Two Dumpsters drifting
On the second day of Christmas, the atmospheric river gave to me...
Seasons greetings, CFStronauts!
It's the shortest day of the year here in Portland, which means we're back on our way to the glorious spring and summer months. Right now the idea of drying out a bit is very welcome.
And a special hello to everyone who's arrived after reading the Bloomberg article on the impact of private equity on fly fishing apparel giant Simms.
Yeah, about that whole Simms thing
It was cool to see a big news org describing how the industry's relationship with Simms has soured. Andy Becker reported and wrote a solid story, pegged on a solid fly shop (Duranglers in Durango, Colorado) and the real-world troubles it's having with Simms, against the backdrop of its PE acquisition, and, ahem, challenges. And an interesting point arrived regarding the Grateful Dead collab. According to the article, classic PE-whisperers McKinsey were involved in making "recommendations on how to expand the brand" that included a tie-up with the band. So, our speculation that "do something with the Dead" is part of a playbook probably isn't that far off.
Anyway, read all about it. Unless you're tired of private equity. I am, a bit. I started Megan Greenwell's Bad Company last week and had to put it aside for a little bit, in search of something lighter for the holidays.
Let's go, 2026!
This is the last CFS newsletter for 2025. We'll be back in your inbox in early January, after some time off, and, hopefully, some swinging for steelhead. Lord willing and the waters recede.
Thanks, as always, for reading, for telling your friends, and for your thoughtful feedback and replies. I spend a lot of time on these notes every week. Hearing they resonate with you is what makes it all worthwhile. So, a humble thanks.
I'm really excited about what's next. We've got a lot in store for 2026. I'm researching and writing like six different stories right now that are all—obviously, in my humble opinion—really fun. There are two special projects that are ticking forward. And, one really big reveal to help power them all. It's been a busy, busy end-of-year. I can't wait to share all this with you.
CFS members will be getting a full rundown of the year in review, and a sneak peek at our big plans for next year—as well as a chance to sign up for season-opener perks—in early January. If you're interested creating the support structures for all this to happen, and getting a stronger say in what we do around here, supporting CFS as a paid member is the way to do it.
Of course, if you've ever got an idea or opinion, you can simply reply to this email and let me know.
Ten Foot Leaders ➰
Ten(-ish) links to start your week chock full o' fly fishing.
Mindset 🧘♂️
Over at Hatch, Todd Tanner ponders an age-old question: "How can I enjoy myself more when I'm out on the water?" The answers might surprise you. (Hatch magazine)
Rusty Chinnis pegs the "holy grail" of a trophy bonefish at ten pounds, a tarpon at 100 pounds, and a permit at 30. Catching all three of these in one outing makes up the saltwater grand slam, and a sore wrist. Chinnis tells the story of finding a double-digit bone in the Middle Bight of Andros Island in the Bahamas in his Reel Time column. (Anna Maria Island Sun)
Environment ⛰️
The big news here in the Northwest is the continued arrival of several atmospheric rivers from across the Pacific, pushing local waterways above flood stages, and in some cases to historic levels. The Clackamas and the Sandy just outside of town both saw near-historic flood levels. There's a ton of footage of local waterways at beastly levels, and some surprising debris. This brave little Dumpster made its way down the Clackamas and was last spotted in the Willamette. It's probably somewhere near Astoria now; cold, scared, and hungry. Or, maybe living its best life? In which case, float free, friend.
Meanwhile, up the coast a skosh, Cara Kuhlman has the lowdown on what happens when all this water floods into Puget Sound and the mud and debris collide with the salty Pacific. It's also broadly bad news for various salmonid populations, which likely saw vast quantities of eggs and washed off their fall spawning grounds. Poor fish can't catch a break. (Future Tides)
If there's anything resembling a bright spot amidst the wreckage, it's that the extensive inundation is allowing river restoration organizations and hydrologists to see what impact new riparian infrastructure projects designed to spread out floodwaters are having. Here's how one project on Washington's Issaquah Creek in Lake Sammamish State Park fared. (Mountains to Sound Greenway)
Tools 🎣
Phil Monahan weighs in on whether a "100% knot" really exists. Along with a lot of good knot knowledge, his short answer is no, and a knot you can tie effectively without error is better than any marginal gain you'll get from a more complex or error-prone twist. (Midcurrent)
Technique 🤺
Hood River's Big Y (one of my favorite discount fly merchants) digs in on winter trout technique. It's all about three little letters, as far as patterns go: B, W, and O. (Big Y)
Over in upstate New York, Tony Bonavist makes the case in the River Reporter for targeting big lake fish as they transit from Pepacton Reservoir to spawn in its tributaries. I'm surprised there's argument against this. "Redds nearby=no-go" has always been my POV, and I'm grateful for state agencies that set deadlines based on known spawning behavior. But I haven't heard much suggestion that the entirety of a river where spawning takes place should be off limits. Upstate anglers, what say you? Is there more to this than meets the eye? (River Reporter)
Conservation 🌲
If I had only one word to describe Terry Turner it would be indefatigable. Getting to know him in his role as a leader of my home team Clackamas River chapter of Trout Unlimited is to watch a master project manager at work, as he orchestrates a full portfolio of restoration and enhancement projects. It's great to see him celebrated by the national org. (TU.org)
Community 🏘️
Artist Sasha Fishman's "Shad Mode" exhibition came to a close this weekend at ily2 in NW Portland, so you're out of luck if you failed to get a chance to fire the salmon cannon. (ily2online)
More from Current Flow State
Here's more of what's been happening recently:
Making it
The mug wall has always represented more than just the accomplishment of becoming a guide on the river.
Understanding all the differences with measurements in fly fishing can feel like it requires a math degree, or some sort alchemy.
Dig in to understand the main measurements, how they work, and where they came from. And then, forget what you learned and just go for what feels right.
Nets are for protection. They protect two things: the fish, and the angler's ego. Read the CFS lowdown about net styles, the perils of netting fish for your friends, and why nets are an essential carry to make sure you've got it bagged up
Nick Parish
Nick Parish
Nick Parish
Nick Parish
Nick Parish
What do a legendary surfer, Hollywood director Christopher Guest, and zen archers have in common?
Nick Parish
Learning to cast a fly rod like Harry Potter uses his wand.
Nick Parish
Are Grateful Dead collabs the sign that outdoor brands have jumped the shark? A look at Simms latest, and the value of high-quality gear.
That's it for this week! Current Flow State is a weekly newsletter from me, Nick Parish.
Did you get a chance to shoot the salmon cannon? Tell me on Bluesky 🦋, Instagram 📸, YouTube 🎥, or the Fishcord 💬.
If you enjoyed this, please share it with a friend. We all need more fishing buddies. 💌
Read our editorial policy or browse the newsletter archives.
CFS members support and sustain the site, and our community. Learn more about membership benefits. If you're getting value from this work, consider becoming a member and giving back.
𓆟 𓆝 𓆟
