-
Low light is trout-watching light
The gnarled, dark brown bark of cottonwoods lining rivers throughout the west make the yellow leaves glow in the sinking sun. And that low sun has other advantages when it comes to fishing. As I approached the water, I saw the tell-tale signs of fish working the water column. Mostly it was dorsal fins cresting…
-
Video: tips for paddling a canoe on your own
I can say the next time I get in a canoe solo I'll be much better prepared from these simple paddling tips they expertly explain here in this video.
I will be the first to admit, canoes intimidate me. Especially paddling one solo. I'm a rower. I even row canoes if possible... The problem is canoes can go just about everywhere and are found on every type of water. They are a ubiquitous craft in the fishing and boating world. I can't tell you…
-
Sharing moments in time on a Wild and Scenic Alaskan river
Eric and Ryan rowing across Paxson Lake with Gulkana Glacier in the distance. Photo by Chad Gage. Five years ago, I watched Wyatt, not even a teenager yet, take the oars for the first time on my initial foray to the Gulkana River. During subsequent trips I have been privileged to observe his skills solidify and…
-
Enjoy fall’s reds but avoid its redds
The colors of fall excite my retinas. Green leaves slowly fade as dormancy becomes them — it's their yearly retreat so they can prepare for renewal come spring. Yellows are most common out west, but we also have vibrant oranges and even some reds. Oranges and reds of the changing scrub oaks and wild strawberries…
-
Is ‘destination marketing’ bad for our fishy resources?
Oh, those innocent little hashtags. I’m in Vermont at the annual Outdoor Writers Association of America’s annual conference, and I just stepped out of a session about how writers, communicators and influencers can work with destinations to promote the activities at those destinations to encourage readers and viewers to take the plunge and take a…
-
Five hundred miles of river memories in three states
Paris Creek in Idaho is a tributary to Bear Lake. Removal of an old hydropower plant will prevent dewatering of 3 miles of Paris Creek for most of the year allowing migratory cutthroat trout to access spawning grounds. Brett Prettyman/Trout Unlimited. The Bear River in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho is important to native cutthroat trout…
-
How to store your boat outside in the winter
Even with the frame, you should always pitch a high point in the center of the boat to promote drainage off the tarp from rain and melting springtime snow. Poking a hole in the center of the low point of the tarp will allow the snow melt to escape. (Do not follow this last suggestion if your boat is not self bailing)
It’s about this time of year when I start thinking about where and how I’m going to store my boat(s) for the winter. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve still got some stuff planned, but winter can come literally any day now in my neck of the woods and seeing as climate controlled storage space is…
Category