Big things are hatching
This season is going to be huge, on and off the river.
Current Flowers of State,
I'm writing this week's (much abbreviated) update in haste. I called an audible, got the go sign, and took a spur-of-the-moment trip to the Deschutes on Sunday. The big hatch is starting and I wanted to clear my head and have a look at things.
My message this week is simple: Let's go.
It's the beginning of the new fishing season. The time is now. Take a concrete action today to make a plan, to call a friend, dust off your rod, unwrap a new leader, whatever you need to do. And then just go. Get out there.
If you're in Oregon, west side trout fishing is still a few weeks away, but everywhere else, it's happening. Don't take my word for it: listen to Amy and Jeff.
We have a bunch of big things launching around here <<gestures at both the intangible void of these bits and bytes and the unshakeable bond between us of the CFS ilk>>.
These all have me incredibly excited:
New CFS brand and site
The new Current Flow State design system is on its way, with an actual logo, our own custom typeface, and a new theme for the site. You may have already noticed some new visual identity and typography here and there on hero images and some of our social media accounts.
We're looking for beta testers to bang on an early release of the site and tell us what breaks. If you're interested in helping out, say hey.
Meanwhile, a sticker pack featuring the new logo and icons just went out to members. Members, check your mailboxes this week!
Deschutes ribbon map
Y'all, we made a map. You may have picked up some hints, but here's the scoop: We're in the final stages of designing and distributing a honest-to-goodness print map of the Lower Deschutes River to benefit the Deschutes River Alliance.
We've been working on this special project together with a very talented cartographer for almost a year now. The final product is a special kind of map, a 6' long "ribbon map", a style originally designed for riverboat navigation. I'll have a lot more to tell you about this throughout May, but here's a look at the proofing process. (No typos, please!)
Mark your fish caught, secret spots, campsites, the rapids you most fear, that time you saw two wild turkeys fighting, whatever. Or, hang it on your wall and gaze at it from time to time. The possibilities are endless with a ribbon map.
May and June meetups and events
Where to find aforementioned goods, as well as special projects, as they debut, if not on this handy internet website? At our meetups and events!
We're one month out from the Maupin Meetup, which promises to be a blast. Register now if you haven't already. The bugs should be in full swing, Maupin will be hoppin', and even if you're new to fly fishing there will be plenty to enjoy.
Closer to home in Portland we've got a few upcoming dates on some casual casting sessions in May and June. Mark your diaries and expect a registration link for those next week. There are also rumblings of a late-summer meetup in September, and I'm also having some preliminary conversations about an East Coast meetup. The latter, probably not this season, but...
Here's the full scoop of upcoming CFS stuff:
- Saturday, May 16: Landdd fishing outing at Frog Lake
- Friday, May 22: Drop-in casting at Westmoreland Park
- Thursday May 28-31: Maupin Meetup
- Friday, June 5: Drop-in casting at Westmoreland Park
- June 23, 25, 27: Intro to Fly Fishing, Summer term PCC
Stay tuned for registration links for casting and more!
You make this happen
None of this would be possible without a) you reading this and b) the financial support and permission of our amazing members. Their commitment to the project is part of what spurs us on, in bringing fly fishing creativity into the world, week after week. If you're not a member yet, join us and let's build a creative fly fishing practice together!
🎥 It's that time. Time to change out your ratty old leader from last season for a new one.
Check out this Two Minute Tip for a quick video on how to unwrap a tapered leader without getting it tangled.
That's it that's all! Current Flow State is a weekly newsletter from me, Nick Parish.
How are you emerging from your nymphal shuck this season? Tell me on Bluesky 🦋, Instagram 📸, YouTube 🎥, or the Fishcord 💬.
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