Author: pmonahan

Over the past couple of decades, Pennsylvania angler George Daniel has built a remarkable life in fly fishing--as a guide, a member of Fly Fishing Team USA, an author and speaker, and as the latest instructor in charge of Penn State's legendary fly-fishing program. Writing on Onward State, an independent Penn State news site, CJ Doebler profiles Daniel and...

The Bahamas is one country, but it comprises more than 700 islands and cays, which means that there is a wide diversity of geography and fishing opportunities. The new film  Destination: Abaco details the incredible sight-fishing for bonefish and permit around Abaco Island. What makes Abaco particularly special is the remarkable variety of fishing...

Question: I’ve always used an improved clinch knot to tie on flies and a double surgeon’s to attach tippet. My fishing buddy keeps telling me I need to switch to “100% knots.” Is there really such a thing? —Mark C., via email Answer: The short answer is No. Fly fishers love nothing more than arguing about the relative merits of knots. Everyone has...

Joe Rotter from Red's Fly Shop introduces a technique that he says "might be the best tip ever for nymph fishing," which he calls the "overhand mend." It's designed to address a fundamental challenge that all indicator-anglers face: because surface currents are faster than those on the bottom, the strike indicator moves downstream faster than the flies...

Question: I really want to get out on the water this winter, but one thing is stopping me: I hate being cold. What are the best ways to stay warm on the water? —Fred W., via email Answer: Winter fly fishing is a great way to escape cabin fever, and it feeds your angling jones during the dark months. However, to enjoy your time on the water, you need to...

Whether we want to admit it or not, every fly fisher out there is a sort of clothes horse, with a closet full of light-as-air sun shirts, blanket-heavy flannels, and a collection of shorts, sandals, hats, gloves, and more. We fish in the sun and the rain, in cold winds and warm breezes, and even in the snow, so having the right gear to stay comfortable on...

At least once a year I visit an ancient cedar grove on the banks of the Lochsa River where I fish for cutthroat trout. This summer, a sudden microburst took out a 500-year-old tree, which now lies horizontally on the forest floor. In death there is life. The hole in the canopy provides more light for sword ferns, dogwood, and the health of its kin. It will...

Although I joined MidCurrent on December 1, I’ve spent the last few weeks working in the background on a few special projects, while Johnny Carrol Sain has continued doing his usual brilliant job overseeing the website and newsletters. This week, he’s handing the reins to me. (Fear not, Johnny is still part of the MidCurrent team, but he’s also...

When winter's chill descends, many anglers put their fly-fishing gear away and focus on fly tying or some other hobby until the first warm spell of spring or Opening Day rolls around. But wherever regulations and open water allow, you can catch trout throughout colder months, and if you’re willing to be outside to ski or snowshoe, why wouldn’t you also...