Stories from the Water

Switching Over
By the time fall rolls around, my truck looks like a fly shop on wheels. It’s time to make room for my bowhunting gear and sort out a season’s worth of tangled tackle. I’ll keep a few rods handy, though. There’s still a chance at a landlocked salmon or a Lake Ontario steelhead. Read more...
Thoughts for November
Thoughts for November
There’s another kind of football season on the Lake Ontario tributaries. When big brown trout move out of the lake and into the streams, I trade the couch for a... Read more...
September Changes on the Water
September Changes on the Water
Cooler nights bring new opportunities on the water. Discover where to find September smallmouth bass, how to approach low-water Adirondack trout, and what to expect as salmon return to the... Read more...
Late Summer and Three Smallmouth Flies
Late Summer and Three Smallmouth Flies
When late-summer smallmouths change moods, these three proven patterns cover the water—from aggressive surface strikes to selective fish holding deep. Read more...
Sometimes Simple Fly Fishing Is the Best Fly Fishing
Sometimes Simple Fly Fishing Is the Best Fly Fishing
Somewhere along the way, fly fishing can become all about bigger fish, farther destinations, and the next great adventure. But an evening with a trout rod, a small popper, and... Read more...
July Fly Fishing
July Fly Fishing
July is one of the most rewarding months to be on the water. Learn when to fish, what flies to use, and how to target trout and smallmouth during the... Read more...
Meeting a Fly-Tying Legend: Bob Mead
Meeting a Fly-Tying Legend: Bob Mead
Some days on the water lead to more than just fish. Read more...
Why Catch and Release Still Matters
Why Catch and Release Still Matters
Healthy fisheries depend on thoughtful anglers. Here's how small choices make a lasting difference. Read more...
The Perfect Evening Hatch
The Perfect Evening Hatch
There are evenings when the river seems to come alive. Learn how to recognize an evening hatch and make the most of nature's most exciting fishing moments. Read more...
Give Trout a Break
Give Trout a Break
Sometimes the best fishing decision is the one that leaves tomorrow's fish in the river. Read more...