A Last Conversation with Gary LaFontaine

The late, great Gary LaFontaine is a man of high regard within fly fishing circles. He's an iconic angler, and someone who I would have liked to have had the opportunity to meet. He was a tireless researcher of aquatic entomology and trout behavior. Fortunately Gary was also a talented writer and had a penchant for sharing his angling knowledge. Many of the books authored by Gary are widely considered to be amongst the very best literary works ever composed within the fly fishing genre.

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating interview of Gary LaFontaine, conducted by Craig Oberg, a microbiology professor at Weber State University. The interview took place late in Gary's life, at a point when Lou Gehrig's Disease had taken a severe toll on his health. Those familiar with Gary's work will undoubtedly enjoy reading the interview, from which an introductory excerpt can be found below, along with a link to the full text.

The Evergreen Care Center in Missoula, Montana, was like most nursing homes, pleasant but a little depressing. Gary's room was at the end of one hall; a computer rested on a table along with pictures of Gary and friends with big trout on famous rivers. Even in a state of rapidly declining health, Gary welcomed an opportunity to be interviewed. Read more...