One does not hear a lot of talk about the midsummer emergence of our tiniest of mayflies, the diminutive species we commonly call tricos. At least I don’t. Is that because I’m just so far … more

The plight of the monarch butterfly has been well known for many years. The butterflies have lost their wintering forested habitat due to timber harvesting in Mexico, and lost their milkweed habitat … more

I’m not terribly sure how to view the pastime of photography anymore. more

Looking for a good day trip to ditch those winter doldrums? Pack a picnic and your favorite hiking pals—people or pups—into your vehicle of choice and head to nearby Ulster County, NY, where you can access the terrific Ashokan Rail Trail (ART) and take in sweeping views of the Ashokan Reservoir. Get a decent dose of revitalizing fresh air, stretch and strengthen your winter-weary body, all while experiencing breathtaking scenes of water, sky and forested landscapes. more

In my first River Talk column of the new year, I set a goal to loosen my grip on what I perceive to be “reality,” based on sensory experiences. more

“I need to kill something,” my wife said to me as we juggle attempting to clean the house and preparing for work, church and half-a-dozen other family obligations taking place in the next few days. more

Its been a long eventful year, and as I fight with many of the same ongoing tasks that make up my day-to-day out here, I can’t help but reflect on the blessings and progress that have been made.  more

Writing is a lot like skinning a beaver. It takes some preparation, some time invested, and diligent follow-up to make it all worthwhile.  more

With September here, along with some cooler mornings, a few bird species have started to migrate south. Smaller birds, such as the yellow warbler, were already on their way near the end of August, and some might have seen nighthawks snatching insects in flight over lakes and rivers as they too headed south.  more

Dad has jumped down to the river’s edge, nearly toppling into the chill glassiness. He is gently poking an object with a stick, turning it over and marveling at its size, the spatter of spots laid across its near-albino skin, the jagged wound jack-knifing across its back. The trout rocks silently in the mild current, keeper of its mysteries, as we discuss the possibilities regarding its demise. more

ESCANABA, MI — The National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show is being held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, located in Escanaba, MI. Dates are July 27 through 29, and the  … more

In my circle of angling friends, the subject of caddisflies rarely comes up. That is, unless one of us happens to be on a river where caddis are actually hatching. Then there will be talk, most … more

We all love fly hatches—the bigger, the better, right? more

I thought I spotted Santa the other day, peering into my kitchen window as I washed the dishes. His bright red cap was lit up with sunlight and a blush of cherry color crept across his belly. But that belly didn’t shake like a bowl full of jelly, and Old Saint Nick isn’t the only red-clad fellow flying around lately.  more

Graphic Designer Amanda Reed shot this great video and other awesome action pics of dock dogs and so much more while visiting the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg PA. Click Here to read … more

I’ve always prided myself on not burning bridges, no matter how I felt about a relationship or association. You never know who might be related to whom and how the story of your parting … more

Who likes New Year’s resolutions? I think we all like the idea of fixing small areas of our life, so we can be a better version of ourselves, perhaps with the exception of those who are already perfect and need not improve.  more

In my last column, I wrote about the delight of discovering a robin’s nest next to our home and observing the cycle of life that transpired there. In a hopeful update, mama robin is on her … more

Most of us have been out in the woods at one time or another, and spotted a snake or two. Maybe a couple of those snakes were black in color, and if we were lucky, they stayed still long enough for us to get a good look at them. We could have even spotted one of these so-called black snakes climbing up the trunk of a tree or the side of a building. more

While on a winter walk recently, I was focused on the icy ground when I found a face peering back. “Pay attention!” it seemed to say as I made my way safely home. Several days later, another “face” appeared when I took the dogs for their first outing of the morning. It cast a smile on a gloomy day, offering a change of heart and a fresh start. more