MIDGE

This series was initially inspired by my son Gord Vickers, who is also my fly-fishing teacher. We live in a beautiful part of the world in the Pacific Northwest, and many of us love to fish. My favorite way of fishing is now with a fly rod, and I often wonder which flies to choose. Gord and I settled on the basic four flies to use for this country: the Midge, Caddis, Damsel, and Mayfly.

Last fall, I was in the east Kootenays on an elk hunting trip and dropped by a local fly shop, Elk River Guiding Co Ltd. in Fernie, B.C., to browse. I was asked by the owner Paul if I had ever considered doing a series of flies in the distinctly unique style of the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Inspiration comes in many ways and the question that day inspired me to get this series done. Paul didn’t realize it, but his question reminded me of my son Gord’s suggestion a year earlier.

I've just returned from a fishing trip with Gord, and our friend Jay Mohl. Gord and Jay are excellent fly-fishermen, and our discussion about including the Stonefly has brought this late addition to the series. We now have the five most popular Pacific Northwest flies.

The sale of this edition of prints will allow me to donate a sum of money to support the Whonnock Fish Hatchery in Rivers Inlet. This will ensure the ongoing reproduction of these magnificent fish for future generations.