In the Pacific Northwest, this land of deep-V aluminum boats, my skiff draws attention. She's a fine little boat and gets quite a few complements, but only a handful of people have recognized her for what she is. One of those people was Trevor, who was doing some tree-work on our property last fall. He … Continue reading Realization
Tag: fly fishing
Nuclear Options
The wind through the Gorge last week was, to quote a local boardsports forecaster, "nuking!" While carp fishing from the boat wasn't an option, I wasn't about to stay home. I had to find some other ways to occupy my time. Here are a few of the things I got up to: Number 1: Satisfying … Continue reading Nuclear Options
And so it Begins
What a difference a month makes! We took a trip over spring break and came home to some warm sunny days. It's not summer yet, but it's a far cry from frigid winds and cold empty flats. As I predicted, the carp have shown up in bunches. Today I visited the same flat I pictured … Continue reading And so it Begins
Temperature Obsessed
Disclaimer/Nerd-Alert: I am currently obsessed with water temperatures. I can't imagine that anyone else will be even remotely as interested in this as I am. You've been warned. Read on if you dare... In the classic book Carp on the Fly there is a temperature chart that lists some remarks about carp biology corresponding to … Continue reading Temperature Obsessed
How to Winter
Today was one of those deceptively nice days that make you think crazy thoughts like "gee, maybe winter isn't so bad, after all." The fog blew off and the sun came out before lunch so I grabbed a rod and drove to one of my little winter carp lakes. The lake has an outlet to … Continue reading How to Winter
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
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
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
The Fishing Dojo 