Happy New Year

Way Upstream would like to thank the global community for all the participation, insight, feedback and thoughts provided in 2007. It is with optimism and enthusiasm that Way Upstream enters the new year. I hope the same is true for you. All the best wished. Keep making your voice heard in 2008 and try new ideas.Keep the fly in the water and believe in every cast.

Way Upstream
Copyright 2007

Fly tying season

Way Upstream
Copyright 2007

Things are about to change

The face of fly-fishing is changing. AEG Media is launching the 2008 film tour this winter with the kick off event at Patagonia Headquarters in Ventura, CA. Members of AEG Media: Chris Owens, Thad Robison, Justin Crump and Brian Jill, known as the “AEG Fish Bums”, founded the film tour in 2006. Last year, the 2007 film tour screened to over 5,000 attendees. Several venues sold out with over 500 seat capacities and pre-show lines were compared to block buster movie premiers. That film tour far exceeded any expectations. This year AEG is increasing the number of venues and plans to boost the number of attendees to over 50,000.

What can you expect to see at the Fly Fishing Film Tour?
Films shot in extreme, exotic and distant locations; epic scenery, cutting edge music, conservation pieces that are as entertaining to watch, as they are important; and of course fish on the end of the tippet.

If you fly fish you are going to be blown away, if you don’t fly fish you are going to be inspired. Online ticket sales begin January 1st 2008. For more information (locations, dates, times and more) log onto the Fly Fishing Film Tour website.

Hall of Fame Gear

Way Yin, Topher Browne (Patagonia Fly Fishing Ambassadors) and Brian Bennett (Patagonia Fly Fishing Sales manager and Moldy Chum founder) were discussing an interesting topic - "Hall of Fame Gear". It seemed like a good thing to pose to the Way Upstream community. If you were asked to list some of the best fly fishing specific products that have come out over time (clothing-wise), a hall of fame of killer stuff so to speak, what would the list look like? This list should be what you, after years of trial and error would recommend to your friends to cut straight to the best. I'm not so interested in a specific technology (like breathable membranes) or what was a breakthrough product at the time (like bootfoot neoprenes), but what still rocks after having tried all the rest... even stuff you wish was still being made because you'd wear it right now. Post your top 10 favorites.

Photo courtesy of Mike Thompson and Pedro Lopez-Baldrich

Need a new image?

The tools to alter and transform images used to be for the highly trained artist and illustrator only. Today that's all changed. Image "toys" are very accessible and pretty simple to use. You can make movies, slideshows, calendars, screen savers, magazine covers and more. All you really need is a computer, a digital camera and a USB cable to be in business.....and the digital camera and cable are optional to some degree. The post image is an example of an underwater digital photo that's been run through a watercolor filter (Microsoft Photo Editor). Then I Hockneyized the image to get the Polaroid effect. Lastly I took the Hockneyized image and ran it through Framer to add the stamp frame. Take some of your fishing images and give these toys a try....just for fun. Who knows, you may find a marketable use for your pictures or at the very least discover some creative ideas.

Way Upstream
Copyright 2007

Double Haul remix

I resorted and remixed in order to get the chest pack configuration image into the movie.

Double Haul

Here's a 30 second look at some pictures by Tim Davis of the New 2008 Double Haul, RJ Hosking and El Pescador.

Aquatic Hitchhikers

I had lunch with a fisheries biologist recently. The main topic of conversation was aquatic hitchhikers. A big portion of the discussion was about felt soles on wading boots. I find myself in a fair number of these discussions now. The reason - there is a problem. Invasive species (Didymo, New Zealand Mudsnails, Whirling Disease and others) are spreading quite fast. How much is by fly fisherman and felt? It's complex. Even if you use rubber soled wading boots you can transport organisms (laces, gravel guards, boot linnings). With that said, it does appear as though felt can add a lot of disease transporting capability.The biologist explained the various gear soaking solutions, timelines and such required for safe disinfection. The practice of disinfection is routine for biologists but I suspect not for a large number of fisher folk. How close is this issue to you? Do you know the disinfection procedures? Do you practice gear disinfection?Let me know your thoughts on the issue of aquatic hitchhikers and felt.

