Quack Quack...BOOM

I stepped out of my comfort zone and had a blast

Thanksgiving brings us to Central Washington, and fortunately an invite to tag along on a river duck hunt on the Columbia. I know my way around the upland game, but river ducks are all new to me. When faced with something new, I try do my best to ask questions, learn and listen to what's going one. My hosts were more than obliging and we had a fantastic day on the river

A few ducks, a few geese. Not bad for half a day. The star was Deke. That young boy earned his meal money and then some. Double retreaves on some monster geese and a 100 yard retreave on a Widgeon that did its best to elude the big boy. No such luck quacker....Deke was on ya

The River Still Hasnt Gone To Bed

This literary work of perfection still rings true.

I have always heard of the names.

A River Never Sleeps

Roderick L. Haig-Brown



And finally I found a copy to dive into. Here it is, almost 2010 and this book written in 1944 feels like it was written just a few years ago. Take away historical references of time, wars and lands afar...it feels like you can stand next to Haig-Brown in the Campbell as he works his flies down and across

The artwork in this classic doesn't leave anything to be desired.



If you havent found yourself drawn into a copy yet...Do it!

Sequence of Events

The Cast


The Battle


The Fish


Another glorious weekend on the Grand Ronde. Swinging for summers is almost done, water temps are hitting the high thirties during the day. But, everything aligned for a beautiful Saturday. Zero crowds; our favorite water was devoid of people. It allowed a father and son a rare opportunity of fishing holy water at a comfortable pace, and to share that experience with the canyons of my favorite steelhead water.



A few on the swang, a few on the bobber, including this flat top destined for the smoker.

As we climbed out of the canyon, we were given this shot of god's splendor



I think we will be back

Cast of Characters Vol 3-- Superguide

Interweb followers, meet my buddy, the guide of guides. Joe W.

A small story to explain how I met Joe. One night Joe, his beautiful GF and I went out for barley sodas and Ke'lah inquired about how Joe and I met.

Joe and I, in unison...sheepishly..."the internet"



Yes, we met on a fly fishing chat board. How modern eh?

Besides being a member of the fish obsessed tribe, Joe can also claim membership in the large human club. When he and I hit the rivers, at least we can intimidate the fish with our collective size.

Guiding for the better part of a decade, Joe can be found especially keyed in where the steelfaces are running hot. Summer time finds him in Montana, throwing the big bugs and scoring ridiculously big fish for his clients. Like this one



Seriously, fishing with this guy only makes me better. Its like when you're 10 years old and you go play hoops with the kids in Jr High. Playing out of your league forces you to raise your game.

You kind of have to step back and just watch how artful and skillful he is with a fly rod, especially a spey rod.




This isnt the first time he's interweb-famous. Take a peek at this story from the Fly Fish Chick



So here's to you Joe. Cant wait to fish with you again!

Cast of Characters Vol 2--Wonder Boy

At least that's what the guides in Belize call him

Next up for introductions, Sean V., owner of the Silver Bow Fly Shop

I dont believe I have ever fished with someone who throws a better line than Sean. When I think I have my shit together, I just go watch Sean throw loops and realize I have a long way to go.

Equally adapt at crushing lips with a 3 weight tipped with a midge as he is swanging a narly loop leach, the man is a fish catching machine

Sean runs THEE shop in Spokane and every once and a while we coax him away to go fishing with us.

Usually...he out fishes us. Bastard!

And ladies...he's single....

So if you make it to the Spokane Valley, make sure to poke your nose into the Silver Bow Fly Shop and say hello to "Wonder Boy"

Cast Of Characters......Bo

Characters. Personalities. Whatever you want to call them

The people I hunt and fish with are a funny bunch. Those of you who read this are well versed about OMR, but now its time to introduce the circle of friends that make up my world


First up, Bo.

Crazy driven by steelhead. He's the perfect guy to share a beer or pitcher or four pitchers together with as you discuss the merits of line speed in spey casting and all the dreams he's had in the last week. Depending on the day, he'll have a new invention in which to make his fishing life easier

Capable of throwing tight loops and ripping lots of lip



Steelhead, beware of this man.