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March 25, 2023

March 17-18, 2023

March 17-18, 2023

Jersey City Jon came back to fish with me across two great trout conservation areas (TCA) this weekend. With some caveats, TCA's remain open during stocking for catch-and-release fishing only. 2023 Trout regulations are here.


We started the day at the Pequest TCA which is about 1.5 miles long and boasts great pocket water with plenty of ri

Jersey City Jon came back to fish with me across two great trout conservation areas (TCA) this weekend. With some caveats, TCA's remain open during stocking for catch-and-release fishing only. 2023 Trout regulations are here.


We started the day at the Pequest TCA which is about 1.5 miles long and boasts great pocket water with plenty of riffles, runs, and pools. Between holdover and newly stocked fish, your chances of hooking up are pretty good with the right depth, drift, and fly.


Jon’s been working on his nymphing, and it paid off! With seven fish in the net and another seven hook-ups, I’d say he’s doing just fine. The first few fish were on a #16 Walt’s with a chartreuse 2.8mm bead. We switched to a larger pool downriver after hitting a couple honey holes that had no honey. A few casts without a hit, we switched to an #18 orange perdigon. Boom, mic drop. 3 more fish and another few hook-ups. 


After a quick lunch from Oscar’s in Millburn, NJ, we jumped in the car and headed down Route 31 to check out the TCA on the mighty Musconetcong. Two more fish - one on a Pat’s and another on the Walt’s and it was time to call it a day. Higher water, cloudy skies , and a healthy dose of stocked fish made this the most productive day so far in 2023. Well done, Jon! See you on the Delaware.


Driving playlist included “It Always Happens This Way” Toulouse, “Fare Thee Well” Townes Van Zandt, “Ease Back” The Meters, “Dinner at Eight,” Rufus Wainwright.

March 17-18, 2023

March 17-18, 2023

March 17-18, 2023

Discovering new water and meeting new people is part of the fly-fishing experience for me. It’s not always about catching a fish – but it helps if you do! 


I had the pleasure of fishing with friend and mentor Bruce Miller on the famed South Holston and its sister river the Watauga near Bristol, TN last weekend. We were expertly guided by B

Discovering new water and meeting new people is part of the fly-fishing experience for me. It’s not always about catching a fish – but it helps if you do! 


I had the pleasure of fishing with friend and mentor Bruce Miller on the famed South Holston and its sister river the Watauga near Bristol, TN last weekend. We were expertly guided by Brady Carter from The South Holston River Company, who managed to put us on fish despite low water dam releases courtesy of the TVA. 


Day one on the Watauga was a solid streamer day with drizzle and clouds. After a quick take at the ramp, it was quiet for the next hour until I switched to a sink tip and bam, game on! Not a large quantity of fish but quality fish on the Watauga. We even enjoyed a great olive hatch towards the end of the day and had a few smalls on dries. 


Day two on the South Holston was about quantity with nearly two dozen small browns and rainbows taken on nymphs, dries, and streamers too! Pretty much action from put in to pull out.


We began each day with great breakfasts from Hickory Tree Grocery and ended each day with meals at 620 State, Bloom, and Southern Craft BBQ. Thanks, Brady, for a great two days on the water!


Driving playlist included “Walking on The Moon” The Police, “Big Fool Of The Year” George Jones, “Tennessee” Shawn Colvin, “Good Times, Bad Times” Led Zeppelin.

March 5, 2023

February 26, 2023

February 26, 2023

A big thank you to John, Angie, and the entire staff at the Bagel Chateau in Maplewood, NJ for letting us do a little in-store promotion for SFF this weekend. 

I had a chance to talk to a lot of great people (while scarfing down the best bagel in NJ) about fly fishing, saltwater fishing, moms interested in gift trips for kids, a husband th

A big thank you to John, Angie, and the entire staff at the Bagel Chateau in Maplewood, NJ for letting us do a little in-store promotion for SFF this weekend. 

I had a chance to talk to a lot of great people (while scarfing down the best bagel in NJ) about fly fishing, saltwater fishing, moms interested in gift trips for kids, a husband thinking about giving a gift trip for his wife, and more than a few dudes and dudette’s just looking for some alone time learning to fish on the fly. Pretty cool.


For many people, like my repeat clients Nancy and Jo who fished with me on Sunday afternoon, just being out in the relative quiet on a New Jersey stream like the Pequest is all they need. Catching a fish is a bonus.


Luckily Nancy had one Sunday. Phew. It was only her second time nymphing and she got back in the groove quickly. She hooked up on a sizeable rainbow trout using a #16 Walt’s with a chartreuse bead head. Got it almost to the net but with a last head shake it was off. C’est la vie.


All of the folks I talked to at the Bagel Chateau Saturday had the same reaction to fly fishing - it sounds intimidating or a bit of a posh sport. It doesn’t have to be. Get outside!

  

Driving playlist “Conversation” Joni Mitchell, “For Turiya” Charlie Haden, “I Need You” The Beatles, “If I Ever Was A Child” Wilco, “Ausencias” Astor Piazzolla.

February 26, 2023

February 26, 2023

February 26, 2023

We all love and hate New Jersey, I know. We hate the traffic, the new Karens who just moved from Brooklyn complaining about the lack of almond butter choices at Stop & Shop, and the generally high cost of living. But there’s much to love about the Garden State - especially some wonderful green spaces and great public access to some beauti

We all love and hate New Jersey, I know. We hate the traffic, the new Karens who just moved from Brooklyn complaining about the lack of almond butter choices at Stop & Shop, and the generally high cost of living. But there’s much to love about the Garden State - especially some wonderful green spaces and great public access to some beautiful trout waters like the Mighty Musconetcong River.


Jon from Jersey City (via Ladysmith, South Africa) is an experienced fly fisherman and marathon runner. He’s moved to U.S. for the next two years for business and I think we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other on the water. With cold weather gear in hand, Jon reached out to us to get a jump on his NJ trout fishing experience. 


Winter fishing is about getting your flies low in the water column and having your expectations even lower. With the weird winter weather we’ve been having the fishing has not been as predictable as years past. But with the right levels of persistence and patience it has been productive. Jon did a great job of getting the knack for nymphing and was rewarded with his first NJ trout despite early morning temps in the high 20’s. Baie geluk, Jon!


Driving playlist “Shotgun Down the Avalanche” Shawn Colvin, “Blue Heron Suite” Sarah Jarosz, “Dance On” Gaz Coombes, “The Changingman” Paul Weller, “The Milkman of Human Kindness” Billy Bragg.

February 5, 2023

December 27, 2022

February 5, 2023

Did you know that February 5 is National Weather Person’s Day? If I knew one personally, I would have thanked them for the min-thaw we had yesterday. I fished a section of New Jersey’s Mighty Musky that I haven’t fished in a few years. I wanted to test the notion that after a few days of a deep freeze and not eating, trout will be a littl

Did you know that February 5 is National Weather Person’s Day? If I knew one personally, I would have thanked them for the min-thaw we had yesterday. I fished a section of New Jersey’s Mighty Musky that I haven’t fished in a few years. I wanted to test the notion that after a few days of a deep freeze and not eating, trout will be a little more aggressive when they see a fly. Theory confirmed.


With air temps in the high 40’s, mostly cloudy skies, and flows at 250 CFS it was a very good winter fishing day. My winter expectations are low. If I net 1-2 fish, I’m very happy. I had 4 in the net. (Had I been paying better attention to my drift and not talking with my fellow fisherman on the banks, I would’ve had three more).


“Eggstacy” is over for now. I started with an egg pattern below another fly. After 20-min in a deep pool with no luck, I switched to a #16 Pat’s Rubber Legs above an #18 BWO perdigon. Bamn, game on for the rest of the day. Had a chat with two young first time fly fishers and gave them a Pat’s, a spool of tippet, and the spot. I moved down stream and after a while I think I heard some hooting and hollering.


Driving playlist “Wah Wah” George Harrison, “All Soul” Hubert Laws, “Run, Baby, Run” Sheryl Crow, “The Changingman” Paul Weller, “You and I” Black Ivory.

January 1, 2023

December 27, 2022

February 5, 2023

Okay, I get it. I have a problem. Some might call it an addiction. It’s New Year’s Day 2023 and I’m looking for trout on one of my favorite New Jersey streams. Knee deep in 40-degree water under a beautiful blue sky, little wind, flows around 180 CFS, off-color water, and air temps hovering around 50. An awesome winter fishing day.


