I was greatly saddened by the death of my dear friend, Joh Goddard, on December 26th. Rather than spin a series of fishing tales, i’ve reprinted his life story as described by his close colleague and great friend, Brian Clarke. You will be sorely missed, John. The above photo is the frontpiece from John’s book, [...]

For those who would like to read a bit more about Al, head over to: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/al-troth-inventor-of-elk-hair-caddis-fly-leaves-mark/article_ae200f92-e7f6-11e1-aac9-001a4bcf887a.html

The two weeks spent at the Inverpolly Lodge is not only an opportunity to fish for Atlantic Salmon, sea trout, wild browns of the small lochs and streams of the Highlands, but also an opportunity to escape the rush of the work-a-day world and the hectic hustle of life. A great banner welcomes the anglers [...]

Al Troth, a most accomplished fly tyer and fisherman, who lived his last years in Dillon, Montana, died August 3. Al was an old Pennsylvania boy who taught high school in Williamsport, one of the trout meccas of the state. The E. Hille Company of Williamsport was very active in those years, and Al bought [...]

In its course from Earthquake Lake to Raynolds Pass Bridge, the Madison is a mercurial, ever changing being. One year it is divided into a series of polite, quick little waters that encourage the wading angler on every cast. Another year it is a solitary channel of pure, raw power. There is no room for [...]

I just received sad news that my friend, Jack Charlton, died on June 9th. He was a reel designer and builder of unmatched ability. Another friend, Capt. Jake Jordan, wrote a great eulogy for Jack, and I share it here with you. The passing of my friend Jack Charlton: On Friday morning June 10, I [...]

The past few weeks have brought sad news of the deaths of three friends in the fly fishing community. My old pal, Syl Nemes, died on February 3 in Bozeman, Mt. Syl was the author of a big handful of books on soft hackles—everything form the history of their early development to the use of [...]

My very good and long time friend, “Pete” Parker has died suddenly. His grand daughter Genna indicated that it was most likely a heart attack or stroke. Pete had been diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and had beaten it, being declared cancer-free in 2010. Pete will be remembered by many in the fly tying community. [...]

Nancy and Jason and I started teaching fly fishing schools at the Vermejo Ranch in 1975. The next year, Bob Pelzl, from Albuquerque joined us. And then in 1977, Dick Blumershine and Jim Aubrey came on board. It was a great crew, and for 25 years we held forth at Vermejo, teaching both advanced and [...]

I’m off to Denver tomorrow to speak at The Fly fishing Show held at the Merchandise Mart in Denver. It’s always a fun time, but this year it will be tinted with the sadness of the death of my long-time friend, Charlie Meyers. He was the Outdoor Editor of the Denver Post and was a [...]