:00.002-04:00

It's sad but true; I got excited this morning when I saw the gages had climbed all the way to 20th percentile flows. It's been a long, dry summer but things look to be on the upswing...slightly. Should get at least an inch over the next couple days...there's actually a flood watch for the entire region. Could make for a great couple weeks to close the trout season. In other news, EMS Club Days

Oh, just a little fun...

2010-09-28T15:31:00.003-04:00

Not toooo awful much fishing recently. Headed to the Pulaski Snagfest this weekend. Should be interesting. In the meanwhile, I'll be trying to regularly update with hikes taken. Hannah and I did this one a couple weeks ago. SawteethGothics 9-18-10Find more Hikes in Keene Valley/st. Huberts, New YorkI like that we maxed out the steepness scale. Much more of that to

Invasives

2010-08-31T16:21:00.003-04:00

Been a lot of talk about them recently. Clams in Lake George. Carp in the Mighty Miss (and it's surrounds). Rock Snot...well, just about everywhere. It's understandable that there would be some "backlash" to all these stories...but let's keep it in perspective. The threats are real. Daily Finance (of all places) has 10 interesting invasive stories that have had negative effects on the US economy.

Raaaiiiiiiiins

2010-08-31T14:25:00.004-04:00

What did the the capital district trout angling zombie cry when he saw the streamflows?After a long-weekend in balmy Florida, the weather up here is downright refreshing. Still, streams are approaching record lows, temps are threatening record highs, and no significant rainfall is in sight. It's enough to make you go carping.OK, extra carping motivation isn't really needed. Free time and

Legitimuhgation

2010-08-02T11:58:00.002-04:00

spotted, stalked, caught and released...

So I've Been Told...

2010-07-26T12:14:00.009-04:00

1. Long, delicate casts to visible, actively feeding targets on sunny, sweltering days are your best bet.2. Sixth-sense strike detection is an art that must be mastered.3. Expect at least one, mile-long, freight-train run.4. Once hooked, given stout enough tippet, you're unlikely to lose them.5. Though carp are fickle, once it "clicks", they start to come much easier.I'm sure in general 1 and 2

"I need those tweezer thingies!"

2010-06-29T14:36:00.006-04:00

Last weekend's Spey Nation was pretty sweet for plenty of reasons. In addition to the event itself, it was some much needed relaxation and QT. After a short, somewhat frustrating trip to the UFZ Saturday afternoon, we stopped back on our way out of town Sunday morning.The juvenile trout and salmon (and chubs) weren't at all put off by the sun. The only real frustration was some difficulty in hook

Reasons We Fish

2010-06-16T15:53:00.002-04:00

Taking some time on the river, feeling lucky and grateful, among other things. Six-year-olds playing war in the back yard never picture days like these a couple decades down the line. In MemoriumParents, sisters and young wives be in your thoughts. It will surely be a difficult father's day. *pic stolen from photobucket

Catfishing

2010-06-10T09:28:00.001-04:00

Need I say more?

Did you know...

2010-06-09T10:33:00.002-04:00

...the bugger still does, always has, and always will, produce here. And, I...like, commas...and ellipses.

The Infamous "Dave" Strikes Again...

2010-05-14T12:13:00.002-04:00

I hope this doesn't put me out of the running for (another) prize out at Spey Nation next month (luck ain't my bag, baby), but...I WON SOMETHING! Well...I had some help.My only question is...who's this "Dave" character, and why won't he leave me alone? It's O.K. April, you'd be amazed to know the number of people that find my name confusing. Thanks for the book! Ella will love it (I hope). As

Ketchup

2010-05-14T11:24:00.003-04:00

Or catsup.Dunked the camera out at the Salmon on the 1st and haven't gotten around to updating anything until now. So, to start, here's how our plan played out that weekend:Phase I: Collect Underpants (i.e. soiled diapers/depends and other assorted trash...from the riverbanks)Phase II: ??? (try not to fall down...often)Phase III: Profit! (smolts and chub"bie"s)Oh yeah...and a couple of my wild

Earth Day?

