FLY PULSE NOVEMBER: Nature's Crayons & Pre-novel Predictions

NATURE'S CRAYONS
Anthocyanin, carotene, xanthophyll. Have you ever heard of these? 

​To the Life Science teacher, these chemicals mark the colors which are absorbed and reflected in leaves. As we discuss parts of a plant cell, I’m teaching these “leafy” vocabulary terms to my students. Reds, oranges, and yellows become visible in the leaves after they cease their green “food-making” photosynthesis in the chloroplasts and chlorophyll of the cell, creating the fall foliage we know in Western PA.
 
To an angler, the changing palette of color signals the steelhead run up the tributaries of the Great Lakes, especially the closest one to Pittsburgh, Lake Erie. That cold sting in the air prompts me to think of steelhead running (Always found that to be a funny term for swimming). The daily weather and rain remind me to check the USGS water gauges for the ups-and-downs in the water levels and turbidity, and of course, touch base with my fishing friends to coordinate a steelhead trip.
 
The colors aren’t just present in the changing leaves but in the fish we catch as well. In mid-October, I landed this 18-inch beautiful tiger trout on a #14 Prince Nymph pattern. It splashed and surged away just after a quick pic, leaving a swirling trail of leaves behind. Whether it’s a fish, a sunset, or just a drive, I hope your autumn starts off with something colorful.

PRE-NOVEL PREDICTIONS
As the book launch for Salmon Survivor draws closer, I'm optimistic to see the graphic components of the novel coming together. Pittsburgh graphic artist Nick Cobler continues to design the fly patterns for the novel. His digital illustrations come to life as they shrink down to fly size. Check out the Pheasant Tail Nymph pattern...really amazing and realistic details.

What additional goodies would you like to see in some pre-book order presents? Stickers? Bookmarks? Magnets?

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