2024 saw some great highs and deep lows for the TROUT magazine family.
Consider the miracle that happened (and is happening) on the Klamath, where salmon are already returning after the removal of the dams. Or how about the landmark Good Samaritan law, which now paves the way to clean up thousands of stream miles affected by mine pollution?
TU accomplished a ton last year. It took many, many people to make those things happen, and we were proud to have played some role by sharing the stories that sparked and recognized those things.
We lost two members of the immediate TROUT magazine family who forever changed how people read (and write) about fly fishing in John Gierach and Chris Santella. Things just don’t seem the same without them. But we still have several more of John’s stories to share in TROUT magazine over the next year or so, and we can always reread the words he and Chris left behind. After all, as the late Jim Harrison wrote: “Death steals everything except our stories.”
As I contemplate the year ahead, I am grateful for past blessings, and I am optimistic. I wish for peace, wellness and happiness for all of you and yours.
But the lessons of 2024 made me decide to also double down on appreciating the small stuff, and I hope some of you will join me in that. I try to make a point to not sweat the small stuff, but there’s no rule against putting a positive spin on the little things, is there?
As such, I’m going to try to respect and appreciate the small fish as much or more than the big ones. And the ones that get away? Good for them. I’m going to be glad that they win sometimes.
Any conservation win is exactly that… a win. There will always be more to do and the work will never be completely done. But it’s okay to appreciate any step in the right direction.
I’m going to do more “blue lining” and check out more of the small creeks that appear only as obscure blue squiggles on the topo map (or app these days).
I’m going to take more time to look for frogs and crayfish in the river.
I’m going to get a good bird book and try to identify and remember the names of the birds I see.
I am NOT going to appreciate it when my son tries to hand me the garter snake he’s been carrying in his wader pocket (not again!).
But I am going to fish more with him, and other family members and friends, because with each passing year, I’m realizing that fishing is less and less about the fish themselves, and more and more about the places you’re in, and above all, the people with whom you share those places.
When I read something that really sparks my interest, I’m going to set aside the time to read it again.
I’m hoping to look at the tiny details in photographs and videos more closely.
I’m going to put a new line on an old reel, and fish the fly rod that’s been collecting dust.
I’m going to resolve to spend the whole year teaching as many people how to fish as I can, without telling a single person how to fish.
And I’m going to try to help make four great magazines and a bunch of Friday newsletters like this one that will put at least a small smile on your face.
Here’s to all of us in 2025!