2010-04-22T10:53:00.004-04:00

Seriously...I don't know that it would have even occurred to me if not for the Hatches blogs. I mean, who has time for the earth these days?If I had thought about things beforehand a little, Alex and that other dude would have summed up my feelings better than I could anyway. I'll just add that it's a little reminder and event to celebrate all the "right" choices we make throughout the year. And

Shoulda known better...

2010-04-09T14:56:00.004-04:00

You shouldn'a dun dat....Elation...trumped by despair...relieved by satisfaction.Yesterday afternoon I started out on a bit of water smaller than anything I can recall fishing previously. The very top of Default. Well, sortof. Anyway, whatever was nipping at the fly wasn't big enough to eat it. They were fish though, that much I'm sure. I gave up and worked my waterlogged jeans back to the truck

"Some observers are now questioning whether GE is laying legal groundwork to back away from the project as ineffective."

2010-03-19T11:15:00.001-04:00

Really? Who would they be?EPA vows dredging even without GE

Dear ESPN: Please Grow Up.

2010-03-11T11:53:00.002-05:00

"I find it interesting that "his series started in October and has included several updates on how the creation of the task force and its actions could impact recreational anglers," or the powerful advertisers that profit from fishing, but none of the articles focus on what needs to be done so my children or their children will be able to fish. If ESPN wants to play in the policy realm of fishing

Mars, Venus and PCBs

2010-02-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

"It's like GE's numbers are from Mars and EPA's are from Venus," said one of the members of the panel, environmental scientist Timothy Thompson....or was it......EPA's description of the PCBs left in the river "were from Mars, and GE's figures were from Venus.No matter. Point is, GE still hasn't given up on giving up. I hate to sound cynical, but the recent reports make it look like their

Mud in the locks, ain't no big surprise...

2010-01-22T10:37:00.006-05:00

Preliminary EPA and GE independent reports on Year 1 of the Hudson River dredging project are out, and they're something to take note of. The major highlights:-Dredging is dirty work-There's a lot of dirty dirtNeither of these is a real revelation, but they were two of the main arguments used by pro- and anti-dredging advocates. What are the implications?The antis were right, dredging mucked

"Nobody should be that obsessed with anything..."

2010-01-13T15:22:00.002-05:00

...or so I've been told. I don't buy it though. Might even go so far as to say; everyone should be so lucky.And in truth, many are.Find something you love, and pursue it to no end. It will bring you happiness.Passions need not be singular, exclusive of, or competitive with one another. For some it's a "passtime." Of course, to them, passtime does not suffice as a descriptor. Perhaps it is the

Officially...

2010-01-07T15:28:00.002-05:00

SPEY NATION III IS ON THE CALENDAR!!!Unofficially...I may have to miss it for a wedding. But don't let that stop you. Good food, nice people, great beer, fantastic presentations and demos, incredible raffle prizes...not enough superlatives to describe. Hopefully I'm just misremembering the matrimonial date because this is at least as important. Spey Nation III only happens once in a lifetime..

Holiday Cheer!

2009-12-17T12:32:00.004-05:00

Check out LLBean's sale pages for some interesting discounts. I noticed previously that the Orion series of rods and reels weren't to be found on the website and that the reels were not available in-store; looks like they were discontinued?(I'm very late on this I guess) No idea of the details (some rumblings of bad blood between Bean and Loomis, their supplier), but you can reap the benefits

Epilogue: One More Cast

2009-12-11T13:39:00.003-05:00

You know how sometimes (most times for me at least) you find it just a bit too difficult to leave the water? I mean, it's time to go, you know it, I know it...there's someone waiting, it's getting late, or dark, or light, or cold or hot, rainy or sunny, crowded or deserted, you're famished or thirsty, loops are getting ugly...t is for time to leave. But you can't. You're just not finished

The Beast

2009-12-02T12:56:00.011-05:00

I called out for a killerI looked for a knifeI drank from this riverIt ruined my lifeI saw him comin' at me Empty and so coldI never knew emotionTill he caught me in his foldPart III; Last DaysIt doesn't take much to change the entire mood, outlook, perception of a trip. We've all been on either side of the tracks at one time or another, the beneficiary or victim to a minor shift in events that

Leaving Fish

2009-11-30T12:56:00.003-05:00

As much as I hate to admit it, there are times when scouting is simply a foolish proposition. Aside from the standard tenets of locating fishy water and, in turn, fish, I subscribe to the beliefs that 1) the most enjoyable fishing is away from the crowds and 2) you should never leave fish to find fish. Naturally, these two beliefs are often at odds with each other, as crowded areas are usually so

'Do we have to get up extra early to milk the cows...?'