Photo courtesy of Moldy Chum

Good luck bidders

1% For The Planet has created an online auction in an effort to have some fun, introduce member companies and the public to each other, fund growth and to help you get some holiday shopping out of the way while giving back to the planet.
One Percent for the Planet is a product of shared, deep appreciation and concern for the great outdoors. 1%FTP was founded by Yvon Chouinard of Patagaonia and Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies. Launched in 2002, 1%FTP is a non-profit organization that represents a large and ever growing community of businesses worldwide, who donate 1% of their annual sales to various non-profits worldwide, benefiting the natural environment. To date, their network consists of 767 member companies and over 1,500 environmental organizations.
Way Upstream encourages you to visit their auction page. You’ll find all the items, including some true rarities, a click away on the left hand side of their auction page in a categorized list. The auction is live through December 5th. Good luck bidders!

Selection

I helped organize a couple of Striper Dealer Camps in '05 and '06. These "camps" were attended by fly fishing retail store owners and staff. I was reviewing some of the images from the '06 Striper Camp folder and came across one that I digitally altered to look like a watercolor. I thought it was worth posting. I call it Selection.

Way Upstream
Copyright 2007

Keep the grit out

A while ago I posted a request for wader feedback that was widely commented on. Since then I've been working on the new wader development and have a specific area for the Way Upstream community to focus and comment on. This area is the gravel guard. I'm testing various fabrics, high filtration mesh and neoprene for this integrated feature. I'm testing various shapes and sizes. All seem to have strengths and potential weaknesses. What do you like, hate, wish for in gravel guards? Do you have a favorite? Do you like them integrated? Let me know your thoughts, comments or stories.

Photo by Mikey Wier

Havabbor på flue

The world’s first Norwegian sea bass DVD is scheduled to be released in December 2007. It's called Havabbor på flue (sea bass on a fly) by Scanout Productions. Runar Kabbe will share his experiences and tips that beginners on up to more seasoned fishermen around the world will find useful. When, where, and with what plus how does the sea bass take the fly are questions that this DVD answers. It's packed with tips, information, facts and Runar's infectious enthusiasm! Check out this 3 minute trailer.

Help Reform the 1872 Mining Law

I was alerted to this call to action by Travis Rummel of Felt Soul Media. Check out his post on The Wire. My request - Make your voice heard on the issue of mining law reform. Time is short (10/31). Click on this link for more information - I CAN HELP. My thoughts - Watersheds are directly affected by mining. Keep in mind that all the material that comes out of pits like the ones shown has to go somewhere. What does the mining industry track record for resource protection look like? What is the real economic benefit picture? Are pits in the earth due to extraction "needs" really the best thing for the planet? For us? We're talking long term impacts on a mother nature level. Ain't no gettin' the mountain back....or the river. I ask - Do something unusual, call your Representative and tell them to vote for HR2262, the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007 or you can find your Representative's contact information and send them an email HERE. My opinion - The Mining Law Act of 1872 is arguably the worst case of corporate welfare in our nation's history. If it's after hours you can still call your reps D.C. office and leave a message, TELL THEM TO VOTE YES ON HR2262.

Top - The Bingham Canyon mine as seen from 10,500 feet. Note: there used to be mountains there. Photo by Ben Knight

Bottom - The Grasberg Mine in Indonesia is the current #1 open pit mine for total mineralization value in the world. The Pebble deposit looks to be larger in total value and will soon surpass Grasberg in total mineralization value. Pretty $cary.

Guidewater Duffle

I've been meaning to circle back on some questions that came up in past comments about new gear. One question was about an angler-inspired duffle bag. Here is some workbook copy and pictures for you to review.

