I get a lot of questions on the river and at shows and here on this site, and now I need to ask all of you a question. There’s an old fly fishing joke about two anglers. One is all into latin names and esoteric dry fly types and tells the other angler about his efforts trying to match the hatch. The punch line is that the other angler tells him he caught all his fish on “this little grey bastard”. I’m looking for the specific telling of the joke. I know I’ve seen it online, but I can’t find it. Anyone know it by heart, or have an online reference?

As I write this, we are moved in to the new house but still unpacking and getting organized. The old house is sold and we bid it a very fond farewell. This week will be (I hope) the final week of archival posts. I’d like to thank you for your patience during this incredibly busy time.

Speaking of incredibly busy, I’m about to resume formal work on my upcoming book, the Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River. I’m going to be giving you, my readers, a chance to participate in that endeavor — stay tuned for details!

I came up with the concept, styled the set, took the photo, then forgot to post it. I wonder what else I could have had on my mind? Well, better late than never. I hope you’re having a swell holiday season. I’d also like to tell you how much I appreciate your readership. Loyal followers like you are a wonderful gift. I’m looking forward to sharing more fly tying and fly fishing adventures and advice with you in 2024.

I floated mid-river with Row Jimmy, guide to the stars, and the day can be summed up in two words: bite window. But let’s back up. Even though a 24-hour run up/fish/run back isn’t the most logical use of time, I was thrilled just to be there. It had originally looked like I wouldn’t be able to fish with Jim this fall, due to a comedy of scheduling errors. So when he texted me a few weeks earlier that Wednesday had opened up, I jumped on it.

To the fishing. We had a fly in the water by 7am, but the steelhead were unmotivated to strike. After banging away at a few different holding slots, we finally connected with a mint coin-bright skipper. I wish now that I’d taken a photo of that fish, because that was one of the most breathtakingly gleaming steelhead I’ve ever landed. I truly appreciate these junior-sized fish. They’re rambunctious and fun to play and land.

Mid-morning was the aforementioned bite window. I was three-for-four at one point, then the action slowed. One more in the hoop, and the bite vanished. We knew the fish were still in the run, although we couldn’t see them; unlike many Erie tribs, the dark substrate of the Salmon makes sight fishing a little tricky. No, we knew the fish were there because I started fouled them. You can’t catch what doesn’t want to eat, and sadly, that played out for the entire afternoon, save for one more 11th hour take that I never really had on.

The final tally was four: one on a bead, two on Apricot Supreme Blood Dot Eggs, one on a 60-Second Copperhead. Our decision to escape the madness of the masses on the upper river was validated by long stretches of fishing without another angler or drift boat in sight. What we lacked in numbers was made for in sheer enjoyment and camaraderie.

That’s a good day by any measure.

Everything was a little late this year, including me. Striper fly-wise, I’m all set for summer. Now I just gotta find the time to get out there!

Apologies for the short notice, but this needs your attention today. It only takes a couple minutes. Here is the link to sign. And below is a simple outline of the issue from the ASGA.

ASGA believes that our striped bass fishery is at an inflection point: if action is not taken at the upcoming May meeting, the stock will not rebuild by 2029 and drastic measures may become warranted. We are calling on anglers, guides and business owners to join us in calling for the ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board to initiate Addendum 2 to Amendment 7 for striped bass.

It is clear that some areas experienced excellent striped bass fishing last year. The good fishing was a result of one of the most prolific year classes on record reaching maturity. This translated into over 35 million pounds of striped bass harvested coastwide. 

ASGA had deep concerns that the slot limit would fully exploit the robust 2015-year class when it was proposed. These concerns are now a reality. The 2015-year class is the last robust recruitment year. While the 2017 and 2018 year classes are average, there are four consecutive years of the lowest recruitment in recent history following. This leaves the stock and those that depend on a healthy striped bass population in a very dangerous place.

Amendment 7, which was just approved and implemented in May 2022, clearly states that the stock must be rebuilt within 10 years. This current rebuilding plan has failed. The 2022 MRIP harvest numbers showed that harvest doubled and decreased the probability of rebuilding to 14%. This is unacceptable to our community and clearly violates Amendment 7’s rebuilding provisions. 

The American Saltwater Guides Association will be submitting an official letter (PDF link) to the ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board on Tuesday, April 25th. 

We are asking only that the Striped Bass Management Board follow the rules it established. A new rebuilding plan that has a minimum of a 50% chance of success must be initiated, and those regulations need to be in place by the 2024 season. Addendum II would develop and institute new regulations, providing a better chance of rebuilding the stock by 2029.

Like me, you’re probably busy today. But let’s spend a minute together so I can tell you how much I appreciate your readership. Loyal followers like you are a wonderful gift. I’m looking forward to sharing more fly tying and fly fishing adventures and advice with you in 2023. Stay safe, be well, and I hope you have the happiest of holidays.

I had planned on some serious smallmouth expeditions this week, but Mother Nature and the new normal — extreme weather — have put the kibosh on that. Last year it was drought, heat, and low water. This year, it’s torrential downpours and flooded rivers. This is now the sixth rainiest July on record, and here’s the kicker: we’re not even halfway through the month. (Anyone who doesn’t think we are experiencing climate change should note that of those six rainiest Julys on record, three of them have happened since 2001.) Some of you have inquired about wet fly guide trips, but I’d like to see the Farmington come down below 500cfs before we plan. Hang in there folks. Tie some flies, fish the salt or small streams, and sooner or later it will stop raining….for months…and we’ll be in another drought.