Welcome to the Winter 2026 issue of California Fly Fisher.
Winter in California has a way of revealing just how diverse our fisheries truly are. While much of the country settles into dormancy, anglers here are still finding fish—and often finding solitude—across an astonishing range of waters.
In this issue, that diversity is on full display. You can make tracks through the snowy banks of the Upper Owens in the Eastern Sierra, where Daniel Parsons shares the quiet rewards of a year-round trout fishery framed by winter light and frozen willows. If chrome is what you’re after, we turn our attention north, offering tips and perspective for swinging flies on some of the North Coast’s storied steelhead rivers. And far to the south, Conway Bowman gives readers the 411 on urban fishing in San Diego—from stillwaters to rivers to the bay—reminding us that opportunity often exists closer to home than we expect.
This Winter issue brings you all of that, and more.
At its heart, California Fly Fisher has always been about community—the anglers, writers, photographers, artists, conservationists, and readers who make up this magazine. That spirit was on full display just this past week, when members of our editorial committee, friends, and partners gathered for a holiday party at Lost Coast Outfitters, while a smaller group met on the Yuba River to share a few winter casts. It was a chance to connect beyond Zoom squares and fish together, and as stories were shared around the campfire, a common theme emerged: a deep sense of being California proud—proud of our rivers and coastlines, our public lands, and the diverse angling culture that exists nowhere else.
I am deeply thankful for the CAFF editorial committee members and advisors who so generously share their wisdom and help shape what you find in these pages.
Speaking of sharing perspectives, on page 6 you’ll find a QR code linking to our 2026 Reader Survey. We’d love to learn more about you and what you’d like to see in future issues of California Fly Fisher. Your feedback helps guide the direction of the magazine, and we hope you’ll take a moment to fill it out.
Finally, we look forward to connecting with many of you in person in the months ahead. We’ll be at the Pleasanton Fly Fishing Show in February, and once again hosting screenings around the state of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival. We hope to see you at one of these events—on the river, in a theater, or wherever this winter finds you fishing.
We’re also debuting our first online Gift Guide, brimming with thoughtful suggestions from our editorial contributors and committee members. Whether you’re shopping for the angler in your life—or curating your own wish list—you’ll find inspired picks perfect for the holidays or any season.
This Fall issue is rich with ideas and insight: Putah Creek’s storied waters, an intimate look at Southern California guide Conway Bowman and his mako shark pursuits, Yamsi Ranch on Oregon’s Williamson River, steelhead swing tips from George Revel, and meadow restoration benefitting our state fish through Trout Unlimited’s Golden Trout Project.
I hope you, too, find a “first” to savor this season—on the Delta or on your own favorite water.
