Fly fishing with Yvon Chouinard

At the beginning of summer 2021, the fly fishing scene in South Tyrol was definitely challenging: rivers and streams were swollen and turbid, loaded with abundant spring rains and melting snow. A real challenge, made even more special by the honor that awaited me: guiding none other than Yvon Chouinard , the legendary founder of Patagonia, an undisputed icon in both fly fishing and mountaineering.

Despite the less than ideal conditions, Yvon's spirit was indomitable. His enthusiasm and resilience, especially considering his age, were a constant source of inspiration. We decided to try our luck on the Ega River , which was at the limit of practicability. This waterway is known for its particularly difficult upper reaches, where the terrain becomes wild and the currents are wild. It's certainly not a place for beginners, but Yvon was eager to test himself.

We spent over half a day exploring the most complex sections of the river, casting our lines and letting ourselves be enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding environment. It was an experience that I would define as unique, not only for the fishing action itself, but for the incredible opportunity to share time with a living legend like Yvon Chouinard. His deep dedication to this discipline and his visceral love for nature were palpable, transforming this outing into something truly special.

Fishing with Yvon Chouinard wasn’t just about the catch; it was about the experience as a whole, the silent lessons learned from watching him. His consistently positive attitude, even in the face of obvious adversity, was a powerful reminder: in fishing, as in many of life’s adventures, the journey and the approach matter as much as the end result.

This day of fishing in Alto Adige will remain a rare and precious opportunity, a memory that I will jealously guard for a long time. After all, it is not every day that you can cast your lure alongside a personality who has so profoundly influenced and redefined the world of fly fishing and outdoor adventure.