I headed off for another pond that I needed to walk into. I usually can drive, but the culvert for the drainage is being replaced and it was not a good idea to try to drive through the canyon in the road. So, with two 5 weight rods and more fly boxes than I probably need headed in for the pond. The way in is about half a mile, but it is easier to walk this way than to try to climb in and out of the area where the new culvert will go. I got to the pond and saw that it was a little off color.

An historical look at the angler who developed nymphing tactics for mayflies and the lessons we may have overlooked

George Edward MacKenzie Skues was born on August 13th 1858 and passed away on August 9th, 1949 within a few days of his 91st birthday. In his life-time he was to offer changes that would rock the fly fishing world, and these changes were to echo long after his passing.

The seasons affect our time on the water in so many obvious ways. From the waters with predictable hatches to the simple effects of nature on the waters and the fish we pursue, we need to understand and adjust our angling accordingly. Without the knowledge of what is actually happening on the water, time would be (and often is) wasted fishing a mayfly nymph or caddis emerger, when the "soup of the day" is a size 20 grey midge.

I will not mention his name but suffice it to say that he is a well-known fly fisher whose fly fishing exploits have been chronicled in print for many years. We shared a day on a famous trout stream and enjoyed several hours of candid conversation about fly fishing. We covered a gamut of topics from rods to fly theory. Here are some of the interesting insights that I gleaned from that day.

The Salmon Fly: How To Dress It and How To Use It by George Mortimer Kelson (1895)

I reviewed The Essential Kelson (Review 10) and mentioned Mr. Kelson there. This time, I acquired the copy of his book, The Salmon Fly. I'd love to review and discuss this prominent individual again!!

I normally do not spend time visiting yard or rummage sales. I have more than enough of my own junk without purchasing stuff that other people are trying to sell. I was visiting some old friends and decided to take a walk around their neighborhood while they were doing some domestic chores. A few blocks away from their house I came upon a small city park and it appeared that they were having a local art fair and flea market. I decided to wander around to see what the locals were selling.