So much of this I did not understand - but very much enjoyed it for that reason. Thank you these insights into your fishing trips.
"If you love something, it's important to do" - oof.
There is a TV show which has attracted an almost cult following in the UK. Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing. I know nothing about fishing but I bloody love this programme. It is about so much more than fishing (and it's heartwarmingly hilarious) https://youtube.com/watch?v=1myjaoiqcVc&list=PLCOCak7lLVWaeG6DwkIfO85opoW2fw8Gy
Fascinating article, James. I lived in SW Montana the year they filmed A River Runs Through It. Visually, they got the area right, especially along the Gallatin and Yellowstone. Fly fishing is like a religion there, so I appreciate your passion for it. And for your truck. My first vehicle was a 1980 Toyota SR5. I bought it used when I was in college and kept it for years. I still miss it.
An SR5! That is so awesome, Heidi--and a 1980, so cool. A classic. Can't blame you for holding onto that as long as you could, enviable truck. Great to get your insight on A River Runs Through It. That movie has caused more people to give fly fishing a shot. Did you try when you were in Montana? I'd love to read about a fishing trip you take with the critters.
Thank you, James! My truck was brown and I added a white Brahma camper shell. I drove the truck everywhere, all over the West. It was with me for that year in Montana. I actually have not tried fly fishing as I was more into skiing and hiking. However, I luvluvluv the idea of the critters taking a fishing trip. We might need to ask you for field notes on that.:) Jasper Kitten and Chris really are quite interested!
Thank you Sarah. They are accessible deities--as are birds. I've described fish and birds as "sacrosanct" in past conversations. Felt a bit much, but also felt right.
What a beautiful, insightful post and pictures. Last weekend my wife and I went to southeastern Minnesota to Preston and took Orvis 101 fly-fishing lessons. All gear, flies, and waders provided at no cost. We had a blast, and each caught a small brown trout. I have always love to fish, and now I can with a fly rod too. My wife is also ready to go again!
Thank you. That sounds like a wonderful Orvis experience, an orvis course helped me bring the requisite skill to the fly rod. Congratulations on the browns! I’ve got an upcoming post about trout. Fly fishing is a lovely thing to share, I hope you and your wife get on the water soon for more fishing!
Good for you getting out there again. My brother loves to fly fish, and often speaks of how peaceful it is on the river where he goes in northern Michigan.
For someone who knows nothing about fly fishing, this is a fascinating window into your craft. And James, by sharing your experience with us readers, you’ve now raised it to an art form. I agree with Neil, it’s a meditation—a nonstop all day prayer in the temple of nature. What an ecstatic series of moments. Thank you for bringing us along!
Thank you so much Ann. It’s absolutely a meditation and can be a religious experience. It’s also no coincidence some writers like it—mcguane, McPhee, etc. It’s something of a writerly pursuit. I highly recommend trying it out if you ever get the chance!
I love this article - beautiful images and thoughts.
I just went off on my first trip alone as a novice angler - off to the alpine streams in the high ranges of Yosemite. i camped, picked my own flies, set up
my own rigging, caught a few small brookies and rainbows. The big browns were way too wary and smart for me. Forgot to crimp one midge, which was upsetting, but which i fixed. Fished some. Lazed a lot. Cast OK. Cast badly at times. Learned a lot.
Thank you Diane. That sounds like a fantastic trip. I went to Yosemite years ago and regret not being a serious angler at the time/not bringing a fly rod. The most important thing is that you learned a lot. Bad casts never goes away, but bad casts = good lessons
Excellent photo essay James. I have never tried flyfishing but there is something intriguing about it. As an outside observer, it almost appears like standing meditation in a way. Thanks for sharing.
So much of this I did not understand - but very much enjoyed it for that reason. Thank you these insights into your fishing trips.
"If you love something, it's important to do" - oof.
There is a TV show which has attracted an almost cult following in the UK. Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing. I know nothing about fishing but I bloody love this programme. It is about so much more than fishing (and it's heartwarmingly hilarious) https://youtube.com/watch?v=1myjaoiqcVc&list=PLCOCak7lLVWaeG6DwkIfO85opoW2fw8Gy
oh my god yes, Mortimer and Whitehouse fishing is a beautiful show. But everything Bob Mortimer does is great.
