Josh Mills Shares His Water Story

A resident of Spokane, Josh is statewide activist, conservation writer, and board member of the Wild Steelhead Coalition. You can find him on the water pursuing anadromous fish or writing for his blog: Chucking Line & Chasing Tail. Josh is a champion for public water and land, and we’re excited to share a little about him!

Q: What is the significance of water in your life?

A: Water is the conduit for adventure in my life.  It seems that every time I put my raft in the water or step my boots into the flow, I am about to embark on something more than just fun.  Water and the flow of a river slow the world down for me, allowing me to focus on what’s a hand and quiet the world around me. In quick time, it becomes just about the river, my fly and the fish I’m after.

Q: What is your favorite watershed in Washington?

A: My favorite watershed is the Grande Ronde River in SE Washington.  It’s the river that feels like home.  It’s where I caught my first steelhead from and it’s where I spend a great deal of my time in the fall and winter.  I know each turn in the river intimately and I feel compelled to be an advocate for it and it’s fish.

Water and the flow of a river slow the world down for me, allowing me to focus on what’s a hand and quite the world around me.