Perfect Timing
I’m writing with deep gratitude—and in hopes of celebrating and amplifying the strength of California’s fly fishing community. Your July issue reminded me just how special and vibrant this community truly is.
I especially loved the feature article “Forks of the Kern.” July is my birthday month, and I found myself at my desk, reflecting on what I could do to mark the occasion. It’s been a tough year here in Los Angeles, and a fly fishing trip sounded like the perfect reset. Montana? Too crowded. Wyoming? Too expensive.
Then your magazine arrived.
I flipped it open and landed on Tim Huckaby’s piece about the Forks of the Kern—one of my favorite places, though not exactly toddler-friendly with a two-year-old in tow. But tucked within the article was an ad for Peppermint Falls Ranch. I called them immediately. Not only could they accommodate my family for a long weekend, but they even reached out to Tim, who graciously agreed to guide me and a friend for a day on the water.
That weekend, my family and friends shared an experience that felt uniquely Californian: catching heritage trout in their native waters, exploring mule trails, discovering Indian kitchens and old rancher cabins. California is unmatched in its natural beauty and layered history—from the First Peoples who settled coastal islands to the missionaries and 49ers, and now to the anglers and conservationists who carry the story forward.
I felt that history not just intellectually, but viscerally, as I released a wild Kern River rainbow back into her home waters.
In a time when the California spirit has taken some hits, moments like these remind me of what’s worth preserving. When Utah Congressman Mike Lee suggested selling off the very public lands where I had just been casting, it was Californians who pushed back—fiercely and vocally—to defend what’s ours.
This magazine weaves together the many voices safeguarding California’s waters—from CalTrout reviving native steelhead, to Lino Jimenez reintroducing Angelenos to the L.A. River, to Peppermint Falls Ranch preserving our frontier spirit.
As a proud Californian and a newly obsessed fly fisher, I’m profoundly grateful for this publication—and for the community it helps me feel a part of.
Chris Kirby
Los Angeles, CA
Casting Clubs
I received my edition of California Fly Fisher magazine in the mail today. I also just finished reading the article, “Casting Clubs of Northern California,” by Jim Burke.
Wow.
I believe that he captures the real essence of becoming a member of a Bay Area club and community. I have had the very fortunate experience of being a member of the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco for about two years. I loved Mr. Burke’s description of a conversation among the past, present, and future. The history of the place is palpable and lingers in an always-present lesson to be acknowledged and appreciated. As he suggests, when visiting the ponds, worries recede.
Thank you, Jim Burke, for a beautiful depiction of the casting club and the people, its members, who form a special community.
Troy Lambson
Hillsborough, CA
I Like What You’re Doing
First, you have a fine, classy magazine. Thank you.
When I received my first copy, I was very impressed and continue to be so—I enjoyed the previous format of the magazine for content, but you have added a quality and style that really makes one notice the sport.
So, per your comments in the “Letter from the Publisher,” I am letting you know I like what you are doing. My friends, too, are impressed with the quality of the publication and have great hopes that you will continue to keep the publication going, while an electronic publication gets the word out, your presentation in the hard copy is my preference.
FYI, I fish the Klamath, mostly for half-pound steelhead in late summer, early fall. With dam removal we lost last season, as the turbidity of the water was so bad that our group, which consists of nine to 25 fly fishers, caught only three steelhead last year. They were there, but we could not see our flies. When it’s good, we can have 25 to 40 fish evenings or mornings. Admittedly, the water was so turbid that upon seeing the river, many did not cast a line. This year, the water was clear enough a month ago; we will see in late August when the fish begin to show, how it will fish, and if we can run our jet boats up the river in October, it will be interesting. With the effort to remove Scott and Cape Horn Dams on the Eel in the coming future, stories about the Klamath a year post-dam removal, and the prospects for removal of the Eel River dams could be interesting stories.
Heading up to the Trinity on Friday, I hope to hear about an early salmon run, or maybe just a few nice trout in the catch-and-release area below the Trinity Lake dam, and I have a visit with Herb Burton at the Trinity Fly Shop.
Thanks for what you do.
Frank Briceno
Santa Rosa, CA