Whoever said getting there is half the fun obviously wasn’t dealing with dripping waders, muddy boots or current airline restrictions. Whether you’re traveling by truck, skiff, floatplane or jetliner, the Guidewater Duffle makes hauling gear easy. This new design is a more technical version of our original Wet/Dry Gear Bag with a welded waterproof dry compartment and breathable/drainable mesh side. The coated, floating baffle separates wet and dry gear, so your wading boots won’t soak your “coming home” shirt. Tough dual-coated fabric, high-airflow mesh, water-resistant zippers and rod tube attachment points combine to create the ultimate angler’s duffle. Better yet, both sizes (reg. and large) meet domestic airline carry-on requirements, eliminating worries of arriving waderless. So maybe getting there can be, shall we say, a quarter the fun?

Let me know what you think. I'll try to address the Double Haul changes in a future post too.

Top photo by Rene Braun

Product shots by Steve Swartzendruber

Copy by Dylan Tomine

Executive Order

ST. MICHAELS, MD - Surrounded by conservationists and anglers on the shores of historic Chesapeake Bay, President Bush signed an Executive Order establishing gamefish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters. The Order is a landmark victory for recreational anglers who have fought for decades to restore and conserve two of the most coveted sport fish in America.

"With this action, the President has secured a legacy for the recreational anglers and conservationists who have worked so hard on behalf of our marine resources," said Walter W. Fondren III, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association. "When CCA began to work on recovering red drum 30 years ago in Texas, we never imagined an event like this would ever be possible. We owe a debt of gratitude to the President for recognizing the high value placed on these resources by the citizens of this country."

U.S. Presidents have issued executive orders since 1789, usually to help direct the operation of executive officers. The Executive Order signed today by President Bush instructs the Secretary of Commerce to put regulations in place establishing gamefish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters, and encourages the states to take similar actions in state waters.

"From the darkest days of overfishing in the late 1970s and early '80s, hundreds of thousands of people have worked tirelessly to conserve these resources," said David Cummins, president of CCA. "The President today has delivered the only reward that mattered to any of them - a better future for the resources they cherish."

The photo above shows President George W. Bush signing an Executive Order to protect the striped bass and red drum fish populations Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. President Bush is joined during the signing by, from left, Michael Nussman, president of American Sportfishing Association; Brad Burns, president of Stripers Forever; David Pfeifer, president of Shimano America Corp.; Walter Fondren, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association; U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland and U.S. Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne.

White House photo by Eric Draper

Meat Wagon

Jerry Darkes has been tying flies for almost 40 years. Here is a pattern he started working on this spring. This fly is constructed of a blend of natural and synthetic materials. It lends itself to a wide range of variation and fly fishing applications. It has great action in the water and it catches fish! So far he has caught trout, steelhead, largemouth, smallmouth, northern pike, and musky on it. He has yet to dunk it in the salt but I have a feeling it may work there too. He calls this pattern the Meat Wagon. It can be tied as shown, with barbell eyes to ride hook up or as a tandem hook rig. You may want to give this one a try. Here is the basic recipe:

Hook: Short streamer hook
Tail: Rabbit strip with flash of some sort on top and on bottom
Back: Marabou feather(s)
Belly: Marabou feathers(s)
Gills: Optional- red Spirit River Palmar Chenille
Head: Palmar Chenille
Eyes: 3-D, epoxied

Contribution by Jerry Darkes

1% For The Planet

October 15th (Blog Action Day) is a day for all bloggers to come together to write about an important topic. This years topic is the environment. I though it might be a good time to post a little piece on a tribe of individuals and organizations that participate in a special effort. That effort is called 1% For The Planet. 1% For The Planet is an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to create a healthier planet. Members recognize their responsibility to and dependence on a healthy environment and donate at least 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations worldwide. 1% For The Planet was launched in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, environmental activist and founder of Patagonia, Inc., and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies. The list of members is impressive. Take a moment and click on the links to learn more or to get involved with 1% For The Planet.

