Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of California Fly Fisher.
When deciding whether to take on the challenge—or honor—of resurrecting California Fly Fisher, a very persuasive argument in the ‘do it’ column was the strong community of readers that had been built over the decades. I see this community not just in our readers, but woven into every corner of fly fishing—in the clubs, on the rivers, and in the fly shops. It’s a group that shows up for one another—to mentor and be mentored, to share stories, and yes, to share photos of beautiful fish like proud new parents.
At California Fly Fisher, we want to help strengthen and connect this community across the state. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, gathering at events like the Fly Fishing Show, or sharing a night of inspiration at the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, our goal is to bring anglers together and celebrate what binds us.
I often flip through old issues of the magazine for inspiration, and it is striking to see how many fly shops once populated this state. In one issue from 2000, I counted ads for 32 different shops—and those were only the ones that were advertising. One even lamented in their ad: ‘Yikes, not another fly shop. …’ The market was saturated. Not so much today. By my count, there are fewer than 20 fly shops remaining in California.
That loss matters. These shops are more than retail spaces. They are classrooms, meeting places, and launching points for countless fishing journeys. They are where beginners find encouragement, where experienced anglers improve their skills, and where the culture of fly fishing is kept alive. If we care about community, and I believe we do, then supporting our local fly shops is not just a choice. It’s essential.
This Spring issue highlights parts of our community worth celebrating. In “The Therapeutic Power of Fly Fishing,” Betsy Morris examines the healing power of time on the water and the organizations bringing that gift to people in need. In “The River is Open,” Rachel Andras explores why there is a dearth of female fly-fishing guides in the state and offers encouragement for women ready to change that. We profile the people shaping the sport, from bamboo-rod maker and artist Tony Bellaver to author, tyer, and artist Hal Janssen. And we offer inspiration to get out and fish—Yosemite, Crowley Lake, Sacramento’s American River—all waiting for you.
Thank you for being a part of our community. We wouldn’t be here without you.
