We were about four hours into an all-day hike, fishing our way upstream on a gorgeous brook-trout and landlocked-salmon river in a remote corner of Maine’s Baxter State Park, when guide Jeff LaBree stopped next to a seemingly uninteresting stretch . . .
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The Trip, Day 25: Southern Chile’s Monster Browns
Southern Patagonia is a magical place where turquoise-colored streams and lakes—home to enormous brown trout—lie at the bottoms of beautiful valleys in the glacier-covered Andes. A few years ago, a guide for Patagonia Baker Lodge landed two . . .
Read MoreThe Trip, Day 18: Exploring Chile
The heavy rains and winds today made dry-fly fishing a bit unrealistic, but it provided an opportunity to organize photos, artwork, videos, and time to consider how fortunate we are to be on this adventure. We still have a long way to go on . . .
Read MoreClassic Story: Reading Between the Lines
A few years ago, Eric Rickstad and I made plans to go to Montana in late April for the Orvis Western Guide Rendezvous. As soon as our travel plans were finalized, Eric started talking . . .
Read MoreThe Trip: Around the World in 5 Months
Five years ago, my wife, Janeil, and I began dreaming about a retirement adventure. We each had been working since we were teens, and now that we are in our 60s and soon to retire, we wanted to mark that milestone in our lives with . . .
Read MoreA Combined 81 Years of Experience is a Sign of This Group’s Passion for Guide Life in Bristol Bay
When most fly fishers think about the life of a guide in Alaska, it seems like the best job in the world, but any guide in Bristol Bay will tell you that the lifestyle isn’t easy. From June 1st through September 15th, there are no days off. Whether it’s camping on . . .
Read MoreThere and Back Again: Exploring Two Incredible Steelhead Lodges
Growing up in Washington State, every great fish story I heard was about steelhead. It took me an entire year to land my first one on the swing, and since then I have been fortunate enough to guide for and chase these amazing creatures all over the . . .
Read MoreRemembering the Brilliance of Cathy Beck
The fly-fishing world was shocked and saddened yesterday to learn that legendary angler, photographer, and traveler Cathy Beck had passed away while hosting a trip at Argentina’s Lago Strobel (a.k.a. Jurassic Lake). Cathy and her husband, Barry, have . . .
Read MorePro Tips: Catch More False Albacore with Topwater Flies
If you’re a fly fisherman, then you love seeing fish eat your flies, like when you’re casting dry flies for trout or poppers for bass. And sight-fishing for bonefish is considered one of the more exciting . . .
Read MoreA Guide’s Advice on Fishing Your Go-To Fly Pattern
Meet the Pat’s Stonefly (a.k.a. Pat’s Rubberlegs, Pat’s Stone, or just Pat’s). But it’s not just a Pat’s Stonefly; it’s my go-to confidence fly. It’s a key factor in any success I have when fishing, even. . .
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