Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of California Fly Fisher.
It’s hard to believe this marks our fourth issue—and with it, a full year of publishing the refreshed California Fly Fisher. What a ride it’s been! Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many talented writers, passionate guides, and dedicated brand representatives. But most of all, I’ve loved hearing from you—our readers—the lifeblood of this community. Your enthusiasm and support make all of this worthwhile.
Like any good day on the water, publishing a magazine has its learning curves. But with each issue, we’ve found our rhythm, and I truly believe we’re making something special. This Spring edition is packed with stories that capture the spirit of fly fishing in California—adventure, culture, and the endless pursuit of knowledge that keeps us all coming back to the water.
We’re shining a spotlight on the Truckee River, with local guide and instructor Matt Heron breaking down the “Trickee Truckee” to help you crack the code. We also dive into a bold claim—is California the gold standard for fly fishing? And is San Francisco America’s fishiest city? You be the judge! Rebecca Ramirez takes us deep into Tehipiti Valley, a place as awe-inspiring as it is remote, while we also explore the deep-rooted culture of casting clubs, profiling the Pasadena and Long Beach Casting Clubs. Northern California clubs are coming in the next issue!
Of course, there’s plenty of practical wisdom, too. Want to wade better? Improve your hook set? Fish terrestrials more effectively? We’ve got you covered. And for a real treat, David Dines sits down with the legendary Val Atkinson, the OG of fly-fishing photography. After eight decades on this planet, Val has more than a few stories to tell—catch them on page 62.
Now, a quick note about subscriptions. When we relaunched the magazine, the subscription price remained close to what Richard had been charging for years because we wanted to earn your trust and show you the value of what we’re creating. Over the past year, we’ve expanded our content, deepened our storytelling, and invested in both print and digital experiences to bring you a richer, more engaging publication. To reflect that value and continue producing the highest-quality magazine possible, we’ll be adjusting the annual subscription price to $44.95, starting with the Summer 2025 issue. We hope you’ll agree that California Fly Fisher is worth every penny—and then some.
Here’s to another great year on the water,
@numu_wanderer
