Transparency

In the interest of transparency, I'd like to bring something to the attention of the Way Upstream community. I know many of you have appreciated the Patagonia content provided here so I felt that it was important to make the following statement public - I no longer work for Patagonia. I remain a brand supporter and I'd like to express my appreciation to all of you who made your voices heard on Patagonia matters while I was in my former role. What does all this mean for the future? I don't know but it's time to look for new water. I'll keep you posted along the way.

Photo by Tim Davis Logo illustration by El Pescador

Stereograph

I came across this stereograph in my basement by the Kilburn Brothers. They were stereo-photographers who set up shop in Littleton, NH. Early Kilburn Brothers "stereo-views" date back to the mid 1800's. This "seven-pound trout" stereograph looks like it could be a lake trout possibly caught through the ice.

Front/Back photos by El Pescador

Torso with fish

Photo by Henry Barber Illustration by El Pescador

The River Time Forgot

Wild Mongolia "The River Time Forgot" from Mikey Wier on Vimeo.

Mikey Wier and a soulful cast of anglers went on a month long expedition last Fall to explore a remote river deep in the heartland of outer Mongolia. They covered 140 miles of water that had previously never been floated and fished. Along the way they met some interesting locals, caught some amazing taimen and discovered things about themselves. Mikey is now in the midst of the creative process, pouring through and organizing the footage into a tale. Check out this 3 minute and 45 second teaser for a developing video coming soon from Burl Productions.

Waterwatch

Jim McCarthy works for an Oregon river conservation organization named Waterwatch and he wanted to share one Oregon "success story" about the Rogue River's salmon and steelhead with the Way Upstream community. Here's what Jim wrote in an email to El Pescador:

"Waterwatch, along with several allies, has led a campaign for over 20 years to help protect and restore the Rogue, focusing in particular on four fish-killing dams that made the most sense for removal: Gold Hill Dam, Elk Creek Dam, Savage Rapids Dam, and Gold Ray Dam. The fight to remove these dams has been quite long and sometimes bitter, involving litigation as well as battles in the state legislature, US Congress, and the media. But in recent years all the work has begun to pay off. An unprecedented number of significant dam removals has occurred on the Rogue over the last two years. In fact, I know of no other river basin in the US experiencing a comparable number of dam removals in so short a time. Last year, Gold Hill Dam was removed and Elk Creek Dam was notched. This year, Savage Rapids Dam is undergoing removal, representing one of the largest dam removals ever in the US. With some luck and a little help from a still-hoped-for grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka the federal stimulus), Gold Ray may come out within the next 18 months."

"Perhaps best of all, there are no real losers in the story of these Rogue dam removals. These dams are either defunct but too expensive for local governments to remove unassisted (Gold Ray), were determined not to be worth the cost of completion by the federal agency in charge of dam-building (Elk Creek), or outdated structures readily replaced by modern, fish-friendly pumps (Gold Hill and Savage Rapids). Though I've mentioned that the Rogue debate has been long and at times bitter, in the end it essentially has been a process of convincing local communities that some of the old ways of using our just rivers aren't working anymore – but there are better, more river-friendly options now. We can switch to the new ways and still enjoy the same benefits we had with the old ways, but leave a lot of the environmental problems behind. On a world famous gem of a watershed like the Rogue, you can really see the upside of taking care of our rivers. For example, government scientists have estimated that Savage Rapids removal alone will increase Rogue salmon and steelhead runs by 22%. In good years, that could translate into over 100,000 more fish, bringing enduring positive impacts for the region's ecology and economy."

"There may be some lessons to learn from the Rogue that can be applied to rivers like the Sacramento, Klamath, Columbia and other smaller watersheds around the West. Just ten years ago, the Rogue debate was just as polarized as things are now on the Sacramento or the Columbia. Hopefully attitudes there are trending in a more fish-friendly direction. The situation on the Rogue certainly shows that we can protect fish and still satisfy other competing interests on our rivers."