Personal Best

I received a picture the other day that got me thinking about certain special moments in a fisherman's lifetime. These moments are the times when we experience something extraordinary. What struck me is that for some of us these moments are crystal clear. Others though, may not be. The picture connected with this post came with these words "Here's what I know…he caught the fish in Malibu near Neptune's Net and was only out a 1/2 hour in a kelp bed, rough water. It took 1 1/2 hours to reel him in and he had somewhat of a sled ride during that process, he was in a kayak as I mentioned! He used a taddy #9 and the photographer was just his friend John, don't know the last name, he is a lifeguard in Ventura! It was a career fish and he spread the love amongst all his friends….that's all folks!" There you have it. Derek (I only know his first name) landed the 54lb white sea bass he's holding and will probably log this catch as his "personal best" of a lifetime. Now this is not to say that catching the biggest fish is what's considered "personal best". That's up to you. Personal best or extraordinary could be a trip, a cast, a fly, a fish or a combination of things. What's your definition of personal best?

Contribution by KD Heupel

Animoto

I saw a Moldy Chum post on this new technology called Animoto and decided to investigate. I went to the Animoto website and discovered that this technology could be a fun tool for the photo rich activity called fly fishing (though it's not really marketed toward it). It was relatively easy to use, especially if you have an image database on Picasa, Facebook, Flickr or Smugmug. What is Animoto? "It's newly developed Cinematic Artificial Intelligence technology that thinks like an actual director and editor. It analyzes and combines user-selected images and music with the same sophisticated post-production skills & techniques that are used in television and film." Who is Animoto? "A bunch of techies and film/tv producers who decided to lock themselves in a room together and nerd out." Here's a 30 second clip of images I combined with Animoto technology. It's called Bluefin.

Got Worms?

On September 14th David Smart (photo below) caught a large Puget Sound cutthroat on a popper that was puking up a big pile worm around ten inches long. He had seen a number of these large marine worms swimming freely near the surface with sea-run cutthroats attacking them. He knew Dylan Tomine had developed the String Thing for steelhead. This fly has a long profile, skinny body and a trailing hook. This tying method fit the bill so Dylan quickly turned out the first String Worm fly for David. After a few on-the-water design/color experiments and the process of figuring out how to effectively swim this fly through the water, David started to catch some big fish.

Large cutthroat are rare and it is very difficult to regularly catch fish over 18 inches but the String Worm fly does just that; it catches big fish and lots of them. Since development of this fly, David caught more big cutthroats in two weeks than in the last 10 years combined, including a mammoth 24-incher and a couple equally impressive 22-inch fish. In addition to catching sea-run cutthroat trout, it has also taken blackmouth (immature chinook) and silvers (coho salmon), proving surprisingly effective on some staging coho in a local estuary. The best way to fish this fly is very slowly with slow smooth strips so that it slithers through the water. The fish see this as a large, very easy meal to grab as it swims by, and while the takes may be subtle as a fish engulfs the fly, the results are amazing.

Contribution by David Smart and Dylan Tomine

Enjoy the walk

Have you ever considered how important the walk to and from a fishing spot is? In my opinion, these walks often contain the best moments of a fishing event even though no fly is cast. This is when angling friends and acquaintances get a chance to speak about stuff.....and not just fishing stuff. These are the moments that we find out what's going on in each others lives. Exchanges happen that can deepen experience and relationship alike. Other than these moments the only words spoken while fishing can be something like "what fly do you have on" or "did you get any hits"? It's possible that no words are spoken at all. Note that the walk is still special even if you are solo. You get to talk and listen to yourself. Enjoy the walk.

Top photo - Jeff Leopold - Summit AS

Bottom photo - Dave Skok

Red Gold

Bristol Bay Alaska is home to the last great wild salmon fishery in the world. Multinational mining company Northern Dynasty plans to build the largest open pit mine in North America at the headwaters of the resource. Check out this 3 minute trailer for Felt Soul Media's upcoming film - Red Gold. It does a good job of framing the debate. Let me know your reaction.