2009-11-25T12:20:00.004-05:00

'B-mar gets to milk the bull.'It's approaching 11 PM on a Friday night and we have been on the road for over 5 hours so far. We got off the highway 40 minutes ago and seem to be doing circles through hill and field as the glow of Buffalo repeatedly brightens and wanes in the distance. Texts between driving parties are getting progressively antagonistic.'I think the GPS is lost''It's 55 here...not

A Taste...

2009-11-23T16:00:00.002-05:00

...of what I see when I sleep...November 13-22, 2009...a week that will live in infamy. More to come....

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY

2009-10-21T13:25:00.002-04:00

The river is going down, down, down. Release is slated to be 335 cfs through the weekend. Me no likey. Bring on the rain!

Getting It

2009-10-12T16:28:00.002-04:00

I'm woefully underprepared for November. 10 days, 2 lakes, +/-7 counties and as many rivers. Haven't had a chance to quite "dial-in" the switch rod. Dozens of flies still to tie. And at least 1 trip between then and now just to make sure things are working.Statewide trout season closes Thursday at midnight. That leaves 3 days to get back to Default. Weather looks OK other than tomorrow.

Marginalized

2009-10-07T15:14:00.002-04:00

This Just In: We Don't CountForgotten or ignored? Hey, prob shouldn't piss off one of the largest groups of could-be supporters of this initiative by not including them. Alright...e'r-body back tuh the pile...errrr...drawing board. rabble rabble rabble

Because I don't have enough to do already...

2009-10-05T12:16:00.003-04:00

...I'm going to try to make it to Manchester in two weekends.On a related note, got an abbreviated spey lesson from Walt Geryk on the Salmon this weekend. First time meeting, and from what I can tell, helluva guy. The success story of the weekend was all the knowledge I gained from him, Keith Collins, Chris Stiles and on my own trying out new things, all for the price of gas and a campsite. Even

I'm only happy when it rains...

2009-09-29T14:51:00.002-04:00

...hopefully it keeps the crowds down a bit. Won't make for ideal camping, but that's nothing new.

"You know things are backwards when our fish migrate in trucks and our grain is shipped via broken rivers."

2009-09-29T09:50:00.002-04:00

And it's not getting any better.Obama Endorses Salmon Extinction via No Action Planvia Moldy Chum

What's Wrong With Me!?

2009-09-25T10:39:00.001-04:00

I've been anticipating these trib trips for the past 6 months. I have yet to make the first 2009 run. I have hundreds of eggs and dozens of comets, leeches and streamers tied. I've got a new sweet little two-hander that needs breaking-in. I'm dying to land a 20+ lb'er. And, just now, I found myself daydreaming of single digit temps, frozen fingertips, sipping bourbon, pulling half-pound

yet to be realized

2009-09-12T00:37:00.002-04:00

my hand spasms, 'neath my head, from hours at the vise...or is it from another sweet tasting vice? thoughts of the day's thoughts. never time to tie. never time to write. never time to fish. no casting practice. no working on drifts. so much for tomorrow. so much yet to learn.i drift in and out of conversations had. runs fished. runs to be fished. acorns. mudders. aquifers. karst.

Happiness and Hangups

2009-08-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

Got nothin to lose but darkness and shadows...Thank You Tropical Storm DannyLooking for a little Lt. Dan action on the beach this weekend. Isn't camping great?

Got Beetle?

2009-08-05T10:19:00.002-04:00

Ahhh yes, the never ending fight against invasive insects. The Asian long-horned beetle is making it's way to our area. It can take a heavy toll on hardwoods, affecting forestry and other natural resource industries, and, of course, recreation, not to mention the ecological toll. If you're interested in learning about the insect and how to keep an eye out for it on your property or strolls

Like to fish?