Contribution by Jim McCarthy Photos by Bob Hunter

Micro-skiffs

Mike Thompson and Capt. Billy Trimble have been keeping me informed of prototype micro-skiffs being built by longtime boat builder Bruce Wild. Some of you may have seen pix here on Way Upstream of the 22' Big Easy and the Easy 18 via my Flickr feed. For more information on these particular micro skiff designs, read this recent article by David Sikes. There is a nice collection of images in a photo gallery included with the article. It features shots of the boats, nice fish and Tiffany Fluett (Gruene Outfitters) testing the Patagonia W's Sunshade Shirt and Sun Mask.

Photos courtesy of Capt. Billy Trimble

Skulls

Photo by Steve Stracqualursi Illustrations by El Pescador

Chasing fins

I've been trying to get my hands on this live performance since the Fly Fishing Film Tour took place in Portland, ME earlier this month. After some urging I finally got Jeremy Cameron to let the video loose. I was hoping to get the raw version but Jeremy couldn't resist blending in some of the other live performances that went on that night as well as some plugs for those who were there in support. The night was a success on all levels. Maine TU Trout Camp and Stripers Forever both were beneficieries of funds raised from the evening. It was a fun party and the films were great but for me the special moment was when Jeremy and Greg "Boz" Bostater performed this song against a video backdrop to kick the evening off right.

Exceptional

Each year for the last 4 years I've floated the Kennebec River with Master Maine Guide and Patagonia product tester Sean McCormick. It's always special but this year was exceptional. I managed to complete the Kennebec Grand Slam (brown, brookie, rainbow and landlock salmon). I also landed a memorable 20" brown (shown above) that absolutely crushed my barbless size 18 olive dry. 5wt line peeled off the reel instantly and each time the guide tried to net the trout during the nervous fight. On top of it all, Sean found one of the coolest Abenaki Indian stone tools on one of the many river islands. You can also see petraglyphs left from this tribe on certain rocky outcroppings. I can't wait until next time but I know this trip will be hard to top. Thanks Sean!

Photos by El Pescador

Not a bad start

I've never gotten such a late start on striper season but when I finally got out with my friend Joe we managed to kick things off right. The photo above was the first fish to cooperate. Not a bad start when the first striper takes you into the backing. We caught three fish in an hour and a half. The largest was 28" and the other two went 25". The fly in the fish's mouth is a variation of my coyote crab pattern.

Photo by El Pescador

Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

Captain Billy Trimble sent me another recipe that I thought the Way Upstream community might like to try. This one is for Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya. Here's what the chef wants you to know, "Jambalaya by definition (a traditional Cajun dish) is whatever you have in the fridge combined with rice. It can be as simple or as complex as you would like it to be. There are two different ways to make Jambalaya, one is to combine sautéed ingredients with pre-cooked rice and the other is to add uncooked rice to the sautéed ingredients and let them cook together. The advantage to cooking the rice and ingredients together is that you get much richer flavors in your Jambalaya. When I cook Jambalaya I add a couple of small twists to the process, I brown the rice in hot oil before I add the ingredients to sauté and I do not use water to hydrate the rice but instead use stock and beer."

Cooking Instructions

Brown one cup of rice in light oil then add onions, garlic, sausage, peppers, salt/black pepper and cayenne. Sauté these ingredients until the onions clarify. Next add shrimp stock (one cup) and one beer. Cover to simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and add cubed shrimp, butter and lime juice, recover and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes. Then it is ready to serve.

Main Ingredients

Long grain white rice (rinsed), 1 # of medium shrimp (de-veined & cubed), Venison or andouille sausage, Yellow onion, Garlic, Jalapeno peppers (de-veined), Poblano peppers, Butter, Limes, Black pepper, Cayenne pepper, Sea salt, Oregano , Beer (your choice) and Shrimp stock.

Alternative Ingredients
Bell pepper, celery, tomatoes, chicken stock, assorted herbs

Photo llustrations

photo 1 - The Ingredients ready to go.

photo 2 - Boil shrimp husks for stock and brown cleaned rice in light oil.

photo 3 - Add onion, garlic and sausage to browned rice.

photo 4 - Strain shrimp stock into sauté.

photo 5 - Add beer into sauté.

photo 6 - Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

photo 7 - Uncover and add cubed shrimp, butter and juice of 3 limes, cover and cook at low heat for 10 more minutes.

photo 8 - Uncover the pan to reveal the finished Jambalaya.

photo 9 - Plated and ready to eat.

