Every year we try to have a unique and special item to offer in the auction, and this is that item this year. John van Vliet is a contributing editor of Fly Fisherman Magazine and the author of many renowned books and articles about fly fishing and about the unique environment and fishing opportunities one finds in the Driftless Area, the 24,000-square-mile unglaciated region nestled in the corners of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. He and his wife Catherine have spent decades fishing and exploring this geologically unique region, which makes up one of the highest concentrations of spring creeks in the world. They are generously donating a day of fishing with them for one or two in this very special place. Their knowledge of and passion for the Driftless is part of what makes this item so special. They will share their understanding of why the Driftless is a critical watershed and so needing of protection. And they also know how to find great fishing in this vast environment. Geology, birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, and remarkable beauty is what you can expect. To top it off, John and Catherine are two of the nicest people you could ever have the good fortune to meet. It will be an amazing day on the water.
For this item anglers should have their own gear—rod, reel, waders, sunglasses of course. John and Catherine will discuss best fishing options with the winner and advise which fishing license will be required. Beverages and lunch will be provided as well.
I’m personally grateful to Catherine and John for donating this unique opportunity in support of Reeling in Serenity.
John van Vliet is the Midwest Field Editor for Fly Fisherman magazine and author of more than a dozen popular fly-fishing books, including his Driftless trilogy: Trout Fishing in Southeast Minnesota, Trout Fishing in Southwest Wisconsin, Trout Fishing in Northeast Iowa, and the bestselling The Art of Fly Tying. He started fishing as a child in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York and honed his skills on the spring creeks of the Driftless Area. His writing has an appeared in Fly Fisherman magazine, Atlantic Salmon Journal, Big River magazine, World Traveler magazine, the New York Times and other publications. He has served on the board of the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited chapter, is an FFI certified fly-casting instructor, an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, a popular public speaker and, with Catherine Smith, organized the first FFI film festival. An avid fly angler, writer and filmmaker, he has fly fished around the world. The trout streams of the Driftless Area are his home waters.
Catherine Smith is a native of South Dakota. She has fly fished both fresh and salt water and has received casting awards for her accuracy and skill. She is a dedicated advocate for women in the sport, having served on the board of Fly Fishers International Women Connect, as well as regularly volunteering with Casting for Recovery. She remains deeply committed to teaching and encouraging others in the fly-fishing community.
Catherine and John have spent two decades traveling, fishing and documenting their journeys together.
For this item anglers should have their own gear—rod, reel, waders, sunglasses of course. John and Catherine will discuss best fishing options with the winner and advise which fishing license will be required. Beverages and lunch will be provided as well.
I’m personally grateful to Catherine and John for donating this unique opportunity in support of Reeling in Serenity.
John van Vliet is the Midwest Field Editor for Fly Fisherman magazine and author of more than a dozen popular fly-fishing books, including his Driftless trilogy: Trout Fishing in Southeast Minnesota, Trout Fishing in Southwest Wisconsin, Trout Fishing in Northeast Iowa, and the bestselling The Art of Fly Tying. He started fishing as a child in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York and honed his skills on the spring creeks of the Driftless Area. His writing has an appeared in Fly Fisherman magazine, Atlantic Salmon Journal, Big River magazine, World Traveler magazine, the New York Times and other publications. He has served on the board of the Twin Cities Trout Unlimited chapter, is an FFI certified fly-casting instructor, an active member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, a popular public speaker and, with Catherine Smith, organized the first FFI film festival. An avid fly angler, writer and filmmaker, he has fly fished around the world. The trout streams of the Driftless Area are his home waters.
Catherine Smith is a native of South Dakota. She has fly fished both fresh and salt water and has received casting awards for her accuracy and skill. She is a dedicated advocate for women in the sport, having served on the board of Fly Fishers International Women Connect, as well as regularly volunteering with Casting for Recovery. She remains deeply committed to teaching and encouraging others in the fly-fishing community.
Catherine and John have spent two decades traveling, fishing and documenting their journeys together.
A Day Fishing The Driftless Area in the Upper Midwest with Catherine Smith and John van Vliet
Item #3
$500 - 0 bids
Minimum Bid Increment:
$50
Value:
priceless
Donated By:
John Van Vliet and Catherine Smith