2009-08-04T10:58:00.002-04:00

Bkill recounts a couple examples of fishing taking precedent over personal health and/or safety. Not too long ago, I was recounting these stories to a colleague. Her response?"So. You must really like to fish."Yeah. You could say that. You could also say hardcore, foolish, reckless, addicted, afflicted...We've all done stupid/reckless/dangerous things and put off other obligations to go fishing.

From the "Who Gives A F*ck" Files

2009-07-21T15:31:00.002-04:00

Seriously? Is this worth all the hubbub? OK, we get it, lots of things are catchable, "on the fly." Cool, guy caught another shark. So? Don't get me wrong, it's cool that he fly fishes for sharks. It's cool that he caught the most feared predator of the sea. But the story barely arouses a passing interest with me, except the annoyance at seeing it around every internet corner.What do these

Need to eat some salmonid!

2009-07-15T10:03:00.002-04:00

Was counting on bringing home some kings from Lake Ontario last weekend...but it was not to be. At least we didn't sink like this guy. (Discussion at LOU forum)Now FOTL has to post his mushroom-stuffed brookie recipe. Saturday we will be back at the Pro-Am, hopefully with better results, and something to bring home (rather than give away) this time. Lets hope the weather holds out.

Running Away

2009-07-06T10:24:00.002-04:00

April Vokey's blog on Hatches struck a note. I feel guilty even mentioning it...if too many people read it, it might incite a mass runaway."Whoever said that “running away from a problem is not the solution”, obviously never ran far enough away. Either that, or he was the asshole that was being run from."Especially when it's to legendary rivers.

Better Get Better Than This

2009-06-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.56248138279793&lon=-76.12564086914062&site=bgm&smap=1&marine=0&unit=0&lg=en

Drums Along the Mohawk: Redux

2009-06-11T09:17:00.003-04:00

Still haven't seen the movie.When the water is down, there's a lot of territory to explore on the delta. Not enough to truly get lost, being situated at the nexus of 3 cities, 2 major river systems, a state park, railroad, multiple automobile bridges and a DPW center, but impressively, more than enough to lose yourself and experience what nature has been able to seek the delta's refuge.This year

So, are you in...or are you in?

2009-06-10T12:01:00.002-04:00

10 day reminder. Spey Nation. June 20. 2009. Salivating.

Sustainable Salmon Farming Becoming A Reality....?

2009-06-01T13:02:00.003-04:00

Not if you hear what Ms. Morton has to report from her Scandanavian fact-finding mission.

Hat Trick ≠ Grand Slam

2009-05-18T12:21:00.002-04:00

Yup, I'm lazy. And busy. And would rather fish than type. But...I'm also annoyed.When I see a report entitled "_____ River Grand Slam," be it on a fourm or blog, I get excited. I can't wait to see what species constitute the Slam. I mean, it's usually pretty easy to guess, if you know the river (even by name), but it's just cool to see.Inevitably, though, I tend to be quite disappointed."

Anadromous:

2009-04-30T11:28:00.002-04:00

: ascending rivers from the sea for breeding Stripers are in."Steelhead" are on their way out.Foolishly planned a brookie pond weekend.Changes?We'll see. Right now I'm watching the ripples change their size.

Behind

2009-04-03T09:29:00.002-04:00

Eventually, I'll catch up. In the meantime...Opening day +1

Opening Niiiiight....

2009-03-30T11:48:00.003-04:00

The trout season pseudo-opener is Wednesday. Luckily, the weather doesn't look especially promising, which will make sitting at my desk all that much more bearable.Took a scouting run to Default this Saturday. I was impressed, encouraged and disturbed all at once. I didn't see any fish activity, but the water looked very fishable and the meltwater flows have rearranged the pool slightly to

Lower Schoharie Creek

2009-03-25T11:34:00.000-04:00

Might end up being a trout fishery. Eventually.

Failure and Success

2009-03-24T14:48:00.004-04:00

Facebook let me know the score. It was put-up or shut-up time."'one with the long socks' (a name improvised for me by one of "her" kids) you better catch a fishy using my wonderful fly or else you're fired =)"The plan was to swing with her pink-and-purple bunny leech through the Salmon , without losing it, until it brought in a fish...or longer.I thought I could at least pull a brown at the

I'd come a runnin

2009-03-20T16:16:00.003-04:00

If you'd call me now baby...The river she calls.To-Do Before I Meet Her:-Tie-Clean Lens-Pack-Laundry? (probably not)-Eat-Nap-Wake-Drive-To Be ThereI'm gon' brawl.Back monday, hopefully with sore arms.

