Week of September 21st 2025: Happy Equinox!

Week of September 21st: Happy Equinox!

The season turns and already leaves are floating downstream. Officially, Monday is the first day of fall. We are a few weeks away from stocking on October 12th which falls on the same day as the Califon Street Fair - two reasons to come visit!  There is some rain in the forecast this week, but without several soaking storms it will be interesting to see what happens.  Things have been this low before - in 2016.  I checked - see chart above.

Despite low conditions, folks are catching rock bass, small and largemouth bass, panfish, and some suckers out of our rivers, lakes, and ponds.  Conservation minded anglers are leaving the trout alone in these flows, so here’s hoping a few remain in the really deep holes ready to spread out once conditions allow.

Conditions in the shop are great!  We have outfitted several people heading north for salmon (heads up: the Lower Fly Zone is closed due to low water) and others are gearing up for the steelhead run that follows the salmon.  We have Douglas Rods, Sky G, DXF and DXF2, and LRS and lines to match.

Check out our website for sale items, including the Umpqua and Patagonia Packs and the last Boron IIIX Super 10 in a 3 weight in stock.

On a sad note, we continue to lose influential people this year. Most recently, Robert Redford, who brought Norman MacLean’s “A River Runs Through It” to the screen and countless anglers to the sport, myself included.  Flip Pallot has also passed away.  Mr. Pallot’s contribution to fishing the salt spans decades and includes recent videos from Madriver Outfitters on casting and other topics, showcasing his love and desire to share his invaluable experience with others. Here’s my favorite on the double haul: How To Double Haul - Fly Casting (feat. Flip Pallot).

It’s a good time to practice casting.

See you out there, Roy B.