Fall River Memories With Bamboo King

“ Tiss from high life high characters are born”

Alexander Pope 1688-1744

In my travels few truly unique sportsmen left psychic foot prints impossible to ignore.

Walt Powell Bamboo rod maker, fly fishing legend, son of E.C. Powell world renown Bamboo rod gods both unforgettable American legends who impressed this slightly jaded Irishmen... In the last years of Walt’s blazing fly life adventure I had the honor of being introduced to this mythic being by two brothers who owned a construction company near Redding California. My fortune in first meeting the Miller brothers and then Walt Powell was a gift from the fly gods! Walt and his lady were living on the Miller’s property in Fall River my old home. I spent much time with Walt just sitting around and telling stories ( I mostly listened). This man’s life in reflection continues to be an example for me of a strain of American male that no longer exists.

My old pal Mike Garragus and I spent several days with Walt in preparation for an article titled, “ Lord Of The Flies “ published on the WEB many years ago. Humor was Walt’s calling card and he played those cards well indeed! One of my favorite Powell tales is his time with President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalind. “ Old Jimmy was a nice enough fellow once twice a year fly man I’d guess. No time to get really proficient. His wife Rosalind asked me to help her gain more casting distance while we were working the Williamson River. Had her throwing out 60/70 feet and she did well. Now Jimmy was not as proficient as his wife. Never said anything of course, Jimmy could get a bit testy!” Another US President got a better review from the Lord Of The Flies, “ Hoover was pretty good at all basic fly skills, did not like his company much as he was kinda self contained closed down. He could fly fish well as any other big shot I guess.”

Among Walt’s favorite fly fisher celebes two stand out Bing Crosby was a dear friend who often had Walt look after his son’s. Walt loved Bing and spoke highly of him, “ Best thing about Bing was even when nothing was going on and we were just sitting enjoying the water and being alive. He would never complain him and Phil Harris always enjoyed just being out on the water. His moods were always the same, no dilettante that man. His wife kinda hated me because every time I showed up her husband would soon be gone. Man died a perfect death coming off the 18th hole in Scotland it was over.”

“ Phill Harris was a lot like Bing in that if the action fell off or failed to get going he would sit and savor the day in fine spirits... Phill was very good at fly fishing and do miss his company. Many of our illustrious leaders are really about as dull as old paint. Of course Bing , Phill and I did partake on occassion with distilled spirits.”

In my outdoor life and endless parade of socalled American big shots have come and gone with little fanfare. Many were just simple men who got lucky or were given gifts of great families excellent genetics and much good fortune. People like Walt no longer exist as society, polite society and the insidious bullshit called political correctness ended the era of the individual who speaks his mind no matter what the situation. Fly fishing and all that it entails were Walt Powell’s dominion. Fly rod building and innovating kept him happy till the end. I have one of his last hand made Bamboo fly rods signed. Have been offered crazy money for it and will never sell it. That little six weight and I caught everything that swims in Alaska during a memorable week dedicated to Walt and his Bamboo passion.Because of my time with Powell I attempted and pulled off the near impossible. Landing a 35 pound King Salmon with a little six weight Bamboo the absolute highlite of my fly fishing life, thanks again Walt.... ( See Monster Kings & Sweet Bamboo )

It takes much time true obsession to understand and excell at this complicated sport, a sport not for everyone. The amount of time and practice and general water knowledge will always keep the number of new fly fishers low. Schools keep playing games with the uneducated novice. Telling he or she that in three days they will become fly fishers, nonsence! I had two fly schools for many years, taught all kinds of sportsmen and wannbe’s. Less then five percent ever went near a fly rod again! Why, because it ain’t easy and no matter what school you go to a long gestation period awaits.... If you think otherwise, how many proficent fly fishers have you watched catch a fish? If you live in Alaska, Montana you will have seen afew who know how to consistantly catch and release fish. Not an easy game to learn if quick and easy floats your boat table tennis might do Cowboy...

Scarlet HarlotM

Head: Red silk




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“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “