Dark Skies Fly Fishing: Summer 2026

This issue of Dark Skies Fly Fishing makes a dozen in this magazine’s catalog. I’m continually impressed by the caliber of writing featured in the periodical, as well as the diversity of angling topics that are represented.

I have two articles in this summer issue. The first is a book review on fishing pressured waters. The second is a road trip recommendation for the Driftless Region of the upper Midwest. If you enjoy spring creeks, rural scenes, and a truly unique area of the country, the trout-filled valleys of Wisconsin (and three other states) are worth learning about.

Along with my article, there are pieces on Delaware River hatches, linen fly rods, and the Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum. Click on the link below to start reading and to learn how you can access the whole issue.

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Podcast Ep. 395: Topwater is Tops

For the last 24 hours, I’ve enjoyed some very aggressive bass and panfish. And while I have no reservations using streamers, I’m more than happy to toss topwater flies if they’re what is on the menu.

Today I share some topwater fly tactics for warmwater fish. I discuss some of my preferred approaches to gear, to casting, to presentation, and to setting the hook.

But at the end of the day, getting out there and getting after these fish in the summertime is worth doing any way you want to and are able. So wherever you are, grab a handful of cork poppers and spend an evening at the local pond.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: A Fly Fishing Textbook Worth Reading Cover to Cover

There are plenty of “how-to” fly fishing books out there for beginners. Nearly all of them are informative. Many of them are a bit dry, which isn’t a surprise given the fact that they are essentially textbooks.

Michael Klimkos’ Introduction to Fly Fishing is  hardly tedious. It is written in an engaging style, lending itself as a book to read as much as it is a resource for those learning and teaching fly fishing. Written with six decades of fly fishing experience and a host of angling education in his background, Klimkos presents a great survey of the sport.  More than that, his passion for fishing and for sharing it with others absolutely comes through.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Rusty Flybox: PA Road Trip

At the time of writing, I have no plans to fish in Pennsylvania in June. However, I’ll be in and around some of my favorite trout water for a handful of days. And, as the second leg of my road trip does include fishing, I’ll have a few fly rods in my car.

So you never really know what might happen.

Regardless, it will be good to be back in an area I called home for a number of years. More than home, it was where I learned to fly fish and where I really fine-tuned a lot of my angling skills. Driving over my favorite rivers and telling stories to my friends and my kids will be a suitable substitute for actually getting my feet wet.

Speaking of stories…

Below are three items from Casting Across’ archives about south central PA. One is a playlist-driven account of my teenage angling exploits. Another is my son’s  experience fly fishing in my footsteps. And third is a whirlwind introduction to why this area is so special.

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Podcast Ep. 394: Swing Integration

I am not an expert in swinging flies in the most orthodox sense of the concept. In fact, I’ve never made any kind of presentation to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest or Atlantic salmon. However, I have swung wet flies in ways that might not draw the ire of purists.

But none of that is what I’m talking about today. The weird uncle of that noble tactic, swinging streamers and nymphs for bass and trout is  a little less dignified but a whole lot of fun. And, if you’re more about pragmatism and less about fun, it is more efficient.

Today I share three ways to swing flies at your local river. It doesn’t take any special gear or a lot of practice. Just get out there and swing away.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Providence in Fly Fishing

It isn’t a theological work or even really a devotional, but Harry Murray’s His Blessings Through Angling is a great example of the intersection of faith and fly fishing.

Murray isn’t preachy (although I don’t have a problem with folks who are). Rather, he shares examples of how He has seen providence at work in his life and his angling. Couple that with a great assortment of pictures, and you have a fun coffee table book worth reading. More than that, it will get you thinking about your own life, fly fishing, and the greater truth that exists behind all of it.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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5 Pieces of Panfish Trivia

My kids get excited about southern panfish. They talk about the brook trout and the largemouth bass, but it is the sunfish, bluegill, and pumpkinseed that they look forward to when we get close to our annual summer trip to Virginia.

We have plenty of panfish in New England. They are as willing to eat flies and lures up here as they are in the Old Dominion. But south of the Mason Dixon Line the panfish are bigger. After spawning in the shallows and leaving pot holes of gravel over large swaths of  the ponds and lakes, they hold in massive pods and compete to attack any foreign object that hits the water’s surface. If I’m being honest, I get excited thinking about southern panfish.

Again, the south is not the only place panfish can be found. They’re located coast-to-coast, and include a handful of genera. There are Perca, with perch being the most common examples. Crappie are Pomoxis. But  Lepomis are the panfish archetype. These are the “true sunfish.”  They are often an important part of the new angler’s fishing journey. Few true anglers ever grow tired of their aggressive strikes and fights. Plus, they are awfully tasty.

Today I’m sharing five interesting facts about panfish. There is plenty more that could be said, but this information should add to your appreciation of this fascinating quarry. Or, at the very least, you’ll be able to impress your kids.

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Podcast Ep. 393: 5 Wading Ideas (More or Less)

Perhaps this is a little pedantic, but it is worth saying: You don’t need to wade to fly fish.

What do I mean? Well, I think a lot of anglers wade too much. We get in the water where we don’t need to. We move too close to where the fish are. We disturb things  as we wade and then wonder why the fish aren’t interested in our fly.

Today I share a half-dozenish thoughts on wading. Some have to do with safety and equipment. But more importantly, I discuss how less wading might be a good idea.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Choosing a Small Stream Fly Rod

Fly rods are like opinions. Everyone has a bunch and they all serve a purpose.

…or something like that.

When it comes to picking a fly rod for small stream fishing, you really can’t go wrong. If you a) have it and b) enjoy using it, then you’re all set. There isn’t any need to expend energy or spend money. Get out there and chase some wild trout.

But if you are logging day after day on the water or are looking for a more efficient casting/presentation tool, there are some fly rod features that will be more helpful. In this video I walk through a few examples of fly rods that might work for you on small streams. Then, I make a case for the kind of rod that seems to check all the important boxes.

Check out my thoughts, along with some other small stream fly fishing resources, below:

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Gaining Intangible Fly Fishing Expertise

No one has ever seen a body builder and thought, “I bet he’d make an excellent angler.”

Similarly, there is no inherent association between the physique of marathon runners and fly casting ability. Why is that? Because while there is absolutely nothing wrong with being in  shape, athletic prowess and fly fishing success only share a modest overlap in the  Venn diagram of reality.

In fact, this is true about a variety of variables that individuals bring to the river. Once again: a healthy and capable body is absolutely a good thing. Having the right equipment is very beneficial, too. And no one should discourage anyone from absorbing everything possible from books, YouTube, and seminars. But while each and every one of those facets have check boxes corresponding with objective benchmarks, true fly fishing accomplishment comes from something that is essentially intangible.

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