Long May You Run

Saw the river in a new way today.First float in a jet. Fun, but couldn't help but thinking the drifters were having more fun. The Spring Chinook run very healthy this year by all accounts. This also means that the Stealhead will follow. Hopefully.

A surprise to see the river milky but then remembered that Gold Ray Dam is on it's way out. Making the Rogue much like the ways of old. Funny how the economics have shifted here in the west. I first, encounted this in the Big Sky. Old timers sit in bars pineing of the days of old and how that was the life. Meanwhile, outside boats floated, cars stopped, families and friends spent money.

Currently, the Rogue is being set free and long may you run. From Gold Beach up to the lake will be 157 mile of free river. How times change.

The Rogue is only one example. Klamath, Elwah, Clarkfork, etc. Makes you wonder if the Snake could be next! Only time will tell. Time flows

Fly Life

There is always a struggle raging in me. At heart a fly caster, yet fearing the unknown, resisting a total commitment to the fly life. Feeling forced to work, now unemployed the pull is only greater. Now in the Northwest nothing hampers the lust I feel to commit to fishing and guiding as a lifestyle.

Two problems with this complex issue center around security and freedom. How does someone reach security? Does a steady job mean security? Is security really that important? Is security something to attain or just something to decide? Well, that is a lot to absorb, trust me I know.

This is just a glimpse into what my days consist of. One day I am ready commit the the lifestyle. Others I am commit to my professional goals. How is one free? Is it freedom though security or security through freedom? Is freedom chosen or attained? Or both?

Let that sink in a while. Putting thoughts into words only begs more question, but more on that later. Now answers must come, but more on that later, as well!

A Fishing Partner Part 1

At first glance this topic might seem rather boring. But this begs the question how many can say that you have had true fishing partner? What is "true fishing partner" well to define this is no easy task.

On one of those fine late summer days sitting on the porch looking West as the heat of day fades into the Bitterroots a fine looking young couple stroll's down the block towards towards the house. At this point instead of being shy and cagey as might be the temptation, there is a brief conversation. The details of which faded years ago. After this first encounter there was very little hope of finding what was to become one of those rare friendships that transcends beyond just someone whom to fish with.

In fact, now it escapes me even the first time we hit the water together. Just guessing, it was to the "bridge to bridge beat" on the fork! Which became a favorite and if there is such a place as "home water" this would be the place.

Fishing and Fishing Partners

Well it has been awhile, but life has taken me away from wasting time as of late. As I type this it is really to late at night to try and author a real article. Nonetheless, there are some musings in regards to fishing and fishing partners that I need to get off my chest.

I figure that in the near future I can promise a series of two posts that will I hope bring back some good memories as well a thought provoking verbiage that will help make sense as to why this sport has taken on a life of its own within my relationships, friends and life.

Meanwhile,

Tight Lines if possible; if not dare to dream. Good night world.