Accompany this dish with your favorite beer, full bodied white or light to medium bodied red wine. Remember to be creative and enjoy the process.

Contribution and photos by Captain Billy Trimble

Montana Calls

Montana Calls

Montana calls, an old friend
I haven’t seen for years.

We were close once but I left her for Alaska
only to return to the Big Horn country of the Crow
and the river filled with brown and rainbow
calling out my name.

Then I followed eastern roots
and cozied up to Maine
to learn the wiles of landlocked salmon,
the brute force of lakebound bass.

But now I hear the call of wolves
returned to Yellowstone
and like the wolves I feel the pull
of Tetons and Rocky Mountain crests

of moose and bear and sheep
and rivers named Madison and Gallatin and Fire Hole,

a call so strong I’ll have to go, fly rod in my hand.

Poem by Alan Harawitz Photo by Damon Bungard

Aquaseal UV®

Stream or ocean-side wader repair can now be accomplished by a small host of products but one in particular has gained my confidence. It's Aquaseal UV® and it cures in seconds when exposed to the sun. This product is a solvent free formula and works in both overcast or full light conditions. The folks at McNett claim that the only thing stronger than Aquaseal UV® curing adhesive is regular Aquaseal (included in some wader repair kits). Note that both of these products are also ideal for addressing broken stitches on wading footwear and for sealing neoprene holes/cuts/tears. Check both of these repair products out because a little care and maintenance can keep your gear functioning better longer.

Fly Fishing Film Tour Party - Portland, ME

A small team of Maine core anglers ("The Players") is putting on a Fly Fishing Film Tour Party. "Deck Hands" Jeremy and Keely Cameron fliesandfins.com, Greg Bostater, "Captain" Eric Wallace coastalflyangler.com and "First Mate" Alex Davis are locking down the details for this event. The Asylum is the venue. Visit Flies and Fins to get the scoop on this party. Tickets are on sale now. Keep your eye out for El Pescador.

Lighthouse photo and illustration by Steve Stracqualursi

The Mokelumne River

Mikey Wier continues to take action to preserve and protect the things that make him him by using his video camera. This particular video is about the Mokelumne River and the proposed expansion to the Pardee dam. A variety of organizations are working together to try to get wild and scenic designation for sections of the free flowing Mokelumne which will help prevent this expansion. Check out this 10 minute updated piece and pay close attention to the voices of the "residents" at the end. They need your help. You can also check out other posts on this topic from the Trout Underground and Trout Bums on the Web for further insight. Visit the web sites listed in the video and help play a role if you can.

Mokelumne River - Wild and Scenic from Mikey Wier on Vimeo.

Red Sky

Illustration by Steve Stracqualursi

Change

When one stage ends, another begins.

Words and illustration by Steve Stracqualursi

Salmon and Steelhead T-Shirt

The Salmon and Steelhead T-Shirt features original artwork by James Prosek printed on a canvas of 100% organic cotton. James pays tribute to these wildly determined swimmers with this design and contrasts that with their fragility. Five dollars from the sale of this limited edition tee will benefit World Trout, an organization that supports conservation efforts and identifies and protects native fish. The tee's shoulder seams are taped for added durability. Double stitching at sleeves and hem also adds durability plus coverstitching at neck and armholes guarantees a clean finish. It's recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. Patagonia t-shirts are knitted, dyed, cut, sewn and printed in Southern California. Other shirt details include ringspun yarns for a soft hand, beefy 5.4-oz 100% organic cotton, Made in U.S.A.

Save Wild Steelhead Festival

Looking for something to do this Saturday night? If you happen to be in the Bend, OR area then consider checking out The Save Wild Steelhead Festival. The purpose of this event is to unite anglers, filmmakers and conservation groups in an effort to educate the community on hard-hitting issues regarding wild steelhead, and motivate all to get involved. This multi-media event sponsored and hosted by Orvis, features the films “Raising The Ghost,” by Team FlyBoys and “Steelhead Yawning,” by Wahoo Films. Writer and Patagonia Fishing Ambassador, Dylan Tomine, will make his “State of the Steelhead” presentation, accompanied by noted photographer Tim Pask’s images.