Tweeted Out

2009-03-18T12:35:00.002-04:00

This one's for you Pat."It’s tempting to dismiss Twitter fever as a passing fad, the Pokémon of the blogosphere. But it’s beginning to look more like yet another gateway drug to full-blown media narcissism. It’s not just television, of course. Ordinary people, bloggers and even columnists and book authors, who all already have platforms for their views, feel compelled to share their split-second

What do my shoes have in common with my dentist and physician?

2009-03-17T14:30:00.002-04:00

They're both a pair of docs.Sort of like the Salmon River flow projections this week.The projections are made at the Lighthouse Hill Dam in Altmar, +/-5 miles (and several small tributaries) upstream of the USGS gaguing station in Pineville.Yet...1,500 CFS > 1,800 CFS...?Lets hope USGS is right, h2oline is wrong, and I can get out there for a day and some retreating steelies...if they're done

I guess...I'll see you all in hell...

2009-03-12T20:14:00.005-04:00

Capt Gordon's post about checking himself out on wikipedia inspired me to do the same. I wish I hadn't. Turns out I was a pretty notorious cyber-criminal turned real-life criminal. Ouch. And if that wasn't bad enough...FBI-mug shot from the Wikipedia article...the spitting image of the real Me...after a rough weekend (or as I sit here typing this, unshaven, in a dirty tshirt)So, of course, a

Mohawk Watershed Sypmosium Update

2009-03-10T13:02:00.003-04:00

Two days left to register if you want to attend. I suggest you do, providing that's what you are into.http://minerva.union.edu/garverj/mohawk/symposium/2009_Mohawk_symposium.htmlRegistration fee is $35 for non-students and includes a banquet reception. I have been informed that, for those that prefer to forego the banquet, registration to observe the presentations is $10; unfortunately the

I think we're there.

2009-03-10T10:26:00.003-04:00

I know it's always risky to think of spring in March...in the Northeast...but I think we're there. Why?Well, Saturday FT, Brian, Joe and I hit the delta looking for...well...anything. Generally, I'll fish it anywhere between 600 cfs (the bottom, and yes, it gets that low) and 2,500 cfs. Saturday was around 5k, but clear(ish) and very fishable...other than probably being somewhere between 32 and a

Y'all cain't get thar from hei-re

2009-03-06T12:51:00.002-05:00

or, how do I get to Alaska...for free?"Ed, I got friend from work who has access 2 a cabin in alaska, talk about a 4 day lic 4 salmon in june, u interested? I need 2 lern how 2 fish again can u help" [sic]I had to put the phone down for a minute and close my eyes after seeing that text a few nights ago. How do you respond to something like this? My first intuition was, to quote the legendary Mr.

A Must Read Explanation

2009-03-06T11:06:00.002-05:00

For everyone and anyone who fishes, has to live with someone who fishes, doesn't "get" fishing, has never fished, it is imperitive that you read Gaper's explanation of why we do it, how we justify it, and how and why Fly Fishing Will Ruin Your Life."If you do it right, fishing will make you a lonely old misanthrope whose equity includes a beater truck, a slumping trailer near a body of water,

Weigh in on NYS Fisheries, Regulations

2009-02-26T13:06:00.003-05:00

Alright, so Alex already scooped me on this, but DEC is looking for public input on Lake Ontario's fisheries. There are 3 meetings next month to present the current status and future objectives of management efforts. If you've got something to say or just want to hear what's going on, check it out if you can make it, or send your comments to the Department.Also, DEC has released a list of

Jealousy

2009-02-26T10:10:00.001-05:00

With all this talk about the AMFF and Cheney (enough already, we get it, everyone is pissed off...move on or do something about it) you might need something to brighten your day. Mike's post (specifically, photo) over at Steel should do the trick (if it doesn't sink you into deep depression for not being there).Hey, as long as they're out there, I could give a rats ass about how Cheney fits into

Our streams...

