We got in so late last night it was weird waking up. When I first opened my eyes I didn’t know where the heck I was. Then came a deep snore from Pete in the bed next to me and it dawned on me, we are here in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy for a week … Read more
I’ve had a lot of big travel the last six months and I can’t tell you how good it feels. I’m not sure the pace I was moving before Covid would be welcome, but a big trip every four months or so fits the bill. And keep mixing in the speaking gig travel once a … Read more
I did an exploratory fishing drive on Tuesday. All I wanted to do was get one last warm up on trout before heading to Italy today for the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships. But it was 89° and I never put on the waders. It would have been a waste of time. But, I found … Read more
1987, my first year working at the Jack Dennis Fly Shop, was a good one. At the end of the season Jack had a cancellation on a “Fly up to the Bighorn River in Montana” for two guided fishing days. The trip was fully paid for and the customer that cancelled told Jack to have … Read more
It was a long but fun day yesterday. It began leaving Hayward at 4 AM for the Duluth Airport. It was my first business trip since moving into our new home in Wisconsin. I wasn’t sure how long it would take to get to the Duluth Airport nor what the parking scene would be. I’m … Read more
It was time to go fishing early. I’m talking 4:30 AM. Here in northern Wisconsin, it gets light at 4 AM now. Crack of dawn would put us on the water before the temps rise high into 80°s like they have been each day for almost two weeks. I went with my new friend … Read more
There are a ton of rivers to explore here in northern Wisconsin. I’ve dabbled with the trout fishing but deep inside me, I want warmwater fish action. I’m talking smallmouth bass in particular. Toss in some pike, crappie, walleye and perhaps a musky on occasion, and I’ll be in heaven. I’d also like to fish … Read more
Wisconsin friend Matt Norton, better known by his college pals as Howie, and who has been on the blog several times this last year, deserves a reintroduction now that I too live in WI. Howie and I will be fishing together far more than in the past. Howie was my Northland College roommate in … Read more
Granny and I made the 1.5 hours drive back from Shannon’s during the heat of the day. I don’t need to tell anyone its not prime time. BUT, I stopped at this gorgeous little creek and made a few casts. I was unprepared in that I had only old flipflops and it was hard to … Read more
It was an enjoyable day with our friend Shannon McCormick and his family at their cottage in Wisconsin. Shannon and I used to fish the Henry’s Fork together back in the 80’s. I hadn’t seen him in at least five years. He moved away from the Yellowstone Country a while back but like with all … Read more
There are numerous trout rivers to choose from here in Wisconsin. I know that’s a surprise to most. But its true. Only a short distance any direction from our new place in Hayward there are trout streams. I hardly know much about them and I’m sure many have mainly little brookies, but supposedly some of … Read more
My new home trout fishing waters of Wisconsin are 100% different from what I left behind in Idaho. But this is a good thing. These winding smaller streams have plenty of quality trout. The rocks are more slippery, the hatches are different and the trout less fished, making them more wild and spookier. This place … Read more