The Festival will run from 6 to 8 pm on April 25th at the Orvis Store in the Old Mill District. Plan to arrive at 5pm to enjoy food, wine and beer while entering to win one of the many raffle prizes. All profits from the raffle and any donations will go to the local Wild Steelhead Grant. Additionally, 5% of “Raising the Ghost” DVD sales, Save Wild Steelhead t-shirts, bumper stickers and hats will be donated to organizations dedicated to the preservation of wild steelhead. If you do swing by, make sure to tell the hosts that El Pescador from Way Upstream sent you.

Images courtesy of Tim Pask and Dylan Tomine

Remat

One man's trash is another man or woman's…wader changing mat. The ultimate recycled product, the Remat is a byproduct from automobile gasket manufacturing (o-rings), reworked and repurposed for a long life of heavy-duty use. Beyond wader changing, it doubles (or triples) as a driftboat seat cushion, work station floor mat or boat floor protection from studded boots. The tough, cushy, water- and stain-resistant Remat is also showing up in front of kitchen sinks and mudroom doors wherever anglers live. Surfers, skiers and snowboarders have found the Remat to be ideal for parking lot changing as well as for cushioning between surfboards on the rack. It's a good thing to have around camp too. Made from 100% synthetic nitrile rubber.

Details

• Withstands temperatures from -40 C to +125 C
• Oil/fuel resistant
• No off-gasing
• Abrasion-resistant
• Water-resistant
• Extermely flexible and lightweight
• No PVC content; floats; easy to wash
• Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) with 30% – 35% Acrylonitrile Content. Commonly referred as "Nitrile" or "Buna-N" rubber.
  
• Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
• 354 g (12.5 oz)
• Made in USA

Photos by Billy Smith, S. Stracqualursi and Rene Braun

Save Delta Fish

Robert Johnson and a grassroots group of supporters are asking for help. They seek to defeat a proposed law that they feel will "completely eradicate striped bass from California waters" if passed. Patagonia Fishing Ambassador Mikey Wier put together a 9 minute video to help tell their position. Visit Save Delta Fish to learn more about how to join the fight against AB 1253. The Assembly Bill AB 1253 Hearing is Tuesday, April 28 at 9:00 am at the California State Capital Building.



Photo illustration by El Pescador

THE BIG ONE

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Kinney has just released The Big One. He spent two months on Martha's Vineyard in 2007 documenting the island's long-running striper and bluefish (and albie and bonito) derby. Dave hung out with boaters, surf casters, fly fishermen and bait slingers. One of the books highlights involves the Tiger Woods of the derby, who catches a 57-pound striper that turns out to be filled with 10 lead weights. The guy swears he didn't cheat, and controversy ensues. DreamWorks has already bought the film rights to this story. I asked Dave to share his thoughts on the project and this is what he said:

"I'm a longtime fisherman -- first freshwater bass, then trout on flies, then stripers and blues from the surf -- which is what got me thinking about fishing the striped bass and bluefish derby on Martha's Vineyard. I'm also a writer, and I love reading stories about subcultures obsessed with ... well, whatever: extreme beer, orchids, the Civil War, high school football, Scrabble. I put those two things together and ended up with the formula for my first book.

In 2007, I spent two months on the Vineyard fishing in and documenting the derby, probably the most celebrated striper fishing tournament anywhere. It's got sixty-odd years of rich history, and anybody can win the thing: a 12-year-old girl caught the big striper one year. I entered the derby myself and caught a few fish (my best striper weighed in at 17 pounds) but I was really after stories. It took some work getting islanders to let me follow them around while they fished. This is a cagey group under normal circumstances, and when you put them into a competition with island immortality and more than $250,000 in prizes at stake, they can get a little paranoid. Eventually I won their trust, and I went out at all hours with people who take the sport way, way more seriously than I ever have. During the tournament, people will skip out on work, stay up all night for weeks on end, risk drowning, cheat and (of course) lie.

