Before our friend Russ Miller landed in the Umpqua, he was trading in the Fishpond and wrote this appeal for fishermen to take action to help save the Thompson River. Since then, the mighty Thompson has become little more than a shadow of its former self and a lesson in what happens when you don’t fight for the last good spots.
We all throw around the words “last cast” to close out a trip or our day on the river, but this is now the last cast for wild steelhead on the Thompson River. Almost two years ago to the date, I made my last cast, launching my GP style fly as far as I could with my 9140. This last cast was lucky; it was connected to a big buck that trained me cargo to hang down in the Grease Hole. After that fish, I rolled in for the day, soaking in the fading light, and reflecting on the journey the fish made before it found its way into my hands for a moment of connection. Who knew this could be my last cast in a place to build lasting friendships and create memories, all in one place that defines the words WILD.
LINK (via fishpond)
