Next Bend Journal

The Next Bend Journal is where we slow down. Stories and reflections on the water, the vise, the fire at the end of the day, and the reasons we keep fishing. This is the reading, not the how-to.

Camp Chairs and Headlamps
Around the Fire

Camp Chairs and Headlamps

Some of the best parts of fly fishing happen after the fishing is over. After the last cast, when the camp chairs come out and the headlamps glow in the dark.

The Long ViewTungsten, Honestly

Tungsten, Honestly

Tungsten is up sharply this year, and every bead pack in fly tying reflects it. Here's what's happening, what we won't cut corners on, and the brass line coming this fall.

The Long ViewWhy I Bought Firehole

Why I Bought Firehole

I didn't plan on buying a fly-fishing company. I found Firehole restocking hooks at my local shop, drawn to three words on the pack: 100% barbless.

On the WaterWhy Barbless?

Why Barbless?

Reflections on Wyoming’s New Mandate and the Future of Catch & Release What responsibility do we carry when we release a fish? It’s a question that tends to show up in quiet moments - watching ...

The Long ViewThe River Doesn't Care Who You Are

The River Doesn't Care Who You Are

Overcast, mayflies coming off, a dozen Sparkle Duns tied the night before. Four hours later, nothing, while a kid downstream lands fish on a beat-up foam beetle. The river had made its choice.

Guest PostThe Billion-to-One Odds: Why Fly Fishing is a Privilege, Not Just a Hobby

The Billion-to-One Odds: Why Fly Fishing is a Privilege, Not Just a Hobby

Only about 0.12% of the world fly fishes. A guest reflection from Chris Higgins on privilege, gratitude, and fishing for fun in a world that mostly fishes for food.

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