Winter 

Okay, I get it. I have a problem. Some might call it an addiction. It’s New Year’s Day 2023 and I’m looking for trout on one of my favorite New Jersey streams. Knee deep in 40-degree water under a beautiful blue sky, little wind, flows around 180 CFS, off-color water, and air temps hovering around 50. An awesome winter fishing day.


Winter fishing is not for everyone but is a great remedy for cabin fever (and a slight hangover from a great bottle of 2018 Givry Clos Saint Paul burgundy).

 

I hit two NJ rivers on the first day of 2023 and had five hookups with four in the net including a small but beautiful wild brook trout. After using a tandem rig and snagging the trees a couple of times, I cut one off and used a single #14 hot pink egg pattern using the Eggstacy material. Bam, game on for the rest of the day.


Winter fishing isn’t for everyone but is right for anyone who doesn’t mind layering up and getting out on the water!


Driving playlist Hank Mobley Quintet 1957 Remastered “Funk In Deep Freeze”, “Wham and They’re Off”, “Fin De L’Affaire”, “Startin’ From Scratch”, “Base On Balls.”

December 27, 2022

December 27, 2022

December 27, 2022

Before 2022 slipped away, we had the chance to float with our friend Steven Shen from STS Guide Service and new friend Zach Eason from Blue Line Adventures for steelhead on the fabled Salmon River.  


Emily, Peter, and Nish all found fish – some fresh in from Lake Ontario and some that have been in the river a while.


For late December, condi

Before 2022 slipped away, we had the chance to float with our friend Steven Shen from STS Guide Service and new friend Zach Eason from Blue Line Adventures for steelhead on the fabled Salmon River.  


Emily, Peter, and Nish all found fish – some fresh in from Lake Ontario and some that have been in the river a while.


For late December, conditions were pretty good, dare I say balmy. At 28 degrees and little wind, we were able to concentrate on the bite and not keeping warm. We didn’t have to navigate too many wade fisherman with flows around 750 CFS.


Steelhead are migratory rainbow trout measured in pounds and not inches on these waters. Even in the cold, these fish put up a good fight and are beautiful up close. We highly recommend fishing with Steve and Zach for a Salmon River or Oswego River float trip for big fish like Steelhead on any tackle. 


Driving playlist “Beth” Kiss, “Take it to the Limit” The Eagles, “Wah-Wah” George Harrison, “Strange Magic” ELO, “Cold, Cold Heart” Hank Williams.

November 25, 2022

November 25, 2022

December 27, 2022

Direct from NYC, Peter and Nish joined me for a little post-Turkey wade trip today! The mild temps and good ‘nuff water flows have given us some extra innings here in New Jersey to cast a fly as we approach early winter. 


While our morning started off cloudy and damp by lunch it was bright, sunny. A very pleasant day after Thanksgiving. Th

Direct from NYC, Peter and Nish joined me for a little post-Turkey wade trip today! The mild temps and good ‘nuff water flows have given us some extra innings here in New Jersey to cast a fly as we approach early winter. 


While our morning started off cloudy and damp by lunch it was bright, sunny. A very pleasant day after Thanksgiving. The fish didn’t seem to mind the high sun as we had a few hook-ups and a couple in the net pretty quickly. 


Again, we had to move around and target specific rocks and structure frequently to find them. But they were there! Most fish were hooked on #14 egg pattern but a couple on an orange and green perdigon deal size #16.


Tomorrow I’m likely to put down the 5-weight rod and pick up my 9-weight and hit the surf looking for striped bass on the fly. The 2023 fall run has been epic by all accounts and not showing any signs of letting up anytime soon!
 

Driving playlist “Last Goodbye” Jeff Buckley, “This Forgotten Town” The Jayhawks, “Downtown Train” Tom Waits, “High Hopes” Frank Sinatra.

November 11, 2022

November 25, 2022

November 11, 2022

I’ve known Chuck D since we were five years old, but this was the very fish time we fished together. Work, kids, music, and a host of other things got in the way. We finally made the time and hit a couple of NJ trout streams with fly rods in hand. Thanks to the clouds and rain, the trout bite was pretty good for most of the day. 


We starte

I’ve known Chuck D since we were five years old, but this was the very fish time we fished together. Work, kids, music, and a host of other things got in the way. We finally made the time and hit a couple of NJ trout streams with fly rods in hand. Thanks to the clouds and rain, the trout bite was pretty good for most of the day. 


We started off on the Pequest and had to hunt to find the fish. After hitting a couple of pools that didn’t produce, we walked upstream in the shallowest parts hitting every rock and branch with a cast or two. It’s important on days like theses not to get “standitis” and stay in one spot too long. Keep moving.


A few casts behind a big rock and fish on (and off)! Still, we found one. A few steps up the river near a fallen tree and we landed a colored-up rainbow trout. Then another one! A quick stop at a known honey hole farther up river and wham-o! Another in the net. 


We hit one more NJ river and landed two more fish on an egg pattern. In between casts, catching up talking about our kids and the many moments of youthful stupidity that we shared. The day ended perfectly with a pint at Darby Road Tavern in Scotch Plains. Sláinte!


Driving playlist “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” The Pogues, “My Way” Sid Vicious, “Sir Duke” Stevie Wonder,” “Veronica” Elvis Costello.

November 10, 2022

November 25, 2022

November 11, 2022

If you like fishing a streamer tight to the bank, you’ll love saltwater fly fishing. I’m just a few years new to the salt but have developed a passion for catching slot and schoolie stripers on a fly rod. 


At the last minute, I reached out to our friend Capt. Joe Mattioli from On the Bite NYC Charters about a 6-hour trip on Raritan Bay. Wi

If you like fishing a streamer tight to the bank, you’ll love saltwater fly fishing. I’m just a few years new to the salt but have developed a passion for catching slot and schoolie stripers on a fly rod. 


At the last minute, I reached out to our friend Capt. Joe Mattioli from On the Bite NYC Charters about a 6-hour trip on Raritan Bay. With a reply of “afternoon top water bite has been awesome” I booked a trip with fellow DRC guide Bruce Miller along in tow. It did not disappoint. With over 30 hook ups and a dozen fish in the next six-hours. 


Fish were busting on the surface all over the place, all you had to do was just follow the birds. Most of the eats were on the surface or high in the water column. We highly recommend fishing with Capt. Joe. Don’t rush out to buy any salt gear, he’s got everything you need for the trip.


The striper season has a few more weeks in it, so give him a call today! https://www.fishingnyc.com/


Driving playlist “Be Real” The Sir Douglas Quintet, “Too Much Water” George Jones, “That I’ll Be The Day” Buddy Holly & the Crickets, “I Need You” The Beatles

November 6, 2022

November 6, 2022

November 6, 2022

We got a rare and much-needed rainy day here in New Jersey. Fishing is sooooooo much better with clouds, a little rain, and high humidity. I guided my Maplewood neighbor Alex around two streams and he killed it. He got the knack for nymphing quickly and landed two rainbow trout on a size #14 egg pattern within the first 30-minutes. Two mo

We got a rare and much-needed rainy day here in New Jersey. Fishing is sooooooo much better with clouds, a little rain, and high humidity. I guided my Maplewood neighbor Alex around two streams and he killed it. He got the knack for nymphing quickly and landed two rainbow trout on a size #14 egg pattern within the first 30-minutes. Two more hook ups then we moved around to a few other spots without a hit. We drove upstream and lost a demo fish, it looked like an elusive brown trout. 20-minutes later and Alex found a colored-up rainbow. Yes!


After lunch we hit another NJ river about 20-minutes away and lucky to find some open water – it was a tad crowded. Nevertheless, Alex read the water well and landed two more rainbows before we called it a day.


Five in the net is not always the case with first-time fly fishers but the cloudy rainy skies coupled with Alex’s attention to casting paid off. A great day for client and guide capped off with a Guinness and a Jameson at Pickett’s Village Tavern here in Maplewood. Thanks, Alex!


Driving playlist “Cape Town” The Young Veins, “My Sharona” The Knack, “Stand and Deliver” Adam Ant, “Rain Dogs” Tom Waits, “Court and Spark” Joni Mitchell.