I lucked into being there for one of the more interesting derbies. The best young striper fisherman on the island, Lev Wlodyka, got a 57-pound bass -- topping a 56-pounder caught earlier in the contest -- but when he brought it to the weigh station, the derby officials discovered it was filled with lead weights. Controversy ensued: heated debates broke out, the public weighed in, Lev wrote a spirited letter in his own defense. I won't spoil the book by telling you what happens, but the whole thing made for a fun story to tell.

It's definitely a different sort of fishing book. It focuses less on man-versus-fish, or the contemplative pleasures of going off into the wilderness and connecting with nature, and more on the communal aspect of fishing. Competition is always there in fishing -- guys want to catch the biggest fish of the day, or a better fish than their friends, or a fish they can brag about to their family. By telling the story of the derby, I tried to bring that to life. I hope people have as much fun reading it as I did bringing it to the page."

Photos by David Kinney Cover photo by Dave Skok

Rubik's Cube

Photos courtesy of Mikey Wier, Brian Bennett and Steve Stracqualursi Dumpr illustrations by El Pescador

New Command

New Command

Winter releases his grip.
Puzzled ice begins to flow and mixes with it's liquid kin.
Snow cover transforms into vernal pools.
Runoff finds it's seasonal conduit.
Marshes seethe and swell to unfathomable capacity.
The land awakens with a start under new command.
Spring has taken her throne.

Poem and photo by El Pescador

Scanout Magazine

Online publishing tools continue to help spawn new format offspring as paper dependant purveyors struggle to adapt. The most recent evolution is Scanout Magazine. Here's what Tim Pask had to say about this new "off the road" venture:

"Yngve, Peter and I had been tossing this idea around for several months and went to work on the project just after Yngve returned from Argentina. Our magazine concept is very simple and along with our Art Director, Peter Huber, we have decided to release a new issue every time we return from a trip. We will release issues from previous trips, but for the most part we will focus our efforts on recent travels.

The first issue of Scanout Magazine focuses on a trip that Yngve Ask made while traveling throughout Patagonia. It is titled Mustangs of Stag River and Yngve takes us on a photographic tour of this amazing Estancia and the Mustangs that roam its seemingly endless territory. The second issue of Scanout Magazine takes place in Miami Beach, as we pursue The Silver King with Captain Carl Ball.

This latest issue (shown below) of Scanout Magazine focuses on a Steelhead float trip. We hope you enjoy our newest project."

Spread Sheets

Original photos and illustrations by El Pescador

Pack Vest

Patagonia introduced the Pack Vest in 1996 and holds the patent on this modular backpack and utility vest concept . This award winning product continues to provide straight forward, reliable functionality even though it hasn't changed all that much in over a decade. The latest version of this piece of gear has some crossover functionality with the Stormfront Pack. The front vest component connects to that as well. What inspired the post though was that I saw reviews of the Sun Mask and Pack Vest in Steve Schmidt's Western Rivers newsletter (March) that I wanted to share. Here's what Steve wrote about the Pack Vest:

"Over the three decades I’ve been seriously chasing fish with a fly rod, I’ve not found a more versatile vest than this. For 2009 it’s been revised, and it's better than ever. It can be either a very light and perfectly functional vest, or a vest with a comfortable pack on your back for carrying rain gear, camera, lunch, water, etc…or it's just a very good backpack for wherever you may wander. For the money, considering the cost of a good vest these days, it’s also a great value at $180.00 (US Dollars)"

Visit the Patagonia web site to learn more about the Pack Vest.

