Well, seems like another year has slipped through our collective fingers, and now we are almost on to the new. Lots of drama, political and otherwise; lots of things to ponder (in 2004, Facebook seemed like harmless fun and Google was a search engine where maybe you could win a prize); lots of wonderment, if you know where to look, and, of course, that mostly always begins with nature. Friends come in second, followed by family. (Don’t ask …)

I’d like to thank everyone who is reading this for supporting my blog these many years. The stats are in, and, like I say, I so appreciate your support. And in the spirit of all the emails we get saying, “there’s still time …” to support whatever your favorite cause is, how about this? Support a fly-fishing print magazine in 2024. The ones that come to mind are three I’m currently writing for: Fallon’s Angler, Fly Culture and American Fly Fishing. The first two are based in the UK and full of thoughtful stories about fishing, as well as how-do-I-get-there photos. Actually, both of those mags are more about people fishing than the fishing, itself. No how to cast farther, construct a better dry fly, etc. They also are strictly print-only, embracing the ethos of the new Romantics, who want to get away from all-online, all-the-time living.

Meanwhile, American Fly Fishing covers lots of destinations throughout the US in detail, with a meaty conservation section to boot. It’s available in print as well as online.

So here’s to the new year. Let’s celebrate this new beginning.

See you on the river, Jim Burns

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Ken Iwamasa

Jim Burns, Keep up the good work. I would have loved to see a publication like this when I was growing up in Gardena. But many years later I am doing research on the Genus: Baetis in Colorado But I am writing to see if you would help me do research on the mayflies in the LA River or the West Brach of the San Gabriel. In particular, I am interested in the Baetis or commonly known as BWO. Let me know if you or someone else can help with knowing more about the mayflies in your immediate area.