November 5, 2022

November 6, 2022

November 6, 2022

Despite having a very busy month doing trout trips I had a day off and hired Capt. Zach Flake to get in some striped bass fishing on the fly with Peter.


I first heard of Zach last year as the only guide to fish the Meadowlands and Newark Bay for slot and schoolie fish. Over the last 20-years these waters have become clean, healthy, and ful

Despite having a very busy month doing trout trips I had a day off and hired Capt. Zach Flake to get in some striped bass fishing on the fly with Peter.


I first heard of Zach last year as the only guide to fish the Meadowlands and Newark Bay for slot and schoolie fish. Over the last 20-years these waters have become clean, healthy, and full of bait fish thanks to federal and state clean water regulations. Yes, the aesthetic may not be everyone’s cuppa tea, but finding schools of stripers eating off the surface is exciting anywhere. 


We put in before first light and got down just below the bridge for Route 78. As slack tide gave way, the blitz was on! Big fish, little fish all taking a fly stripped back to the boat quickly.


Peter took first blood with a slot fish and then we had a double and then another double. It was full-on. As the sun got higher, winds more intense, and tides changed again the bite slowed and we called it a day. If you like streamer fishing but never tried the salt with a fly rod, give Zach a call! You can contact him on his website www.flywaychartersnj.com
 

Driving playlist “Adult Diversion” Alvvays, “So Very Hard To Go” Tower of Power, “Tales From The Riverbank” The Jam, “Hackensack” Fountains of Wayne.

November 4, 2022

November 6, 2022

November 4, 2022

Author and fisherman Les found us after a quick search for NJ+Fly+Fishing+Guides. Seems our SEM is working pretty well! 

After a few emails, he booked a half-day wade trip on NJ’s longest river to break out his fly gear.


Every day is different when it comes to fishing. Conditions change and fish often move around finding the right balance o

Author and fisherman Les found us after a quick search for NJ+Fly+Fishing+Guides. Seems our SEM is working pretty well! 

After a few emails, he booked a half-day wade trip on NJ’s longest river to break out his fly gear.


Every day is different when it comes to fishing. Conditions change and fish often move around finding the right balance of protection and food. We hit some often-producing spots that didn’t produce. The bright sun didn’t seem to help. Ugh.


After 90-minutes working two runs and pools unsuccessfully and changing from eggs to perdigons to pheasant tails we hit another part of the river that has been good but not always great. Well, it was great today! 


This spot is a classic bend pool with a short riffle at the top, a deep mid-section and shallow tail out. Second cast into the deepest and darkest spot with an egg fly and bam, fish on! Next, we targeted a fallen tree and with the phase “wood is good” in mind. Les peppered the stretch just a few more times before landing another ‘bow that we watched come out from under the submerged tree. Perfect! 

We hit one more spot that just didn’t produce as the sun stared to fall behind the hills. Next time.


Driving playlist “Money Changes Everything” Cyndi Lauper, “Man In The Corner Shop” The Jam, “The Groove Merchant” Mel Lewis, “No Matter Where We Go” Whitney.

October 30, 2022

October 30, 2022

November 4, 2022

The best gifts for me to give family and friends are experience gifts. Caleb was gifted a full-day fly fishing trip by his parents for his 17th birthday last Spring. We rescheduled the outing twice as conditions deteriorated quickly by late May and not up to our standards for NJ fishing. So, we rolled the dice and waited till the Fall. It

The best gifts for me to give family and friends are experience gifts. Caleb was gifted a full-day fly fishing trip by his parents for his 17th birthday last Spring. We rescheduled the outing twice as conditions deteriorated quickly by late May and not up to our standards for NJ fishing. So, we rolled the dice and waited till the Fall. It paid off.


The fishing picked up by mid-morning with Caleb’s dad landing the first trout. Undeterred, Caleb quickly hooked up on two other fish. Water temps were in the l ow-mid 50’s and levels were okay but we still need more rain and a lot of snow this winter to make up for this year’s drought. That would be the best gift Mother Nature could give us all.


After lunch (PB&J on Dave’s Killer Bread), we took a quick drive to hit another river, a usual “honey hole.” After 30-mins of no honey, we hit one more spot. Our prayers to the God of Nymphing (Lance Egan) paid off and Caleb landed his “birthday ‘bow." Two in the net and two other hookups, memories were made.


Driving playlist Impressions” John Coltrane, “Pump It Up” Elvis Costello, “Nobody” Mitski, “Gunslinging Bird” Mingus Big Band, “Moanin’” Mingus Big Band.“

October 29, 2022

October 30, 2022

October 29, 2022

Daniel was referred to me from a friend and eager to learn more about fly fishing while getting out with his two sons for a half-day wade trip. They had a great time! 


Daniel had used a fly rod before but his boys were completely new to casting, mending, and setting the hook. With four fish in the net, I'd say they are quick learners!


Egg p

Daniel was referred to me from a friend and eager to learn more about fly fishing while getting out with his two sons for a half-day wade trip. They had a great time! 


Daniel had used a fly rod before but his boys were completely new to casting, mending, and setting the hook. With four fish in the net, I'd say they are quick learners!


Egg pattens and the IPW got the job done from first light to lunchtime. After telling his youngest Nathan to cast near a fallen tree, I turned around to see him hooked up. Noah was also a quick study too and landed fish. Both boys were very attentive to mending and making sure their flies got to the bottom. 


Fly fishing isn’t easy to learn on the first outing. Today was a day that guides love. Our clients were great students and their attention to detail was rewarded with a “tug.” Well done!
 

Driving playlist “Black Codes” Wynton Marsalis, “It’s Been A Long Long Time” Harry James, “My Favorite Things” John Coltrane. “Folsom Prison Blues” Johnny Cash.

October 27, 2022

October 30, 2022

October 29, 2022

I met John earlier this year on the Delaware guiding a series of float trips with his long-time fishin’ buddies. Hailing from NYC’s forgotten borough, John asked me about showing him some new spots in Jersey to cast a fly rod. 


He’s an excellent and experienced fisherman and just started playing around with euro nymphing, a technique that 

I met John earlier this year on the Delaware guiding a series of float trips with his long-time fishin’ buddies. Hailing from NYC’s forgotten borough, John asked me about showing him some new spots in Jersey to cast a fly rod. 


He’s an excellent and experienced fisherman and just started playing around with euro nymphing, a technique that can be especially useful in the low and clear waters of autumn. He’s a perfect client and great company on the water.


In less than 30-minutes, we found fish in the faster riffles. After a few fish and hookups, we traveled upriver to a nice stretch that can hold wild fish. Less than ten casts on the first spot and we’re on a rainbow but off just a quickly. Getting tight fast is especially important with a barbless jig hook. 


We had fish on an egg imitation and my new favorite fly “The Duracell.”  After a quick bite of a sandwich from Oscar’s in Millburn, NJ we took a short drive to the Pequest TCA. While they are plenty of fish around, it gets a lot of pressure. We had one hook up in the afternoon but by 3 the bite had turned off. C’est la vie. 


Driving playlist “Broken Stones” Paul Weller, “Breakdown” Tom Petty, “I Fall To Pieces” Patsy Cline, “It Hurts Me” Cootie Williams, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” Elton & Kiki

October 23, 2022

October 23, 2022

October 23, 2022

“When you put your hand in a flowing stream, you touch the last that has gone before and the first of what is still to come.” Leonardo Da Vinci. 


My grandfather introduced me to fly fishing. We only got to fish a few times before he passed but it created a lifetime passion. As a guide, part of the fun taking people fishing is reliving your

“When you put your hand in a flowing stream, you touch the last that has gone before and the first of what is still to come.” Leonardo Da Vinci. 


My grandfather introduced me to fly fishing. We only got to fish a few times before he passed but it created a lifetime passion. As a guide, part of the fun taking people fishing is reliving your first time and first fish with people.


We had the pleasure of fishing with fellow Maplewood residents, Luke, and his father Paul. Luke is a fishing enthusiast, keen on learning the ways of the fly – like a good padawan. After finding some open water and dodging hordes of spin fisherman (yes, I’m a bit of a snob) we put Paul and Luke into some pockets that often hold fish.


After getting the knack for the water load, Luke concentrated on pocket water near some big rocks. A quick change to a #18 BWO perdigon fly, and bam he's hooked up with a slob of a rainbow trout. The look on his face was priceless, one of total surprise, fear, and joy. Unfortunately, we lost him. Damn.


