California Fly Fisher

08/30/2025

Fly fishing is as much about bugs as it is about fish — and the bugs we depend on are telling us a story about climate change.

Mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies — the foundation of trout diets and our favorite fly patterns — are highly sensitive to warming waters, shifting snowmelt, and habitat loss. As the climate changes, these aquatic insects are a wet, buggy canary in the coal mine, signaling big challenges for rivers and the fish we love.

In our Summer issue's Good Fight column, author Chris Wright dives into the science and stakes of climate change for the river bugs at the heart of fly fishing.

✨ Read the full story at this link: https://calflyfisher.com/conservation/the-good-fight-bugs-and-climate-change/

📷 1: The rise. Photo by Val Atkinson
📷 2: Stoneflies are particularly at risk to changing climates. Photo by Chris Wright
📷 3: Mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies, as ectotherms. are likely to be affected by warming water temps. Photo by Chris Wright
📷 4: Golden stoneflies become highly adapted to relatively narrow elevation ranges. Photo by Chris Wright

08/29/2025

🎣✨ This Saturday, August 30, is California Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing Day! No license required—just grab your rod, bring a friend (or a kid!), and discover the joy of casting on California’s waters.

It’s the perfect chance to introduce someone new to the sport, share the river, and make memories on the water.

📸 Tag us in your photos as you're out there enjoying the day!

📷 1: Take a kid fishing! Photo by Chris Leonard
📷 2: Fishing is better with a friend. Photo by George Revel
📷 3: Rebecca Ramirez and friend fishing SoCal waters. Photo by Bernard Ingram

08/27/2025

Award-Winning CAFF Contributors! 🏆

Huge congratulations to Obi Kaufmann and Joel “Jody” Martin for earning First Place honors in OWAA’s Excellence in Craft Awards.

• Obi’s "Klamath Watershed" is a stunning visual of the Klamath River ecosystem—celebrating the largest river restoration project in U.S. history and the removal of four dams.
• Jody’s "The Stars in Our Eyes" is a touching account of his work with Casting for Recovery, showing the power of fly fishing to heal and find beauty in small things.

Bonus: Earlier this year, Jody’s piece also won First Place for Best Outdoor Feature Article from the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC)—making it a double award-winner!

Both appeared in our Fall 2024 issue. We’re so proud!

We’re thrilled to share that two of California Fly Fisher’s own contributors have been recognized on the national…

08/25/2025

Trout Unlimited’s Golden Trout Project will be featured in our Fall 2025 issue. Subscribe today to get your copy! www.calflyfisher.com/subscribe

08/25/2025

Great interview with one of California Fly Fisher’s editorial contributors and committee member, Mike Wier. One of the fishiest humans around.

Mikey Wier is a lifelong angler, filmmaker, and conservationist based in California. Raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Mikey has spent decades exploring...

08/24/2025

The Forks of Kern is a Golden Trout Wilderness destination you need to earn…and it’s worth the effort.

The Golden Trout Wilderness destination that you need to earn.

08/23/2025

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more cast, one more adventure, one more road trip.
This month’s Drift is full of inspiration to keep your angling spirit alive:
👉Laugh along with Curtis Fong as he bushwhacks to secret fishing spots
👉Celebrate the launch of Fish the West, showcasing legendary guides & CAFF contributors
👉Check out Simms’ new Grateful Dead line (born for California waters)
👉Cheer on the encouraging returns of Central Coast coho salmon
👉Plus: Euro nymphing tips & a favorite road-trip tale from the archives

Catch the stories and be sure to get The Drift: https://mailchi.mp/calflyfisher/thedriftaug2025
https://mailchi.mp/calflyfisher/caff-newsletter

📷 1: Owens River amazing sunset. Photo by Alex Fitch Design
📷 2: The amazing spot Curtis Fong bushwhacked into on the McCloud. Photo by Curtis Fong
📷 3: A healthy Central California Coast coho salmon. Photo courtesy NOAA Fisheries
📷 4: Euro nymphing allows for accessing challenging conditions such as under overhanging trees. Photo courtesy EJ Melzer

08/22/2025

NEW EVENT!
We're excited to bring the International Fly Fishing Film Festival to Glendale on October 9. Get your tickets today—the show will sell out! You don't want to miss this fun evening featuring great films, awesome raffle prizes, and a chance to connect with the fly-fishing community. Purchase your tickets at https://flyfilmfest.com/pasadenaca/



International Fly Fishing Film Festival

08/15/2025

From ice-chilled lakes in May to sunlit granite walls in August, the Trinity Alps are a backpacker’s dream and an angler’s quiet paradise. Each trail here is its own adventure—no single spine to follow, just countless alpine “stations” waiting to be discovered.

Whether you’re chasing brookies with an Elk Hair Caddis or simply chasing stillness, these half-million acres of wild California deliver. Fewer people. More trout. And views that will keep you from watching your fly.

✍️ Story by Read the full piece in California Fly Fisher’s latest issue. https://calflyfisher.com/destinations/trinity-alps/

Photos by Sean Jansen
📷 1: With hundreds of miles of creeks and rivers, and countless lakes – sometimes reflection and pontification are ok in order to fully comprehend the fishing ability of the wilderness.
📷 2: Perched and hiding from the incredibly spooky fish in the clear water. Stealth was the name of the game for some of the river systems in the area.
📷 3: Moments of silence and contemplation help balance the soul.
📷 4: Without hesitation, camp was always secondary. When you arrive to a pristine alpine lake without anyone around, you can’t seem to cast fast enough – let alone set up the camera to get a shot like this.
📷 5: Miles-long vistas offer spectacular views at sunrise and sunset.

08/14/2025

Great deals on great gear!

Our mission is simple: to provide anglers of all levels with top-tier gear without breaking the bank. Every angler deserves access to the best tools to enhance their fishing experience, whether fly fishing or conventional.

08/14/2025

Let’s see your best shots!

📸 🏆 Have you entered yet? Don't miss your shot to celebrate California's wild places and win exciting prizes!

The Fish Water People Photo Contest, presented in collaboration with California Fly Fisher, is in full swing! We've already seem some great shots, and we can't wait to see more. Keep 'em coming, folks!

🔗 Click the link to see details and submit by Sept 2 - it's easy peasy! https://caltrout.org/photocontest