I have often heard or read anglers talking about their "home waters". In many cases these are the rivers, streams or lakes near home where they fish regularly. To me home water implies a place you know well, a river or lake you know as more than just a casual friend. I also think it means we care about what happens and help to take care of the place.
I would say I have three home waters: the American River for stripers, and the Truckee River and the Little Truckee River for trout. For me the most challenging, most demanding and some days amazingly rewarding is the Little Truckee River. I never fail to be amazed at the size, selectivity and overall snobbishness of the trout that live in the river. The Little Truckee is an outstanding trout stream that needs and deserves our protection.
Differences of Opinion
Recently I asked my sons what they think about when someone says the word conservation. To Isaac it means restoring runs of wild, anadramous fish, especially steelhead, to our rivers. Joshua wants to see more rivers permanently protected by groups like Western Rivers Conservancy. For me it is the hope the future includes wild fish living in healthy rivers and streams for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. It is interesting how three people can have three different yet equally valid views of the same topic.
As an organization the Sac-Sierra chapter of TU is no different. Over the past year I have become increasingly aware of the size and geographic diversity of our chapter. Sac-Sierra TU has approximately 1000 members spread over roughly 8000 square miles, includes 10 major watersheds, and encompasses alpine and anadramous fisheries. If you were to survey our members you would find that folks use every imaginable type of rod, fly, bait or lure to chase and catch fish!
As I wrote this, our skies were full of smoke from the more than 800 lightning-caused fires in Northern California last weekend. Our condolences to all who have suffered losses as a result of this terrible situation.
Prior to these fires, the Governor had declared a drought in California, and now the fires are destroying the vegetation that helps protect our streams and rivers from siltation and erosion. Many of our fisheries, which are already in trouble, will be additionally impacted by these conditions.
To save room for more important and/or more interesting items this month, I only want to say "thank you" to the members who responded to Kevin's article last month about donating time to the Bingo fundraiser for the Mokelumne River Restoration Project. We had a good turnout and 100% of the funds raised May 13th have been set aside exclusively for this project.
To save room for more important and/or more interesting items this month, I only want to say "thank you" to the members who responded to Kevin's article last month about donating time to the Bingo fundraiser for the Mokelumne River Restoration Project.
OctoberAs the new president of the Sac-Sierra Chapter, this is my first time writing the "President's Message". I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you why I joined Trout Unlimited.
One of my long time friends lives in the heart of the Sierra Nevada and we have spent many days together fishing and talking politics. He is an intelligent, talented fisherman who just about always teaches me something new. He is also very politically aware and informed, and we share many of the same opinions regarding politicians and the political process. Both of us worry that the decisions being made in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. will cause more damage to the fisheries we love. Where we disagree is that my friend does not think that he, as an individual, can make a difference; that the politics of water are so stacked in favor of agribusiness and development that we are doomed to suffer whatever fate is decided by others. I can't agree with him. To agree with my friend I would have to give up the dream that my two sons will have the opportunity to "chase fish" with their children, just as we have chased fish as a family across the western U.S. That's why I joined Trout Unlimited.
While serving as your president my goal will be to continue the work of building a strong, active chapter dedicated to a future where we can all chase wild trout in wild places. Now that's something I can agree with!