Fighting a fish is often a crash course for newbies but with his supportive parents, Luke is well on his well to fly fishing mastery!


Driving playlist “Time Passages” Al Stewart, “Amongst Butterflies” Paul Weller, “Big Rock Candy Mountain” Pete Seeger, “Deeper Down” Wilco.

October 22, 2022

October 23, 2022

October 23, 2022

Autumn fly fishing is fun with fewer people around but is not easy. Water levels are lower in the fall, water clearer, and a “maple leaf hatch” challenges both newbies and veterans alike. 


Lex saw one of our posters at The Bagel Chateau in Maplewood Village (Thanks, John) and contacted us about doing a half-day wade trip. With some fly exp

Autumn fly fishing is fun with fewer people around but is not easy. Water levels are lower in the fall, water clearer, and a “maple leaf hatch” challenges both newbies and veterans alike. 


Lex saw one of our posters at The Bagel Chateau in Maplewood Village (Thanks, John) and contacted us about doing a half-day wade trip. With some fly experience under his belt, Lex was interested in learning more about nymphing and where he might find a cooperative trout in NJ. We thought we could help.


We fished the Musconetcong, New Jersey’s longest river which empties into the Delaware near Milford, NJ. The colder nights turned the fish off a bit and required that we moved from spot to spot. 

 

Nymphing is especially important in the fall and winter. As temps drop, the fish will move into slower and deeper parts of a river where they use less energy but can still access food. Lex used a tandem rig with a Prince and a Walt’s with a chartreuse tungsten bead to get down to the fish. 


Well done, Lex! See you in the spring.


Driving playlist “Beauty and the Beast” Wayne Shorter, “Indian Summer” Joe Walsh, “Pictures of Me” Elliott Smith, “San Antonio Baby” Raul Malo.

October 21, 2022

October 23, 2022

October 21, 2022

Kenny was gifted a walk and wade trip with Suburban Fly Fishers by his wife for his birthday a few months ago. 


Between personal schedules and fishing conditions it took a while to get the trip in but we were finally able to get out on the water. And it was worth the wait!


With the Flatbrook flows slightly above average, we took a drive up 

Kenny was gifted a walk and wade trip with Suburban Fly Fishers by his wife for his birthday a few months ago. 


Between personal schedules and fishing conditions it took a while to get the trip in but we were finally able to get out on the water. And it was worth the wait!


With the Flatbrook flows slightly above average, we took a drive up into the skylands to see if we could find a few fish. After a slow start, the bite picked up late morning and was pretty good all day. 


Egg patterns, IPW's and Walt's Worms brought a few fish to the net and one that got away.


Kenny had fished a lot with his father, but now with kids of his own, he hasn't had a lot of free time to cast a fly. I'm glad we could get him out. I think after today, we might find him exploring NJ's trout streams a little more.


Driving playlist “Be Real” The Sir Douglas Quintet, “Too Much Water” George Jones, “That I’ll Be The Day” Buddy Holly & the Crickets, “I Need You” The Beatles

October 17, 2022

October 1-2, 2022

October 21, 2022

As much as I like to think I’m guiding my clients on trips, they are in fact, guiding me. Nancy and Jo reached out to me about doing a half-day wade trip. Both ladies are over 70 years young and inspirational (and adorable).


Wade fishing is not easy and the slick rocks make it challenging for young and old alike. But to get to where the fi

As much as I like to think I’m guiding my clients on trips, they are in fact, guiding me. Nancy and Jo reached out to me about doing a half-day wade trip. Both ladies are over 70 years young and inspirational (and adorable).


Wade fishing is not easy and the slick rocks make it challenging for young and old alike. But to get to where the fish are, you’ve often need to get “out there.” 


With wading staff (and old rake handle) in hand, Nancy and Jo took it slow and got into some spots that usually produce a fish or two. Usually is the operative word. 


Despite getting a feel for nymphing, we came up short in a few spots. Frustrating. I’ve never wanted to see someone hook up on a fish as much as I did for Nancy and Jo. It’s been a very productive year at least 95% of the time (57 trips YTD with only 3 days skunked). Hated that they fell into the 5% but they didn’t seem to mind. 


Getting out on the river, learning a new skill, successfully navigating some treacherous rocks, and only getting caught in the tree twice was seen as a good day. Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness.


Driving playlist "Fisherman’s Blues" The Waterboys, "Cruel" Calexico, "Social Call” Betty Carter, “The Harder They Come” Jimmy Cliff.

October 15, 2022

October 1-2, 2022

October 1-2, 2022

There are a lot of nuances to fly casting whether a nymph, steamer, or dry fly. Add an upstream wind of 20 mph and gusts over 30 at times, well, it's frigging hard just getting the simplest of lobs over the boat.


Kat and Bill visited the Delaware River Club as part of an Albany, NY area fly fishing group. This was their first-time fishing 

There are a lot of nuances to fly casting whether a nymph, steamer, or dry fly. Add an upstream wind of 20 mph and gusts over 30 at times, well, it's frigging hard just getting the simplest of lobs over the boat.


Kat and Bill visited the Delaware River Club as part of an Albany, NY area fly fishing group. This was their first-time fishing from a drift boat, and they did great despite the howling wind.

 

After a quick demo fish on a stonefly nymph at the launch, we struggled against the wind for the next few hours. While the back channels provided some slight protection against the gusts, they provided no fish to net.

 
After rejoining the main river and fighting two-foot swells, (really, no kidding) the wind let up just enough for us to find a few rising fish at the end of the trip. Their persistence paid off!

 
Bill threw a BWO dry to a small pod of rising fish and bam, a whole day’s worth of windburn was gone. I think they got the Delaware "flu" and we'll see them in 2023!


Driving playlist "Ain't No Telling" Jimi Hendrix, "Delfeayo's Dilemma" Wynton Marsalis, "Against The Wind" Bob Seeger, "Jackson" Johnny Cash.

October 1-2, 2022

October 1-2, 2022

October 1-2, 2022

Uncle Terry from Florida, braved the early autumn chill of the Catskills for a few days of fly fishing. Although more of a salt spin guy, he caught on early to nymphing from a drift boat and wading.


With low but cold water, we floated from the mid-section of the West Branch. After a couple of hits, Terry very quietly landed a beautiful bro

Uncle Terry from Florida, braved the early autumn chill of the Catskills for a few days of fly fishing. Although more of a salt spin guy, he caught on early to nymphing from a drift boat and wading.


With low but cold water, we floated from the mid-section of the West Branch. After a couple of hits, Terry very quietly landed a beautiful brown trout on a Walt's Worm with an orange bead. By the end of the evening, we had a hatch of olives and landed another on a Hebe #18 dun pattern. 


The next day we fished the Main Stem and saw fewer fish despite favorable general conditions. Kinda sucked. After wading in a few spots without netting a fish, we finally landed a colored-up rainbow trout. Phew, not skunked!


The last day on the river showed us what a sensative resource this waterway is. The NYS DEP changed the flow from the dam to a piss of 100 CFS from a meager 300 CFS just the day beore sending the fish in to a state of shock and likley hurting the fall spawn. We can do better.


Driving playlist "Needle and the Damage Done" Neil Young, "New Lace Sleeves" Elvis Costello, "Chain of Fools" Aretha Franklin, "Friday" Joe Jackson.

September 17-18, 2022

September 17-18, 2022

September 17-18, 2022

Jody and his son Paul visit the Upper Delaware River every year for a weekend retreat that connects the spiritual life to many aspects of fly fishing.


We fished a half-day on the lower West Branch of the Delaware. Despite the low (but cold) water and high sun I thought we could find at least one fish willing to take a nymph or dry fly. We 

Jody and his son Paul visit the Upper Delaware River every year for a weekend retreat that connects the spiritual life to many aspects of fly fishing.


We fished a half-day on the lower West Branch of the Delaware. Despite the low (but cold) water and high sun I thought we could find at least one fish willing to take a nymph or dry fly. We didn't. Nada. Zlich.


While I was pretty upset, Jody who lead the retreat reminded me that it's not just about the fishing. Time with his son on the water and gathering with friends was the core of his trip. Sage advice.


The next day I had husband and wife Richard and Tamar, long time fisher people and a lovely couple. While we didn't get skunked, fishing was lackluster. 