Birth

My birthday was the other day (9/23) and I remembered that I had written a short journal entry a few years ago that I thought was worth a post. On Oct. 6, 2003 El Pescador penned this, "It was a blustery, rainy afternoon due to residual hurricane effects. The sea was rough like the weather but the fish were there. One clue was the 100 sea gulls lined up along the shoreline where the river meets the ocean. I caught 10 nice stripers in an hour and a half. The experience really connected me to my birth. The setting was a balance between turbulent and serene. I was half submerged in saltwater and my other half was above the sea, exposed. It was just mother nature and me. I was reborn."

El Pescador returns

The 2007 FFR Show Patagonia Booth contained 17 new or revised styles (Spring 2008). The product groupings had backdrop graphics created from photos by regular Way Upstream contributors Rene Braun and Dave Skok. I though you might like to take a look at the images. They're cool. Just ignore the typo on the center shot of Alan Caolo. It was corrected for printing.

The new Guidewater Jacket

The revised M's Sunshade Shirt

The new Guidewater Vest

If you were in Denver for the trade show, tell me your thoughts on the event and related happenings. If you weren't there and have questions, I can try to provide answers. El Pescador has returned.

High and Dry

This Rene Braun photo made me laugh when I first saw it. This scenario is a relatively common occurrence here in Maine. The mean tide swing is between 8 and 9 feet and during certain moon phases it jumps by another foot and a half. If you aren't careful you can get stuck on a dropping tide. Rene was there to capture the moment. I call this shot High and Dry....but I'm not sure which guy is High and which one is Dry. I'm sure Rene calls it something else. Click on the link (Rene's name) to see more of his photos.

Hoppicator

I saw this pattern in Fly Fishing Life Magazine. It seemed brilliant to me so I asked Mikey Wier for a Way Upstream story. Here are the words and some of the pictures that he sent:

"The Hoppicator has been a great pattern for me. I’ve been developing the system for a several years now. I usually fish it in conjunction with weighted nymphs. The main premise is to get away from using lead or tin weights, foam or yarn indicators. I don’t like the weights because they are just more litter than needed and often tangle on your line if you overhead cast. I stopped using indicators because they scare spooky fish around here in some of our technical catch and release fishing areas. Now I just use the Hopper Dropper or Super Hopper Dropper as I call the heavier set up for all my trout fishing and even some steelhead fishing in heavy water. The system is just as versatile as traditional indicator fishing, as far as depth and weight adjustments. You just have to be slightly more perceptive about the current flows and actual river depths when choosing the right fly combo. I usually use a heavy “bomb” fly like my double tungsten Jawbreaker or Tungsten Caramel Caddis Pupa to get down deep. I then use a dropper of something smaller like my Mint Chocolate Crawler Nymph or Butterscotch Sprinkle. This system also really came in handy for the Team USA competitions. The rules call for no weight or indicators so most people just dry dropper or Czech Nymph. That’s great for some water but some places require the kind of long dead drift you can only get with an indicator. My Hoppicator set up conforms to the Team USA rules and no one else had anything like it. It won a couple beats for me. Many of my trout patterns, including the Hoppicator, will be available soon from Idylwilde Fly Company." Photos by Mikey Wier

Local waterway

I got this story from Andy Mitchell in Patagonia Dealer Services (Reno, NV) and it struck me as a great example of a vital ingredient in maintaining the health of the activity we call fishing. I read articles about fishing participation being down. Many in the industry ask, how can we foster new participation? My view, it’s right here in this story. We need to make sure that our local spots are healthy. These local spots are where all of us, including the budding 14 yr. old angler got and/or get hooked on fishing. The local waters are where we bust out for an evening stint to test a new pattern, line, rod or reel. It’s where we polish our techniques. It’s where we observe the things that teach us lessons, like how a heron or egret patiently “fishes” or how stoneflies crawl out onto rocky platforms to shuck their exoskeleton for wings. I applaud those that invest effort in making their local waters viable ecosystems and I applaud those that work with the novice angler. It’s not all about the 185lb tarpon or the searing run of a Christmas Island bone. It’s really about the "BEHEMOTH" that lives under your local waterway bridge. That’s where we get “obsessed”.
Here’s Andy’s story:

“Hi Steve-- I wanted to fill you in on the epic trout that has been sighted here about the Reno DC lately. I haven't done much all summer accept study for a graduate school test and plan an internship with Save Our Wild Salmon. To ward off the stress and desk fluff that can accumulate with a lifestyle like that I took to "experiencing fitness" during lunch by running a quick 4-mile loop along the Truckee River. I can't cross a bridge without peaking over to spot fish. There is one footbridge about a half mile east of here that spans the Truckee right above where a tributary enters and it is usually pretty easy to spot trout wiggling around in the current. Last month I looked over the edge and saw a BEHEMOTH calmly pointing upstream swishing his mighty tail to the rhythm. I almost swallowed my jogging do-rag. I thought for a second it might actually be a carp but I climbed up on the railing of the bridge to get a better look. When he banked hard left I a saw the silver/pink glint-- a monster ‘Bow.

I spread the word-- people confirmed the sighting, some called me a liar, others claimed they saw different and bigger fish-- but spotting that big daddy became bit of an obsession, so much so that I finally got the camera out and made my way down there daily to try to spot him. So here is a picture of the bridgewhere the mythic beast of the Truckee lives. I’ll let you know if anyone gets him on the line.”


Contribution by Andy Mitchell
Photos by Greg Ponte and Andy Mitchell

Onward

After months of planning, organization, phone calls, emails, letters and the occasional postcard, AEG has entered Mongolia. It’s a country where 8 hour drives turn into 27 hour drives and where things don’t always go as planned. It’s a place where GPS can throw you off. It's a place where mystery meat from roadside kabob stands and dried yogurt are “different to say the least”. It’s also a place where elusive taimen reside and they lie at the undercut root of this quest. Follow their travels by checking the Trout Bum Diaries Blog and leave comments for them too. Check the AEG website to see their plans for the 2008 film tour. The cities they plan to visit and dates are listed so mark your calanders. Onward.

Photos by Tim Pask

Free to roam

It’s only fitting that the previous post highlighting James Prosek be followed up by a piece on the other founding member of World Trout – Yvon Chouinard. These pictures and the following words found their way upstream to El Pescador from Casey Sheahan (Patagonia CEO). Click on the colored text (links) to read more about YC and a variety of salmon articles. Casey wrote:

“Rare to see YC holding a fish out of water for even a second but this 26 pound Zolotaya River chromer required closer inspection. This Russian beauty had been caught on the nearby Rynda two summers ago and blue-tagged to identify it as a product of Rynda waters--proof of salmo salar's wandering capabilities, and what happens to salmon when allowed to swim freely, spawn repeatedly without estuary nets and net pen farming.”

Contribution by Casey Sheahan and El Jefe

Photos by Bruce McNae

Preserve what we have left

Here's a short Felt Soul Media film that highlights James Prosek and World Trout. James states in this piece "The mission of World Trout in part is to preserve native diversity of fishes and the idea is to raise money to give to individuals or grassroots organizations who live in places where trout live and can protect the habitat and the fish. I think the most urgent thing to do is to preserve what diversity we have left." Would you agree?

Check out these links for more detailed information on James Prosek, World Trout and World Trout t-shirts.

Torrent of hope

Dragonflies rule the late summer air space.
Migratory birds will take flight for distant sanctuaries.
Ditches have become overstuffed vases of Goldenrod and Queen Anne’s lace.
Blackberries swell with juice and ripen to a purple black.
Leaves contemplate revealing their souls.
Jaws of certain finned creatures protrude and bend.
Eyes become filled with the reality of what lies ahead.
The time has come for journey.
Seeds will be left.
Late summer is a torrent of hope.

By El Pescador

Photo by Bill Klyn

Trout Eldorado

This Way Upstream video post follows Svein Røbergshagen (Patagonia ambassador) and a group of dedicated Norwegian fly fishermen as they chase monster browns in a spectacular wilderness setting on the tundra of the Kola Peninsula. The beautiful rivers are teeming with big browns, sometimes hitting the fly with an explosive take. It's awesome to see these fish settled in a steady rising pattern, showing their broad tails in the surface, posing an ultimate challenge for the dry fly fisherman. This wilderness region of Russia has been closed to the public until recently. Now this undisturbed wilderness fly fishing is highlighted on DVD. Check out this 3 minute compilation and get your passport in order.

