Where I'm calling from
Here's a little bit of a Station Identification to introduce myself, and give you the lowdown on what we're all about around here.
CFStronauts,
Welcome new subscribers! We've had an influx of folks joining since the start of the year, so I figured now's as good a time as any to catch everyone up on how things go around here.
I'm Nick, and for the last several years I've been running a fly fishing education program at my local community college. Prior to that, I worked with anglers through Project Healing Waters. For the last few decades, I've been on a mission to make fly fishing a bigger part of my life.
When I first got my stuff together to build a more formal teaching curriculum, I thought, "Hmm, I wonder if anyone in the broader world would care to read this stuff." So I started Current Flow State to highlight my own angling writing, along with other fly fishing stuff from around the world. Turns out, folks are finding this stuff valuable(!), so onward we go.
What we believe
We believe fly fishing is, at its core, a creative act. We try and shine a spotlight on those who take a mindful, contemplative approach to angling. Stuff beyond "rippin' lips". I'm not a scold, and I have my degenerate angler moments now and again, but generally I think the sport deserves thoughtfulness and reflection.
How we roll
I'm based in Oregon, as are a lot of our class alumni. I have a bit of a regional bias toward where and what I fish for: Steelhead, trout, bass, carp, with the occasional salty or toothy critter mixed in. We host frequent events in and around the Portland area, and a couple of times a year we get together and fish. All are welcome to join our events.
Getting connected
I'm interested in fly fishing from all over the world, though. So if you've got an idea for something you're want to see us focus on, or want to pass along something you find cool, please share it. Thanks to CFS pal Caitlin for submitting this week's cover image, from artist Hubert Duprat, who gifted caddisfly larvae gold, pearls, and gems to make their cases.
Every Monday (like now!) you'll hear from me with ten links from around the world of fly fishing to start your week, a few smaller items of community interest, and other recent articles. A couple of times a month on, usually Fridays, I share longer deep-dive articles.
I'm also interest in where you're at as an angler, and what you're interested in knowing more about. I read and reply to every note that comes my way. We can also connect on Bluesky, Instagram, or in the members-only Discord, the Fishcord, where the top secret chat goes down.
Let's check out the Fly Fishing Film Tour ð
On Saturday, February 7th, a group of CFS pals is hitting up the Fly Fishing Film Tour's Portland stop. The F3T is a stoke-fest, premiering 10+ short films from all over the world, showcasing the sport's premier filmmaking talent and some epic fishing.
We're meeting up beforehand at a nearby bar, and then heading over to the theater to experience the thrill and spills and great giveaways the show has to offer. Get a ticket to the show here, and then RSVP for our group meetup if you want to join us!
Leaders â°
In honor of the newbies, here are a grip of CFS hits from the archives. Dig in! Our regularly-scheduled link roundup will be back next week.
Mindset ð§ââïļ
- Why fly fish? Here are five reasons.
- Ten ways to make fly fishing a bigger part of your life
- Mindful fly fishing: Set your intentions for the next season
- The cost of fly fishing: What we sacrifice
- River time: a fly fishing manifesto
Environment â°ïļ
- Understanding rivers by thinking in watersheds
- Reading water: Riffles, runs, and pools explained
- What's the thalweg, anyway?
- How to scout great fly fishing spots
Tools ðĢ
- Buying your first fly rod
- Fly rod anatomy and matching up your fly rig
- Essential fly fishing knots every angler needs
- Carry a net, prevent ego AND fish death
- Fly fishing tackle measurements make no sense
- Strike indicators: when and how to use them
- Is Gear Acquisition Syndrome epidemic among fly anglers?
Techniques ðĪš
- Learn to fly fish in a month with daily micro lessons
- Six easy steps to learn to fly fish from George Daniel
- Casting a fly rod for the first time? Mind your wrist.
- You could just roll cast your entire life
- Fly-Q: What should you do after you cast?
- Five tips (and three tidbits) from legendary fly guides
- The pain of losing a big fish
- Stalking trophy browns: Long rod dapping tactics
- Fly fishing in the Italian Alps: Decoding Access
Conservation ðē
- Check the temps, save a fish.
- Find your voice in fly fishing activism
- A love affair with caddis
- Deschutes River advocacy 101
- Hatches without hooks: salmonfly edition
- The AI revolution comes to salmon conservation
Community ðïļ
- Why joining a fly fishing club will make you a better angler
- Exploring the historic Angler's Club of New York
- Become a great fly fishing friend
- What I Wish I'd Known Before My First Guided Fly Fishing Float Trip
- Drake & Supreme: inside the fly fishing streetwear trend
- Skateboarders who fly-fish, and the common ground between them
That's it for this week! Current Flow State is a weekly newsletter from me, Nick Parish.
What creative projects are keeping you busy? Tell me on Bluesky ðĶ, Instagram ðļ, YouTube ðĨ, or the Fishcord ðŽ.
If you enjoyed this, please share it with a friend. We all need more fishing buddies. ð
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