2009-02-24T14:24:00.002-05:00

...got a little safer yesterday. The EPA administrative rule change (spurred on by the Bush administration) that would have threatened the north east with continuing (and perhaps additional) mercury pollution is dead.Be proud, ADK'ers; and post those stickers (mine is still in a pile of mail somewhere...).

Tapped

2009-02-17T16:13:00.002-05:00

Tom Chandler posted the Tapped trailer on Trout Underground today. Very interesting. Looks like it will be very compelling. I'll be waiting.

A Sign of Hope

2009-02-17T11:33:00.002-05:00

After yesterday's post, I cut out of work early, raced home, rigged up a single conehead and hopped back in the truck hoping to be able to (safely) work my way down to a favorite hole. No dice.Maybe I'll be able to do some walking this weekend and get to some spots. But with the sun still setting early, there's no time during the week.Soon though...soon.

I Can't Believe It's Happening To Me

2009-02-16T11:13:00.002-05:00

I'm officially there. I promised myself it wouldn't happen. But there's nothing I can do about it.I'm going stir crazy waiting for spring.The plan was periodic trips to places like Pulaski and Eagleville, spaced out to carry me through winter. Instead, I shot my wad on the Salmon in autumn, and with bills piling up (including a brake overhaul over the holidays), I'm stuck in Albany County

The Perfect Weekend

2009-02-06T10:44:00.002-05:00

Perfect, low-key, warming weather weekend. Work on re-finishing some furniture.Finish moving my stuff (I know, should already be done by now...but hey).Watch the dog.Entertain the girlfriend.Hit the farmers market.Make some soup.Pick up some more furniture to be re-finished.Really, should be quite relaxing, and won't require much in the way of monitary expenditures.So, my question is, what else

Where will you be Saturday, March 21, 2009?

2009-02-05T11:27:00.002-05:00

I may be in Placid...care to join?Yeah, I'd rather be fishing (and maybe I will instead), but it's always a good day-trip up there. Besides...what's there to fish in March anyway...oh yeah...local ice-out time........

Suspicious Timing

2009-02-04T09:35:00.002-05:00

Cause and effect or unfortunate coincidence? They are currently unable to link several methane contaminated residential water wells with natural gas production in the area, but it's hard to imagine they are not. Still, things aren't always that simple; that's why issues like this go to independent arbitration.

Thinking Of Summer...

2009-02-03T14:09:00.003-05:00

Centered on my neighborhood...courtesy of Microsoft Live Search Maps. Fishing from work until dark and again dark until work. Spirits can flow as the sun sets; I'll simply walk home and pick up the car in the morning.I live for the cold, but fair weather presents more opportunities...especially when your back (and front...and side and other side...) yard is a warmwater haven.

Do Yourself A Favor

2009-02-03T12:08:00.002-05:00

I'm sure you've heard by now (if you haven't, you were probably too caught up in Super Bowl hype), another of the best of American authors died last week. Why do I like Updike so much? I can't describe his writing nearly as eloquently as some, but, to me, he makes his characters and their trials infinitely relate-able; and the details of everyday life, no matter how seemingly mundane, ultimately

Say My Name

2009-02-02T13:31:00.002-05:00

Alex decides to add another layer to FTF's Fly Tyer of the Year Contest. Just make sure you let him know who sent you...we'll split the winnings...(I'll photocopy a few pages from my subscription for you).

More Upper Hudson River Access in the ADKs

2009-01-30T13:09:00.002-05:00

The Daily Gazette this morning carried the AP story about some of what's happening with all those Nature Conservancy lands in the Adirondack Park that were acquired in last year's Finch Pruyn deal. Looks like we might be getting some use out of them sooner than expected.Better than half of the original 161k acres is being sold off to a logging company...I know what you're thinking...but;"The

The Fight Over West Canada Creek

2009-01-29T09:41:00.002-05:00

Flipping through the Gazette at work today and saw an interesting article; thought it might be worth a mention but the Marshall already has it under control.Haven't had a chance to fish WC yet, but I really should. Hopefully the trout will still be there when I get around to it.The article mentions a Mohawk Watershed Symposium, might be able to finagle my way over there to catch some speakers (

Yum!