But over the course of the day, we had many laughs and conversations that reminded me again it's not just about the fishing. Thanks, Richard and Tamar for your great company and dinner too!


 

Driving playlist "Morning Morgantown" Joni Mitchell, "Wade In The Water" Young Holt, "Martha" Tom Waits, "If You Love Somebody" Sting.

September 16, 2022

September 17-18, 2022

September 17-18, 2022

Athan and his dad were first-timers on the Delaware and looking to test their skills on these fabled waters. With water temps good on both the West and Main, we set out on a full-day float out of the Delaware River Club.

 
While water flows were still below preferred levels, water temps and mostly cloudy skies gave us a good amount of opti

Athan and his dad were first-timers on the Delaware and looking to test their skills on these fabled waters. With water temps good on both the West and Main, we set out on a full-day float out of the Delaware River Club.

 
While water flows were still below preferred levels, water temps and mostly cloudy skies gave us a good amount of optimism. 

 
Before too long, we had hooked up on two fish using a fire orange Walt's Worm. Alas, they didn't make it into the net. With a third LDR (long distance release) at the storied Home Pool, I could feel my blood pressure rising as the sun dropped behind the clouds.

 
We hit the main by midafternoon and were greeted with a few consistently sporadic rising fish. Yup. Before too long, back to the nymph rod to pick up a few more fish. Patience and persistence. This time one made it to the net!


Driving playlist "Social Call” Betty Carter, “Miss Misery” Elliott Smith, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” U2, “Driven To Tears” The Police.

September 11, 2022

September 17-18, 2022

September 11, 2022

On this very solemn day, I had the privilege to support a very worthy organization, Paint the Delaware Pink. PTDP offers the “Hooked on Hope” weekend fly fishing retreat for breast cancer survivors. The three-day event provides women who have battled through this awful disease, a chance to experience the beauty of the Upper Delaware and e

On this very solemn day, I had the privilege to support a very worthy organization, Paint the Delaware Pink. PTDP offers the “Hooked on Hope” weekend fly fishing retreat for breast cancer survivors. The three-day event provides women who have battled through this awful disease, a chance to experience the beauty of the Upper Delaware and expand their support network.


Hosted at The Delaware River Club, we did a short float to cap off a weekend’s worth of fly-fishing education along with a lot of laughs, tears, and fish! 


I had the privilege of having Dr. Karen in the boat. An experienced fly fisherwoman and OBGYN, Dr. Karen put her flies in all the right places but didn’t find fish until the last 200 yards of the trip. 


In short order, she landed an 18-inch colored up brown (shown) and a 17-inch rainbow on a fire orange and chartreuse beaded Walt’s. The doctor was most definitely in!


http://www.paintthedelawarepink.com to learn how you can support or participate!


Driving playlist “Court & Spark” Joni Mitchell, “New Friend” Aqualung, “Tell Her This” Del Amitri, “The Only Mama That’ll Walk The Line” Linda Rondtadt.

August 28-29, 2022

August 28-29, 2022

September 11, 2022

Fran, Dick, and John are long-time fishin' buddies who do a few float trips each year on the Upper Delaware River. All are excellent fishermen and good guys to be around.


I was on a two-boat prime-time evening float for my friends from the Delaware River Club and had John, a former NYC school teacher both nights in the boat.


Despite the yo-

Fran, Dick, and John are long-time fishin' buddies who do a few float trips each year on the Upper Delaware River. All are excellent fishermen and good guys to be around.


I was on a two-boat prime-time evening float for my friends from the Delaware River Club and had John, a former NYC school teacher both nights in the boat.


Despite the yo-yo water levels both evenings, we found some rising fish on the Upper and Lower sections of the West Branch. Each night John used a hopper dropper or a dry dropper set up with some success. On evening two, we had fish on a #14 Purple Haze, a #16 Steely Dan dropper, and a #14 Sexy Walt's dropper with hot orange bead. Aside from the Walt's, a very musical fly selection.


Over the two trips we had 9 solid fish including the fish pictured above which measured 19-inches. Give my friends a call at the DRC about a full, half-day, or 3 hour prime-time float. Great way to see the river!


 

Driving playlist "Purple Haze" Jimi Hendrix, "Reelin' In The Years" Steely Dan, "And Your Bird Can Sing" The Beatles, "Kiss Me On The Bus" The Replacements.

August 27, 2022

August 28-29, 2022

August 27, 2022

Maplewood, NJ is a great community, we've been there for over 20-years. We have some great neighbors but none like Paul. I’d come home from trips and Paul would always ask how it went and what’s fly fishing all about anyway. So, I dragged him from suburban New Jersey to the relative wilds of the Catskills for his first ever fly-fishing tr

Maplewood, NJ is a great community, we've been there for over 20-years. We have some great neighbors but none like Paul. I’d come home from trips and Paul would always ask how it went and what’s fly fishing all about anyway. So, I dragged him from suburban New Jersey to the relative wilds of the Catskills for his first ever fly-fishing trip. Joined by his son-in-law John, we floated the upper west branch in search of at least one rainbow or brown trout. One is all it takes for me. And, well…um one is all we got. 


At 72 years young, Paul took to nymphing from the boat pretty quickly. We landed a nice 16-inch brown on a “fly formerly known as Prince” nymph within the first hour. Sometimes, quick success can be a bad thing. 


With dropping water levels and bright sun the fish were a tad picky the rest of the float. We put a streamer rod in John’s hand and he moved several fish and hooked one but nothing in the net.

Never stop learning or trying new things. We hope to see Paul and John on the river again soon!

 

Driving playlist "Beyond The Sea" Bobby Darin,"Tommy" The Who, "Inagodadvida" Iron Butterfly, "Feels Like The First Time" Foreigner.

August 26, 2022

August 28-29, 2022

August 27, 2022

As summer drifts into early fall, streamer fishing can pick up if/when conditions are right. Thomas is a fishing guide from western Pennsylvania who spends two weeks camping on the Delaware every year before returning to his local waters near Erie, PA for the fall run.


He booked at trip through the Delaware River Club and wanted to chase s

As summer drifts into early fall, streamer fishing can pick up if/when conditions are right. Thomas is a fishing guide from western Pennsylvania who spends two weeks camping on the Delaware every year before returning to his local waters near Erie, PA for the fall run.


He booked at trip through the Delaware River Club and wanted to chase some brown trout on a streamer. I thought I could help him. With the low light, high cold water, and favorable turbidity, the bite was on! He landed his first of four fish within 200 yards of the ramp on a black crystal bugger. It worked all day. 


Three of the four were over 16-inches and the best was 18. Nice! Over the course of the morning, we moved another 8 fish with the tell-tale boil behind his fly.

 

Driving playlist "Cape Town" The Young Veins, "She's Fetching" Big Dipper", "Milonga Del Angel" Astor Pizzolla, "Dear God" XTC.

August 25, 2022

August 19-22, 2022

August 19-22, 2022

A full-day float trip with college buddies Alex and Alex proved to be very successful thanks to a dam release of nearly 1,000 CFS. With the off-colored cold water, the fish were happy to take a sulphur, olive, and even an Amy’s Ant pattern.


We put in about noon and had dry fly targets almost instantly. Alex (shown with fish) who now hails 

A full-day float trip with college buddies Alex and Alex proved to be very successful thanks to a dam release of nearly 1,000 CFS. With the off-colored cold water, the fish were happy to take a sulphur, olive, and even an Amy’s Ant pattern.


We put in about noon and had dry fly targets almost instantly. Alex (shown with fish) who now hails from Northern Virginia, had been working on his casting long before this trip. It paid off. First cast nothing. Second cast, BAM! Fish on. 


With 7 fish in the net, 'da boys maximized the opportunities they had thanks to their casting practice before they ever wet a line on the Delaware. Practice makes perfect - or at least effective enough to land some pretty picky Delaware trout on a fly.

 

Driving playlist "All Is Well" Coby Petricone-Berg, "Shoot To Thrill" AC/DC, "Our Man Higgins" Lee Morgan, "Baby You've Been On My Mind" Linda Ronstadt.

August 19-22, 2022

August 19-22, 2022

August 19-22, 2022

It’s through teaching, that we learn. I had the chance to fish with world-class embryologist, and experienced fly fisherman Glenn on the Upper Delaware. Having spent the last 10 years in Colorado, his go-to fishing rig was a hopper dropper. It's something I just never did much of in NY, PA, or NJ. But I will now!

