Good bye Russ. An iconic painter, author, and fly fisherman, Russell Chatham touched many through his art work and passion for angling. Chathams paintings are well known by the likes of Jack Nicholson and Robert Redford. His work has been used on the cover of books by Tom McGuane and Jim Harrison. Russ was an amazing artist but his books and writings captured many. It was his book, An Anglers Coast, full of stories and experiences fishing California’s coastal waters in their glory years that ruined me. Russ was a storyteller and one of the best. I felt fortunate to share time with Russ on the water and call him a friend. We probably spent more time bullshitting about fishing and the places we’ve been than we actually spent fishing. I could never get enough of Russ’ stories about the Russian, Eel, and Smith Rivers. His love for chasing coho salmon in Marin and in the later years in Alaska. Thanks for being a friend and mentor. You will be missed. #russellchatham #flyfishing