Original Brownliner Album Cover

Photo by Tony Loew

Pretty in pink

I got an email from Patagonia Fishing Ambassador Dylan Tomine who is gearing up for an adventurous Spring steelhead trip. The topic of the email was his fly pattern called the String Thing. I thought some of you may be interested due to the fact that the earlier post about Dylan's String Worm and fly photo has gotten a lot of views. Here are Dylan's words:

"Just twisting up a few String Things for a North Coast, BC trip in a few weeks—especially since noted fly moocher Tim Pask is involved. Blue is my all-around favorite and usual go-to fly, but based on the success gear guys are seeing with the much-vaunted “pink worm,” I caved in and made some of these for buddies on the Olympic Peninsula. Their results were stellar. So good, in fact, I’ve quickly gotten over my prejudice against pink steelhead flies and am now fishing them myself. So far so good. I’m stoked to be up there searching for spring steelhead on some of the rivers that drain into the Inside Passage. Will report back when I return."

Photos courtesy of Dylan Tomine

Watershed Revolution

The Matilija Coalition is an alliance of community groups, businesses, and individuals committed to the environmental restoration of the Ventura River watershed. Starting with the removal of Matilija Dam (scheduled for 2014 pending funding), they are working to restore the bioregion which will aid the hopeful recovery of the Southern Steelhead trout and to reestablish the natural sediment supply to the beaches of Ventura.

One of their educational and awareness strategies is to produce a film that outlines some of the groups and individual projects happening in this particular watershed. Rich Reid has been hard at work on a 25 min film that will attempt to do just that.

Paul Jenkins, Matilija Coalition founder and Environmental Director of the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation gave me permission to share the trailer for upcoming film with the Way Upstream community. It's a good reminder that restoring and protecting watersheds requires awareness and action on the part of everyone, whether you live in the high country, on the coast or somewhere inbetween. Check out this 2 minute trailer for Watershed Revolution.



Photo by Matt Stoecker

Wader Clip Collection

Do you have any short video clips of your Patagonia waders in action? Netherlands based Way Upstream community member Esox Lucius posted some Watermaster II clips from various places around the globe on Vimeo and has requested that if you have similar clips/links to send them on to him. He's interested in building a global clip collection. Check out his HOCUS LOCUS post for more details and contact information. Here's one of his clips from Alaska. The music combined with the commentary gives this 1 minute "Big Char" video a hip international vibe.


Patagonia in Alaska from ESOX LUCIUS on Vimeo.
Top image from the video "He Almost Broke My Wrist" by Brian Bennett

Great and Sub Dividers

From standing waves to blue-water wind chop, there's one universal truth: Watercraft decks get wet. Hence, the award-winning Great Divider and new Sub Divider. These soft-sided gear cases efficiently organize and protect everything a waterman needs. They are built from 840-denier nylon with a polyurethane coating on both sides and patented molded top and bottom "pans" for waterproof protection even in standing water (up to the #10 reverse coated zipper). Welded seams eliminate leakage. Shock-absorbing high-density foam gives these gear cases structure and can be removed for cleaning or to create an occasional cooler. Inside, foam dividers can be arranged in multiple configurations. Transparent pocketing makes locating things easy plus the end pockets are removable and are excellent for organizing small items. Access through the highly water-resistant zipper is aided by a new t-grip plus we've eased the corner radii for a little smoother zipper action. The Dividers are now more streamlined than ever with a single, widely adjustable, removable handle/split shoulder strap. Both the Dividers make great air travel carry on bags for sensitive equipment. Note that the time tested Great Divider fits into the base of the Freightliner Max as well as the newer Freewheeler Max. You'll find the Guidewater Duffle collection to be Divider-friendly too.

Photos by Rene Braun

FISH EYE 4 "Through Anglers Eyes"

BURL Productions is an independent video production company specializing in fly fishing and environmental films based in S. Lake Tahoe, CA. BURL Productions has just released a new film called "Through Anglers Eyes". Snowboarder, angler, filmmaker, Patagonia fishing ambassador Mikey Wier is the heart and soul behind the creativity. This 4th "issue" is a mix of special people, special places and sweet fishing paired with select music. The whole is even greater than the sum of it's excellent parts. Check out this 4 minute trailer and visit BURL Productions or BURL Fish to pick up a full length copy.


FISH EYE 4 "Through Anglers Eyes" from Mikey Wier on Vimeo.

Bow to the King

Illustration by El Pescador Original photo by Tim Pask

Parentheses

Photo by Tim Pask Diptych by El Pescador