Restless Waters by Gary A. Watt

Restless Waters: Genesis

Restless waters...water boiling, bubbling, rolling, roaring. Cold, clear, crystalline liquid. Born in the mountains, heading for the sea. Lifeblood of wild salmon, trout, steelhead. Life itself.

More than a dozen years ago, the venerable Stan Griffin (“Mr. Trout Unlimited of California!”) and I stood in a windy, sun-swept parking lot in Richmond, pondering the fate of California’s fisheries. There was much to worry about, and much to be thankful for. Trout Unlimited of California, was then as now, active on many fronts. But sometimes it was difficult to see the proverbial glass as half full.

After a particularly tough week for trout, Stan wondered if it wasn’t time to give the readers of Trout Tactics and California Cast something to remind them why. Why a particularly tough legal decision for trout was nothing more than another reason to fight. Why we love the fish. Why we love the places salmonids call home. Something to fuel the members’ imagination on a long, cold, rainy winter night. Something to take them back to their rivers, their fish, their times. Good times.

And so Restless Waters was born. As with all things Trout Unlimited of California in those days, this one found its beginnings in the wisdom and vision of Stan Griffin. Fast forward 12 years. If the concept was sound, the result was not always perfect. But that is my fault, not his. Nonetheless, in the pages that follow, you will find the Restless Waters stories for your reading (and viewing) pleasure. Click on the selected titles, and step into the water. Go slowly, savor them (if they please you), for like a day on the river, they go quickly. If they remind you “why” Trout Unlimited matters, thank Stan!
– Restless Waters, a.k.a. Gary A. Watt

[In the days ahead, we will be adding more Restless Waters to the site. With over 120 written since that sunny day so long ago, there is a healthy supply. These stories, and the accompanying photos, are on exclusive loan to Trout Unlimited of California for the viewing and reading pleasure of all those visiting the site. No other use, commercial or otherwise, is intended, nor has any been granted, and Restless Waters will prosecute all uses violating the spirit, and the letter, of this arrangement. For comments email me at restlesswaters(at)yahoo(dot)com. Thank you for supporting Trout Unlimited of California. You make all the difference.]