 

Ants, crickets, and beetl

It’s through teaching, that we learn. I had the chance to fish with world-class embryologist, and experienced fly fisherman Glenn on the Upper Delaware. Having spent the last 10 years in Colorado, his go-to fishing rig was a hopper dropper. It's something I just never did much of in NY, PA, or NJ. But I will now!

 

Ants, crickets, and beetles are a temporary but important part of a trout's diet in the last weeks of summer. With a cold-water release from the dam, fishing was excellent on a hopper dropper rig. Thanks for the lesson, Glenn. With the cooler water and nights, we fished the Main Stem which offered some targets as the last of the summer dipped behind the storied hills of the Catskills.

 

Driving playlist “Be Real” The Sir Douglas Quintet, “Too Much Water” George Jones, “That I’ll Be The Day” Buddy Holly & the Crickets, “I Need You” The Beatles

August 5-6, 2022

August 19-22, 2022

July 15 & 16, 2022

Jay and his family were visiting the Upper Delaware river for some kayaking, hiking, and fly fishing. His boys did a great job on their first fly fishing trip and we're quick learners with fishing from a drif boat. Thanks to cold water pulses, the lower west branch offered a few targets and a few fish without having to navigate between to

Jay and his family were visiting the Upper Delaware river for some kayaking, hiking, and fly fishing. His boys did a great job on their first fly fishing trip and we're quick learners with fishing from a drif boat. Thanks to cold water pulses, the lower west branch offered a few targets and a few fish without having to navigate between too many waders.


While we saw some rising fish in a few spots, nymphing gave us three fish in the net and most productive. While no real "bruisers" in the net, landing any fish on the Upper Delaware is a gift! Great job you guys!


Driving playlist “Yes And No” Branford Marsalis, “Wind That Shakes The Barley” Solas, “Contusion” Stevie Wonder, “The Race Is On” George Jones, "American Tune", Eva Cassidy.

July 15 & 16, 2022

July 15 & 16, 2022

July 15 & 16, 2022

Day one on the WBD gave us cold but low water and bluebird skies. We had consistent targets, several hookups, and a few fish in the net. Unfortunately, day two was a better wine day than fishing day. On day two, I was joined in the boat by long-time Delaware River Club regulars, George and Chris and their three pups. Excellent fly fisher 

Day one on the WBD gave us cold but low water and bluebird skies. We had consistent targets, several hookups, and a few fish in the net. Unfortunately, day two was a better wine day than fishing day. On day two, I was joined in the boat by long-time Delaware River Club regulars, George and Chris and their three pups. Excellent fly fisher people, lovely folks to spend a day with, and would-be sommeliers! 


George had a fish on a sulphur cripple early on and Chris had a few eats, but the fish were picky all day! After some riverside "shrimp on the barbie" courtesy of chef and guide Samantha Dennis, we struggled with fish eating only the smallest of sulphers and olives. After a few more misses, we called it a day enjoying a nice St. Emilion on the row out.


Driving playlist “Layla” Derek and the Dominos, “Never Been to Spain” Three Dog Night, “So Very Hard to Go” Tower of Power, “Rockaway Beach” Ramones. 

July 11, 2022

July 15 & 16, 2022

July 7 & 8, 2022

I had the chance to fish with Gus from Madison, NJ, one of the nicest young fishermen I've had the pleasure to work with. Gus is a long-time salt and spin fisherman but starting to develop his skills as a fly caster. 


As it's been too hot for trout, we hit a local reservoir to fish for bass and bluegill on the fly. If you're new to fly fis

I had the chance to fish with Gus from Madison, NJ, one of the nicest young fishermen I've had the pleasure to work with. Gus is a long-time salt and spin fisherman but starting to develop his skills as a fly caster. 


As it's been too hot for trout, we hit a local reservoir to fish for bass and bluegill on the fly. If you're new to fly fishing and want to pratice your casting stroke, pond and lake fishing can be just like hitting a driving range when working on your golf swing. Water temps were in the low 70's but the sun was high and sky clear. Not great. But as the sun started to set, the bluegill bite picked up using a small Sneaky Pete popper fly. Not big fish but fun fish!


Driving playlist "Miami 2017" Billy Joel, "Love Vigilantes" New Order, "My Back Pages" The Byrds, "Blue Sunday" Cootie Williams.

July 7 & 8, 2022

July 15 & 16, 2022

July 7 & 8, 2022

With NJ trout fishing on hold with the summer heat, we took in some "not so suburban" fly fishing on the West Branch of the Delaware River. A short evening float produced a few fish on dries, but the lower river didn't really get exciting until dusk and we couldn't see our fly. 


The next day, we stared just a mile below the dam where water

With NJ trout fishing on hold with the summer heat, we took in some "not so suburban" fly fishing on the West Branch of the Delaware River. A short evening float produced a few fish on dries, but the lower river didn't really get exciting until dusk and we couldn't see our fly. 


The next day, we stared just a mile below the dam where water temps were in the high 40's!! Dry fly fishing was excellent from the ramp until the sun got too high and the fish felt too pressed from the crowds. Sulphur emergers and cripples did the trick! A slow row downriver midafternoon and we found rising fish as the sun started to dip behind the mountains. Overall, five fish in the net and missed several other very picky fish.


Driving playlist "Come Fly With Me" Sinatra, "Black Codes" Wynton Marsalis, "I Am My Mother" Wilco, "Laughing" REM, "Grand Coulee Dam" Woody Guthrie.

July 1 & 2, 2022

July 1 & 2, 2022

July 1 & 2, 2022

Todd and Reed were visiting PA colleges and thought they would sneak in a half-day fly fishing trip on the way home. I'm glad they did! Despite the heat and high sun, we saw rising fish within 30-minutes of putting in. The bugs really came out once the sun started to set. Todd landed a few fish just below the 191 bridge on an olive and su

Todd and Reed were visiting PA colleges and thought they would sneak in a half-day fly fishing trip on the way home. I'm glad they did! Despite the heat and high sun, we saw rising fish within 30-minutes of putting in. The bugs really came out once the sun started to set. Todd landed a few fish just below the 191 bridge on an olive and sulphur pattern. Reed with the assist on the net! 


Bennett and Sharon joined me for a half-day the next day. Visiting from Sanoma, CA they were intown to take in the Dead & Co. show at Bethel Woods. Sharon nymphed up a chunky brown trout in within the first 20 minutes but it was a long distance release at the boat. A really good fish! Unlike the day before, we didn't see consistent risers until dusk and then it was game on for 30-minutes on a sulphur cripple pattern. Bennett had two and lost a few more. Hope they come visit the WBD next year.


Driving playlist "Clovers" Barrie, "Cold, Cold, Heart" Hank Williams Sr., "Ophelia" The Band, "I Know You Rider" The Grateful Dead, "Lucky Dime" Calexico.

June 11, 2022

July 1 & 2, 2022

July 1 & 2, 2022

Peter and I took a quick trip to fish the Pequest and get some freshwater time in together. I really love this NJ river, it's more of a creek but most standards. With plenty of action and only a few other anglers around, we felt alone which is really hard to do in NJ.


It was a nymph game all day with hot spot pheasant tails, caddis pupa, a

Peter and I took a quick trip to fish the Pequest and get some freshwater time in together. I really love this NJ river, it's more of a creek but most standards. With plenty of action and only a few other anglers around, we felt alone which is really hard to do in NJ.


It was a nymph game all day with hot spot pheasant tails, caddis pupa, and hares ears brining numerous rainbow trout to the net. We fished the waters in the trout conservation area (TCA) and then moved closer to the town of Belvidere to a classic honey hole. Temps remained in the low-mid 60's all day which helped with the bite!


Driving playlist "Waiting On A Friend" The Rolling Stones, "Rock Steady" Aretha Franklin, "Atlantic City" The Band, "Mendocino" Sir Douglas Quintet, "Jackson" Johnny Cash.

June 6, 2022

July 1 & 2, 2022

June 4 & 5, 2022

Fellow Maplewood resident Jay reached out to us for a full-day trip. Like many, he fly-fished in his teenage and college years, and then life got in the way a little. He decided to play hooky from work today and figured I could help him make the most of his PTO time! 