I had never heard of Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing! It seems I have been missing out. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
If you enjoy it (you will) you should also check out Bob Mortimer on Would I lie to you, and Taskmaster, then Shooting Stars
Me too- I’m watching it just now
Fascinating article, James. I lived in SW Montana the year they filmed A River Runs Through It. Visually, they got the area right, especially along the Gallatin and Yellowstone. Fly fishing is like a religion there, so I appreciate your passion for it. And for your truck. My first vehicle was a 1980 Toyota SR5. I bought it used when I was in college and kept it for years. I still miss it.
An SR5! That is so awesome, Heidi--and a 1980, so cool. A classic. Can't blame you for holding onto that as long as you could, enviable truck. Great to get your insight on A River Runs Through It. That movie has caused more people to give fly fishing a shot. Did you try when you were in Montana? I'd love to read about a fishing trip you take with the critters.
Thank you, James! My truck was brown and I added a white Brahma camper shell. I drove the truck everywhere, all over the West. It was with me for that year in Montana. I actually have not tried fly fishing as I was more into skiing and hiking. However, I luvluvluv the idea of the critters taking a fishing trip. We might need to ask you for field notes on that.:) Jasper Kitten and Chris really are quite interested!
If I can be of any assistance just let me know!
Thank you for the offer! We’re planning a series of detective stories, so this will be great!
I love the idea of treating the fish like a deity and fishing in an act of worship.
Thank you Sarah. They are accessible deities--as are birds. I've described fish and birds as "sacrosanct" in past conversations. Felt a bit much, but also felt right.
“They call it fishing, not catching.”
Brilliant.
Thank you, James.
Thank you Christopher. Insight hidden in plain sight within a fishing joke it’s too easy not to think about! Appreciate you reading.
What a beautiful, insightful post and pictures. Last weekend my wife and I went to southeastern Minnesota to Preston and took Orvis 101 fly-fishing lessons. All gear, flies, and waders provided at no cost. We had a blast, and each caught a small brown trout. I have always love to fish, and now I can with a fly rod too. My wife is also ready to go again!
Thank you. That sounds like a wonderful Orvis experience, an orvis course helped me bring the requisite skill to the fly rod. Congratulations on the browns! I’ve got an upcoming post about trout. Fly fishing is a lovely thing to share, I hope you and your wife get on the water soon for more fishing!
Good for you getting out there again. My brother loves to fly fish, and often speaks of how peaceful it is on the river where he goes in northern Michigan.
Thank you Teyani. It’s a great way to center oneself and connect with the natural world.
For someone who knows nothing about fly fishing, this is a fascinating window into your craft. And James, by sharing your experience with us readers, you’ve now raised it to an art form. I agree with Neil, it’s a meditation—a nonstop all day prayer in the temple of nature. What an ecstatic series of moments. Thank you for bringing us along!
Thank you so much Ann. It’s absolutely a meditation and can be a religious experience. It’s also no coincidence some writers like it—mcguane, McPhee, etc. It’s something of a writerly pursuit. I highly recommend trying it out if you ever get the chance!
I love this article - beautiful images and thoughts.
I just went off on my first trip alone as a novice angler - off to the alpine streams in the high ranges of Yosemite. i camped, picked my own flies, set up
my own rigging, caught a few small brookies and rainbows. The big browns were way too wary and smart for me. Forgot to crimp one midge, which was upsetting, but which i fixed. Fished some. Lazed a lot. Cast OK. Cast badly at times. Learned a lot.
Thank you Diane. That sounds like a fantastic trip. I went to Yosemite years ago and regret not being a serious angler at the time/not bringing a fly rod. The most important thing is that you learned a lot. Bad casts never goes away, but bad casts = good lessons
James, I am so glad you got out there and did some fly fishing. Keep at it. And thanks for the mention. I'm glad my words resonate with you my friend.
Thank you Pamela. I just got back from a quick trip to the water, didn’t catch anything but that wasn’t the point. Your words always resonate.
Excellent photo essay James. I have never tried flyfishing but there is something intriguing about it. As an outside observer, it almost appears like standing meditation in a way. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Neil. It’s definitely meditative, if the chance arises to try fly fishing you would probably like it.