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JAMIE AND SAM McALLISTER WILL CONTINUE THE SALE OF THE CLASSIC AND CUSTOM FLY SHOP INVENTORY OF FLIES AT THERE RIVERTON STORE LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RIVERTON GENERAL STORE THE SALE STARTS THIS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6, AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE INVENTORY IS GONE, THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO STOCK UP ON YOUR FALL FAVORITES. SPEAKING OF THE FALL THE D.E.P. WILL BE STOCKING THE UPPER FARMINGTON THIS WEEK

A time of too many arm – chair generals and not enough warriors with metal tipped spears. It is a time of too many fair weather friends whose friendship only extends to the last “good deal” and not enough fair weather. These days, there’s little patience for any fishery that requires a little patience. “ Why waste time” some say, “when you can buy your way to the front of a tight line “.

However the Farmington has always refused to be just another score. There is an intimidating intimacy about this river that defies the quick encounter. Those who like their prey dumb and hungry have no appetite for the sophisticated palate of the Farmington brown trout. Predators who navigate the urban jungle with a push of a button and the push of a person find the civilized wilderness of the Farmington a most challenging environment.

Those pursuing a glossy illusion need not apply themselves here. This is not some elitist diversion. This is nature in the raw, or as raw as it gets on the east coast in all its magnificent indifference to our tackle, tactics and tax bracket. But for those who immerse themselves in this valley, there is a depth of mystery and majesty that is beyond the grasp of the hurried masses.

These waters have flowed over heavy hitters and lightweight contenders. They have defied predictions, dethroned experts and derided rescuers. These waters have healed many wounds and wounded more than a few heels. They have bound scholars and scoundrels in a common pursuit, which has spawned many unlikely friendships. They have reshuffled pools and riffles with every new anchor ice in a quiet reminder to think less about who owns the river and more about who made the river. This valley has welcomed anglers from around the world and, from those few who’s self perceived exceptionalism presumes entitlement, it has withdrawn its welcome just long enough to remind them that they are only guests.

This is full contact fishing. You do not sit on the banks of the Farmington; you wade into it and as you do you are engulfed by swirling currents of an angling tradition. You may be swept away by its hypnotic flow or blown over by the still small voice of its gentle breeze. If you listen carefully, you may hear echoes of a time when reels whined and men didn’t, when flies were tied and tackle was bought for fishing trips, not ego trips, and when people looked for every reason to go fishing and not every excuse not to.

When you stand in the Farmingon, you’re standing on the front lines of conservation, making a contribution to an angling tradition, which defended and protected this resource long before it became the flavor of the month. The deterrence, awareness and value that your presence provides are things that only a guardian angler can accomplish.

You stand midstream as a good steward, balancing the resource ‘s need for a responsible, selective harvest against the equally dangerous extremes of those who would kill it all and those who would not kill at all. You understand that the only thing more dangerous than a greedy heart is a bleeding heart.

You stand firm against a rising tide of public opinion ignited by inflammatory rhetoric. You stand proud to be part of a practical conservation initiative that produces more results and fewer headlines

And yes it is true that I will be closing the store, and the fat lady appears to have taken the stage. However she is not going to sing. Stay tuned to this web site for future updates.