The recent rain and cool nights have been great for our NJ waters. We st

Fellow Maplewood resident Jay reached out to us for a full-day trip. Like many, he fly-fished in his teenage and college years, and then life got in the way a little. He decided to play hooky from work today and figured I could help him make the most of his PTO time! 


The recent rain and cool nights have been great for our NJ waters. We started early at the Ken Lockwood Gorge and Jay nymphed up a few rainbows on a tungsten surveyor and squirmy wormy. Yes, haters go ahead and hate on the worm fly. A quick stop for lunch at Max's in Califon (highly recommended) and off to the Point Mountain TCA to pick up a few more 'bows. Congrats Jay, on a great day! Now get back out there and fish


Recomended playlist "Uncle Albert" Wings, "American Squirm" Nick Lowe, "Blue" The Jayhawks, "River" Joni Mitchell, "River Man" Nick Drake, "Satan" Teenage Fanclub.

June 4 & 5, 2022

May 27 & 28, 2022

June 4 & 5, 2022

Mark and David joined me for their first Delaware float trip. Low clear water and bright sun made fishing hard but they were troopers. In these kinds of conditions, the bugs start late and can be very picky. A half and half sulphur emerger helped David put one in the net. I guess that was good enough to be invited back for bourbon tasting

Mark and David joined me for their first Delaware float trip. Low clear water and bright sun made fishing hard but they were troopers. In these kinds of conditions, the bugs start late and can be very picky. A half and half sulphur emerger helped David put one in the net. I guess that was good enough to be invited back for bourbon tasting and a little food after a long day. Thanks, guys! 


Day two with Greg and Bob proved to be the same sort of struggle but we had a some shots on caddis in the riffles mid-day. Both are experienced fly guys from central Pennsylvania and fun lads to have in the boat. It was Bob's first time nymphing and floating a dry on the WBD. He landed a good one and I think got the "bug."  


Driving playlist ""Scarlet Tulip" KT Tunstall, "Brandy" The Looking Glass, "Superman" REM, "Clovers" Barrie, "Moving The River" Prefab Sprout, and "Searchin'" The Coasters.

May 30, 2022

May 27 & 28, 2022

May 27 & 28, 2022

Bill was travling back to his home state of West Virginia from a Rhode Island striper trip and stopped to fish with us in New Jersey. He's fished in over 40 states and had yet to be skunked, a fact that I didn't take lighly.


After hitting a few often productive spots on the Musky that proved to be, well, unproductive, I rolled the dice and

Bill was travling back to his home state of West Virginia from a Rhode Island striper trip and stopped to fish with us in New Jersey. He's fished in over 40 states and had yet to be skunked, a fact that I didn't take lighly.


After hitting a few often productive spots on the Musky that proved to be, well, unproductive, I rolled the dice and moved us up river. With flows near 400 CFS from recent rains, Bill eventually found a few 'bows and a small bass too in the soft water and tailouts. We kept his U.S. streak alive! Phew!


Driving playlist "Didn't I Blow Your Mind" The Delfonics, "Waiting On A Friend" The Rolling Stones, "Alfie" Bill Evans, "Ana Ng" They Might be Giants., "And Your Bird Can Sing" The Beatles.

May 27 & 28, 2022

May 27 & 28, 2022

May 27 & 28, 2022

Photo and netting credit goes to my "brother from another mother" Billy G who joined me for his first ever Delaware fly fishing trip. We fished two days on the West and Main, landing a couple and missing a few more - including one that bent my hook! Lost that one right at the boat. It still hurts.


The torrential rain that hit MAPSO, Friday

Photo and netting credit goes to my "brother from another mother" Billy G who joined me for his first ever Delaware fly fishing trip. We fished two days on the West and Main, landing a couple and missing a few more - including one that bent my hook! Lost that one right at the boat. It still hurts.


The torrential rain that hit MAPSO, Friday and Saturday skirted us in the Catskills providing favorbale conditions all weekend. By day two, Billy G had improved his casting, mending, and feeding and is well practiced for his next visit. 


Driving playlist "Dirty Work" Steely Dan, "Legal High" Mooney Suzuki, "Surrender" Cheap Trick, "Badhead" Blur, "Billy Boy" Oscar Peterson.

May 9 & 13, 2022

May 9 & 13, 2022

May 9 & 13, 2022

Experience matters. Lifelong friends and true gentlemen, Fred and Ted fish the Catskills every year and are great fishermen. With a focus on dry fly fishing, we looked for heads both days. On day one, 1500 CFS made rowing easy but the bluebird skies and windy conditions challenged us. Still, both we’re able to land a few brown trout.  


On 

Experience matters. Lifelong friends and true gentlemen, Fred and Ted fish the Catskills every year and are great fishermen. With a focus on dry fly fishing, we looked for heads both days. On day one, 1500 CFS made rowing easy but the bluebird skies and windy conditions challenged us. Still, both we’re able to land a few brown trout.  


On day two, we fished the lower East and Main and found consistent fish feeding on the surface but they were especially picky and frustrating. After a while, Fred picked through a few flies in his box and pulled out a classic pattern, the Henryville Special. Bam, fish on. Landed 6 and missed a few more. Thanks Ted and Fred for guiding the guide and two good days on the D! 


Driving playlist included “Witchcraft” Frank Sinatra, “Last to Know” Del Amitri, “Radio Free Europe” REM, “Restless Farewell” Bob Dylan, “Song of Praise” John Coltrane.

May 7, 2022

May 9 & 13, 2022

May 9 & 13, 2022

Spent the day with two of the nicest fishermen and musicians I've met, Tim and Bill Murphy. They did a family fishing weekend in the Catskills hitting up the West Branch, East Branch, and Willow. WBD flows just under 2,000 CFS and mostly cloudy skies helped with the bite that started with Bill landing a little fish at the put-in. The skun

Spent the day with two of the nicest fishermen and musicians I've met, Tim and Bill Murphy. They did a family fishing weekend in the Catskills hitting up the West Branch, East Branch, and Willow. WBD flows just under 2,000 CFS and mostly cloudy skies helped with the bite that started with Bill landing a little fish at the put-in. The skunk was out early!


A chartreuse beaded Walt's Worm did the trick as far as nymphs and Hendrickson emergers got us two on top over the course of the day. Tim hadn't done a lot of fly fishing before but by the end of the day he landed a nice brown on a dry (pictured). Well done, lads!


"Beacuse The Night" Patti Smith, "The Punk Meets The Godfather" The Who, "Sparky's Dream" Teenage Fanclub, "Actual Proof" Herbie Hancock.

May 6, 2022

May 9 & 13, 2022

April 29, 2022

Great day floating the mainstem with Brian and Mark, part of a two-boat corporate trip out of the Delaware River Club in Starlight, PA. Hendricksons, Quills, and Olives all in the mix and gave us several targets during the day.  


With water temps near 50, flows over 2,500, and rainy skies fish were caught on dries, nymphs, and streamers, a

Great day floating the mainstem with Brian and Mark, part of a two-boat corporate trip out of the Delaware River Club in Starlight, PA. Hendricksons, Quills, and Olives all in the mix and gave us several targets during the day.  


With water temps near 50, flows over 2,500, and rainy skies fish were caught on dries, nymphs, and streamers, and lost a few too. Mark lost a really great fish on a Hendrickson emerger #16 but made up for it at the end of the day with a beautiful rainbow


"In The Dark" Doug Sahms, "Weather With You" Crowded House, "Rain" The Beatles, "The Weight" The Band, and "Stumblin' In" Suzi Quatro

April 29, 2022

April 23 & 24, 2022

April 29, 2022

There's nothing like dry fly fishing. I love throwing streamers and enjoy nymphing but getting a trout to take your fly, that's something special. It's like a birdie at TPC Sawgrass in April.


I had a trip cancel and decided to stay up and fish solo. So glad I did. High water just under 5,000 CFS and gusts over 25 MPH made holding anchor ha

There's nothing like dry fly fishing. I love throwing streamers and enjoy nymphing but getting a trout to take your fly, that's something special. It's like a birdie at TPC Sawgrass in April.


I had a trip cancel and decided to stay up and fish solo. So glad I did. High water just under 5,000 CFS and gusts over 25 MPH made holding anchor hard so I pulled into a soft eddy that can hold fish. Cracked an IPA and only had to wait for 10-minutes for the first dimple. Landed a nice 18-inch brown on a Hendrickson pattern. Landed two smaller fish and then had plenty of targets the rest of the afternoon. I was the last boat at the ramp. Pure joy.