Contribution by Svein Røbergshagen and Jeff Leopold

Only in Costa Rica

It may be the only place in the world to do it: Catch wild rainbow trout on dry flies on a frosty morning, enjoy a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup while cozying around a fireplace then drive less than two hours and take a dip in the bath-tub warm Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Do it all in sight of palm trees, quetzales and spider monkeys. Never mind the sailfish and the tarpon.
Only in Costa Rica.

Story and photo by Capt. Dave Sherwood

Invasive Algae

This is Didymo algae (Didymosphenia geminata), also appropriately known as "rock snot". It continues to spread a deadly path in trout habitat. This algae forms a thick layer on stream beds, in time choking out most aquatic insects and greatly reducing food supplies for trout. New Zealand has had a significant problem with Didymo for some time. Since the mid-Eighties, Didymo has become a growing nuisance in North America. It is present in rivers throughout the West, Arkansas, and Canada. This summer the algae was discovered for the first time in New England waters (Connecticut, White and Battenkill Rivers). The rapidly growing territory of this invasive single celled organism has led many scientists to believe humans play a significant role in it's spread by inadvertently transporting Didymosphenia geminata on fishing boots, waders and boats. Please check out the links below to learn more about Didymo and what you can do to help prevent the spread of this freshwater diatom.

Global Invasive Species Database

Protect Your Waters

Contribution by Greg Davis

Deep Wading Jacket - Front

Way Upstream commenter Bradley asked to get a closer look at the S8 redesigned Deep Wading Jacket. Here it is for you all to see. Click on the shot and mouse over the comment boxes to learn more.

Way Upstream

Copyright 2007

Angler - Topher Browne

Photos by Rene Braun

Deep Wading Jacket - Back

Here's a look at the back of the S8 Deep Wading Jacket. Click on the shot and mouse over the comment boxes to learn more.

Way Upstream

Copyright 2007

Release (Dark Version)

I was in SLC, UT for the Outdoor Retailer Show and took advantage of a dusk fishing offer from Thad Robison. It was a perfect opportunity and it turned out to be a memorable session. We stopped by (continued below)

Release (Light Version)

Western Rivers to get my license, great service and a good cup of coffee before heading out to fish a section of the restored Provo River late into the night. We had take-out burritos and cold PBRs for dinner at the parking spot. It was AEG ceremonial. Caddis and trout were active. We caught fish on small caddis drys while we still had light but when the dark came on we V-waked a mouse pattern and brown trout crashed it ferociously. I created these two images from a photo taken that evening.

Just a little further

Every time I see films and videos by Mikey Wier, I'm, well.., moved. He often casts a certain soulful light on the bigger picture of fly-fishing. In this video he exposes an angling facet that many know, "It's all out there waiting. You just have to go and find it." I recently asked him to write a Way Upstream intro to this 5 minute Fish Eye video. Here's what he said:

"I love catching fish. Don’t get me wrong. They are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on this planet. But for me, a bigger part of fly-fishing is the total experience. It's about that sense of adventure. I love looking at a map and trying to discover new places to catch a fish. I'm always so intrigued to know what's just around that bend, or what does it look like up stream of here. It's that feeling of exploration and discovery that often motivates me to keep searching for the next great fishing spot. There are lots of times when I see a place on a map that looks like it has potential, or hear about a "Great spot", and when I get there, it's nothing more than a nice stretch of river. The fishing might not be good, but I'm still outdoors and seeing something new. Then, inevitably there will be days like this, where it all comes together and I might have the chance to catch the fish of a lifetime. It took my brother and I almost 10 years to get to this spot at the right time of year. It’s all out there waiting. You just have to go out there and find it."

Lump of Crab - top

Lump of Crab - bottom