First Fish of 2026

Everyone here seems to agree that this has been a mild winter so far. We had a few sunny days in a row during January with highs around 50 degrees. The river, however, was pretty chilly. Army Corps of Engineers data claimed the water temperatures were in the low forties, but I took the boat … Continue reading First Fish of 2026 →

Belize Navidad

We spent Christmas on Caye Caulker in Belize, visiting a friend from the Peace Corps. I spent Christmas Eve fishing, and a bit of Christmas morning. While I was ultimately successful in catching a few fish, I will say right at the start that I do not recommend Caye Caulker as a DIY fly fishing … Continue reading Belize Navidad →

Catch and A Release

Looking back through my journal notes I think I am forced to admit that the carp fishing season on the Columbia River ended in September. I still saw a few carp in October, and even caught one on November 2, but September was the last time I saw decent numbers of feeding carp in the … Continue reading Catch and A Release →

Just Now

My Boat finally arrived in November, just in time for the end of carp season! Shipping her from Florida and dealing with flaky freight companies and truck drivers was a bit stressful, but she made it in one piece. The whole package, boat, motor, gas, trailer, weighs in at less than 800 pounds, so she … Continue reading Just Now →

The End of the Season?

Most sources agree that the carp fishing season on the Columbia River wraps up in October. Most of the spots on the main river channel have slowed down, but I have found hungry fish in the small lakes and backwaters. On mild days, with a bit of sun, or after some rain, the carp, especially … Continue reading The End of the Season? →

October Caddis

The Columbia remains weedy and the water levels are very low. Carp fishing from the shore is a tall order, and with more saber-rattling at China over trade, I'll be surprised if my boat arrives in time for Christmas. Luckily for me, there are other fishing opportunities around. This week I decided to visit the … Continue reading October Caddis →

Memory Weeds

I remember this fish. I spotted it from the road, rooting on the bottom in a small bay. I clambered as quickly and quietly as I could down the rocks and managed to hook it without getting my feet wet. I also remember that the hook pulled and I lost the fish. What had me … Continue reading Memory Weeds →

Re-entry

It has been a bumpy return to the United States after finishing up our Peace Corps service. Here is the short version: The state of our home upon arrival 20 cubic yards of rubbish left by the squatters we had to evict The wildfire that almost burned down our house The new floor I had … Continue reading Re-entry →

Sleepy Lake

For spring break we took a short trip to the East Coast. Two of our friends moved recently to Virginia, and their house was just a short walk from a neighborhood lake. The lake was actually a small reservoir, and the shoreline access was limited to the small embankment that served as a "dam" between … Continue reading Sleepy Lake →

Caribbean Mountain Mullet

Spring in our bit of the Eastern Caribbean usually brings stiff sea breezes and an end to the wet season, but not this year. This year it has just kept on raining, and raining, and raining. I have been wanting to try some stream fishing, but heavy rains bring flash floods, and flash floods here … Continue reading Caribbean Mountain Mullet →