It’s the time of year when I start to think about spring-run Chinook salmon. As the warm temperatures of spring begin to melt the snowpack, cold and clear water flows from the southern Cascades and Lassen foothills. This seasonal change initiates the return of adult Central Valley spring-run Chinook to hold and then spawn in their natal streams.  Located in Tehama County, California, Deer and Mill Creeks are significant tributaries…

Many fly fishing clubs play important roles in advocacy and conservation. Clubs connect hundreds of people beyond their own members with local streams and lakes. The clubs assist local and visiting fishermen by providing up-to-date reporting on fisheries and river conditions. Anglers often have a deep understanding of the quality of a fishery. Stepping into…

It’s the time of year when I constantly daydream about swinging up a beautiful Winter steelhead. I’ve been obsessed with these incredible creatures ever since I landed my first one under Wohler Bridge on the Russian River 15 years ago. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. The acrobatics, runs, and aerial maneuvers that occur…

The public comment period for Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s (PG&E) license surrender application (LSA) for the Potter Valley Project (PVP) was extended to December 19, 2025. A wide array of Tribal Nations, agencies, NGOs and individuals submitted comments, likely totaling well over a thousand. While many comments expressed support for the LSA, there were…

Having fished and surveyed the Russian River watershed for many years, there have been occasions when I’ve observed spawning adult Chinook salmon, stumbled across a carcass, or accidentally hooked a “Jack” or “Jill,” a young maturing Chinook salmon. These observations were exciting. They are a reminder that a small and resilient population of fall-run Chinook…