Driving playlist included “Nobody" Mitski, "Big Boss Groove" The Style Council, "Royal Garden Blues" Brandford Marsalis, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" Neil Young.

April 23 & 24, 2022

April 23 & 24, 2022

April 23 & 24, 2022

Persistence matters. The continued high water had us all dreaming of a great streamer bite for a couple of days. But the record snow last week and subsequent snowmelt "cooled down" the recent hot streak. Daniel had his first fish in the first hour and his second fish in the last hour of fishing. Some laughs and great sandwiches in-between

Persistence matters. The continued high water had us all dreaming of a great streamer bite for a couple of days. But the record snow last week and subsequent snowmelt "cooled down" the recent hot streak. Daniel had his first fish in the first hour and his second fish in the last hour of fishing. Some laughs and great sandwiches in-between. Mike had nothing in the net unfortunately.  


Mike joined for day two. We had our one and only brown on a Pat's. Saw some rising fish - stones and quills here and there, but nothing consistent. Then the winds came. Glad to say we didn’t get skunked either day and that Mike landed his first fish on a Pat’s. A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.  


Driving playlist included “Accident Waiting To Happen,” Billy Bragg, “Writing To Reach You” Travis, “One Hundred Years From Now” The Byrds, “The Distance” Cake, “Surrender” Cheap Trick. 

April 15 & 16, 2022

April 23 & 24, 2022

April 23 & 24, 2022

First guided trip of the season was "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" (if you're of a certain age you should have Jim McKay's voice in your head). Day one looked good on paper but water temps kept fish low and gusts well over 20MPH at times was a challenge for both caster and rower. With the dams still spilling white streame

First guided trip of the season was "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" (if you're of a certain age you should have Jim McKay's voice in your head). Day one looked good on paper but water temps kept fish low and gusts well over 20MPH at times was a challenge for both caster and rower. With the dams still spilling white streamers provoked many hits but nothing in the net.   


Day 2 was excellent! Overcast and 60-minutes of sideways rain (and falling snow chunks, yes true). A switch to a sink tip helped bring 8 beautiful fish to the net. Lost 3 more and moved another 10. Mike and Andrew did a great job fighting the elements and fish!  Congrats, boys!


Driving playlist included “Money to Burn” George Jones, “Brandy” The Looking Glass, “Cathy’s Clown” The Everly Brothers, “Anarchy in the UK” Sex Pistols, and “Xana” Enrico Pieranunzi. 

April 9, 2022

March 26, 2022

April 9, 2022

With the heavy rains and flooding across the region the last few days, it was hard to find fly fishing friendly water in NYS or NJ. So, I took a quick trip out to the heavily fished but highly fishable Little Lehigh Creek near Allentown, PA. (and we're living here in Allowntown...)


Water flows were just over 400 CFS, and temps just above 5

With the heavy rains and flooding across the region the last few days, it was hard to find fly fishing friendly water in NYS or NJ. So, I took a quick trip out to the heavily fished but highly fishable Little Lehigh Creek near Allentown, PA. (and we're living here in Allowntown...)


Water flows were just over 400 CFS, and temps just above 50-degrees with a milky white color from the limestone runoff. High but very fishable with a couple of 'bows landed. The slow pools and tail-outs were most productive with a Pat's Rubber Legs in a coffee and rootbeer color.


Driving playlist inlcuded "Into Tomorrow" Paul Weller, "5:15" The Who, "Boots of Spanish Leather" Bob Dylan, and "Stomp" The Brothers Johnson.

April 2, 2022

March 26, 2022

April 9, 2022

A quick trip to the Catskills rewarded us with a few brown trout willing to take a streamer in the bright, chilly sunshine. With the dam spilling a small white streamer did the trick especially during the most cloudy moments. Water temps approached 40-degrees by midday and the high water near 2,000 CFS made rowing easy.


With the cold water

A quick trip to the Catskills rewarded us with a few brown trout willing to take a streamer in the bright, chilly sunshine. With the dam spilling a small white streamer did the trick especially during the most cloudy moments. Water temps approached 40-degrees by midday and the high water near 2,000 CFS made rowing easy.


With the cold water and bright sun, a sink-tip line helped Peter bring a few fish to the net and move a few more. We were hoping for a second-day of fishing but we woke up to 34-degrees and snow on the ground. Next time.


Our driving playlist inlcuded John Coltrane Live At Newport 1963, ELO, Hank Mobley, The Jam, Jackson Browne, Velvet Underground.

March 26, 2022

March 26, 2022

March 18 & 19, 2022

Sean and Ali picked up their first-ever trout on the fly today! Fished two open TCA's here in NJ and netted up a few fish. What the 'bow pictured here lacked in size, it made up for in beauty!


Water was about 300 CFS and had some color from recent rains which helped with the bite. These two were quick learners with nymphing and importance 

Sean and Ali picked up their first-ever trout on the fly today! Fished two open TCA's here in NJ and netted up a few fish. What the 'bow pictured here lacked in size, it made up for in beauty!


Water was about 300 CFS and had some color from recent rains which helped with the bite. These two were quick learners with nymphing and importance of mending their line to get their flies down to the fish. Well done you two, and thanks again for dinner!


Driving playlist Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Frank Sinatra, Beatles, Big Star, and The Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra and Choir.

March 18 & 19, 2022

March 18 & 19, 2022

March 18 & 19, 2022

Not so suburban fly fishing on the upper Delaware system for two days. Over 4,000 CFS both days, water temps upper 40's, and a pretty good streamer bite. Friday's high bright sun felt more like May than March but many fish didn't mind chasing a bugger. 


Day two conditions were more like early spring, windy at times, mid-50's and mostly ove

Not so suburban fly fishing on the upper Delaware system for two days. Over 4,000 CFS both days, water temps upper 40's, and a pretty good streamer bite. Friday's high bright sun felt more like May than March but many fish didn't mind chasing a bugger. 


Day two conditions were more like early spring, windy at times, mid-50's and mostly overcast  - and we moved a lot more fish. Over the two days we landed about 10 browns and moved another dozen or so fish. Not too shabby.


Driving playlist included some Miles Davis, Paul Weller, The Waterboys, Nina Simone, Art Blakey, Bobby Womack, The Band, Bill Evans.

March 6, 2022

March 18 & 19, 2022

February 12, 2022

The Musky. Some early season, pre-closure fishing on the lower end of NJ's longest river. Day job keeping me busy and needed a mental heath break. Trying to get the perfect drift for my jig nymphs kept my mind off work for a while.


An overcast morning gave way to clearing with air temps over 60 degrees! Water flows and temps were awesome f

The Musky. Some early season, pre-closure fishing on the lower end of NJ's longest river. Day job keeping me busy and needed a mental heath break. Trying to get the perfect drift for my jig nymphs kept my mind off work for a while.


An overcast morning gave way to clearing with air temps over 60 degrees! Water flows and temps were awesome for early spring. Saw a few odd rises and Peter put on a stonefly immitation. Sip, sip, wait. Cast. Nothing. Repeat and bam! Last cast of the day was his first dry fly fish of the season, a lovely wild brown trout!


Driving playlist included some John Coltrane, Tom Waits,The Everly Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis.

February 12, 2022

March 18 & 19, 2022

February 12, 2022

Made the trek to one of our favorite PA rivers, The Lackawanna which runs through Scranton. Insert the theme from The Office here. This is great water for nymping but can produce some good dry fly hatches in the Spring in the right spots. 


Euro nymping a Pat's with a chartreuse hot spot Walt's on the dropper did the trick in the slow pools

Made the trek to one of our favorite PA rivers, The Lackawanna which runs through Scranton. Insert the theme from The Office here. This is great water for nymping but can produce some good dry fly hatches in the Spring in the right spots. 


Euro nymping a Pat's with a chartreuse hot spot Walt's on the dropper did the trick in the slow pools and deeper holes today. The day began bright and chilly but clouds moved in and fishing got better. Moved 4, landed 3. Go visit our friends at A&G Outfitters if you make the trip to Scranton, they'll set you straight.


Driving playlist included some Chick Corea, Solas, CSNY, Bill Monrow, Elvis Costello, The Pogues, and Jim Carroll.

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