December 20, 2024 3:20 a.m.

Just in time for the holiday season, the Douglas County Museum of Natural & Cultural History has announced the arrival of a newly released guide titled, “Fly Fishing Guide to the North Umpqua”, by local fly-fishing expert Joe W. Howell.

A museum release said published by Stackpole Books in November 2024, the guide provides an unparalleled look at steelheading techniques, historical insights, and detailed fly patterns for one of the most renowned steelhead rivers in the United States. Howell, a 42-year resident of Idleyld Park, Oregon, was the owner of Blue Heron Fly Shop for 30 years, a sought-after fly designer, and the 1992 recipient of the Oregon Council of the Federation of Fly Fisherman’s Fly Tyer of the Year award.

The guidebook offers a pool-by-pool exploration of the North Umpqua River, perfect for avid outdoorsmen, fly-fishing enthusiasts, or those eager to learn about the river. The book is priced at $34.95 and is on sale now at the Museum Mercantile Gift Shop.

For more information about the museum, go to: https://umpquavalleymuseums.org/visit/douglas-county-museum/