2009-01-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

When I can't get out and see a bit of nature, I rely on NatureGirl to give me a glimpse of her day. Today was certainly no let down. Kinda makes me miss the days of constantly stepping in rabbit and deer droppings.

Almost Pure

2009-01-27T10:04:00.003-05:00

February...the month of purity, mud, pearls...new beginnings as I move next door to carp and smallies, 10 minutes further from Default and her trout.Mr. Phil will be popping out shortly to let us know how much winter is left...and I still don't have a 3 wt yet...No worries, I'm watching ebay and have several contingency plans waiting just in case. There's still plenty of time before I'll even

"We Loves Steelheads"

2009-01-22T10:38:00.002-05:00

Some day I'd like to fish some BC rivers (that is, so long as they don't end up making it unbearabley burdensome...). Of course, the big draw is pure, unadulterated steel. The Steelhead Society of British Columbia is doing their part to make sure those fish are protected, and it seems Ms. Vokey has taken the lead in a "Flies for Fins" fundraiser.The idea is, send some flies, save some metal. I

That's the type of dedication I'm after...

2009-01-16T10:32:00.003-05:00

...though I'm curious if human hair is the best tying material.I recently purchased Dave Hughes' Trout Flies: The Tier's Reference from B&N (thank you for the gift card), along with a methods book (I wish I could have afforded the Benchside Reference at the time...).I have to say, Hughes' book is quite good. I like the way it's written, and the pictures are of course excellent. Anyway, the

Longing by Default

2009-01-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

That looks fishable, right? Maybe in 4 months. 2009 Goal for Default: Head upstream and find some wild brookies. Hopefully, I'll still be living close enough to visit on a daily basis. Somehow I'm gonna have to scrape together enough scratch to replace my 3 wt by then. Those Bean gift cards might help. Unless you know of a better way.

Damn, why didn't I think of that?

2009-01-07T14:54:00.003-05:00

Backpacker updates on the story of a college student playing hardball to steal development rights to public lands that were up for auction away from energy developers. What did he end up with? Oh, about 22,500 acres...and a 1.7 million dollar lease. Of course, he can't pay it, and actually never intended to, but the threat of jail time has him scrambling for a down-payment.I know what you're

Filthy Meat-Hunter

2009-01-06T19:13:00.003-05:00

That's me.Rung in the new year with some frozen-water fishing. Headed up north with Brian (his pics below) for my first true ice fishing experience ever.Hey, I'd rather be on the river, but who can complain on a day like this? Cut travel time in half and fill the freezer...I can handle that.Actually...our combined catch is on the right...pretty much everything on the left is Larry's haul.Should

HUZZAH!

2009-01-02T16:49:00.004-05:00

Spey Nation '09...June 20 to be exact...I plan on actually making it this year.Brought to you by The Angler's Net.

Holiday Play Day

2008-12-30T11:04:00.004-05:00

Had the chance to get out and play one more time this year, and of course, had to take it.The weather showed us a little bit of everything this weekend. Friday was bitter cold with gusting winds in our face and snow flying. It was also fishless. I had one, short-lived fight late in the day (last time I take long-shanked J-hooks with oversized barbs steelheading). It was truly one of those days

How's that for a slice of fried-gold...

2008-12-23T10:45:00.002-05:00

Yeah BOIY!

Winter Backpacking

2008-12-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

It's almost that time again. I tend to save it for when I just can't justify trying to fish due to cold (i.e. February). Why would you want to do such a thing as spend multiple nights in seriously sub-freezing temperatures? WinterCampers.com's Jim Muller answers that question pretty well, and give some good first-timer advice, in an article for The Conservationist.Couple more steelhead outings

I'm not dead yet...

2008-12-18T17:27:00.004-05:00

...it's just that our internet is still out from last week's storm...or rather...from the DPW worker cutting it to free traffic. Stay frosty!

in the morningz we were always ready to catch more steelheads becuz we love steelheads!

2008-12-03T11:49:00.002-05:00

The Biggest Pulls...worth a read if only for the hilarious captions. Some conservation up front as well, and that's always good.