Welcome to the Fall issue of California Fly Fisher.
Fall is a season of change and, without a doubt, my favorite of the four. Growing up in the Midwest, fall brought crisp air, breathtaking amber, crimson, and russet foliage, wool sweaters, and football Saturdays (Go Blue!). Having now lived in California longer than in the Midwest, these are all things I still welcome and get to enjoy.
Recently we’ve seen our own transformations. The changes we made to this magazine were significant, and I hoped they would resonate with you. I’m thrilled to say they did. Your kind words, expressed in letters and emails, were heartening affirmations of the effort we put into the relaunch. We love hearing from you, and we’re still evolving. Please continue to share your thoughts on what you’d like to see and read—we’re listening.
A river has also undergone massive change. The Klamath, once impeded by four dams, now runs free for the first time in over a century. This monumental restoration project—the largest in history—brings long-awaited renewal, not just for the river itself but for the indigenous tribes, local communities, and, of course, the fish that rely on a healthy watershed. In this issue, we explore the river’s history, the profound significance of this restoration to the Yurok people, and offer insights into fishing its largest tributary, the Trinity River, while the Klamath recovers.
This Fall issue also reflects on changes that are more difficult to embrace. We honor Veteran’s Day with a tribute to Doug Merrick of R.L. Winston, a war hero and courageous POW whose rod-building skill left a lasting legacy in our sport. And a story of how cancer changes the way we perceive the things around us through Jody Martin’s poignant story, “The Stars in our Eyes,” written from his experiences as a Casting for Recovery volunteer.
Since being introduced to fly fishing several years ago, my fall likes have also changed, or expanded. Added to my list are standing in a river engulfed in that crisp air and brilliant foliage casting a dry fly to a rising trout, fall hatches, and, of course, steelhead.
You’ll find stories of these autumnal gifts the change of season brings in the pages that follow.
Embrace the change and enjoy the issue.
