Paul Bruun

Columnist at Jackson Hole News & Guide

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Articles

Some outdoor superstitions are bunk, but others worth minding

1 week ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

Do you believe that certain sayings, people or habits bring bad luck? Bruun doesn’t promote negative psychic happenings, but he may softly utilize a handful of proven devices and avoid certain behavior. He regularly ignores popular examples such as black cats, ladders, Friday the 13th and mirrors — broken or otherwise — as defined in Lefty Frizzell and Keith Whitley songs. Some “select” wearing apparel is favored on important outings.
Facing reality of 30-foot cast and 'trout set'

3 weeks ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

How far can you make an accurate fly cast? Is it 40, 50 or 60 feet? Understanding distances is pertinent for several reasons, and I’m focusing on this after a recent chat with longtime friend Mike McComas, a former Fort Myers fly shop owner, saltwater backcountry guide and current Everglades City town councilman. He’s also the patient host/concierge for some winter Everglades fishing visits.
My job: Avoid being in a boating tragedy

1 month ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

The computer barely had emailed the picture to fishing friends of a new, high-visibility, yellow-green, long-sleeve T-shirt exactly when a boating tragedy at Alabama’s Smith Lake tournament flooded news outlets. My effort for a more visible water-safety emphasis was inspired. The timing that left three striped bass fishermen dead was ghastly. Powerboating/fishing seasons are beginning in lower elevations of the northern Rockies.
Decades fly by when news work is enjoyable

1 month ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

When a familiar brass key unlocked a mailbox mainly crammed with unrequested clutter, the moment triggered this stark realization: Bruun had been opening that same Jackson mailbox since 1973!Pearl Street (most roads were “streets,” “avenues” weren’t used) facing the north entrance of Jackson’s new post office was still muddy gravel in mid-April 52 years ago, when a Chevrolet Blazer and I arrived at a new job, editor of the Jackson Hole Guide.
Wish Scott could make Heli-Ply rods again!

2 months ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

Add me to the list of survivors whining, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to.” I’d gladly fork over real cash to Jim Bartschi for a new three-piece, 8-foot, 8-inch Heli-Ply classic in either a favorite 7-, 8- or 11-weight, from his Scott Rod Company in Montrose, Colorado. In 2024 Scott celebrated its 50th anniversary by releasing an improved collection of its finest all-star rod hits from the innovative design regimes of founder Harry Wilson, Larry Kenny and now Mr. Bartschi.
Ever feel that desire for another boat?

2 months ago | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

At last count my lifetime boat ownership rests at 22 or 23. If time allowed, it would be nice to learn to fish from one more craft. A shallow-drive-powered aluminum mud boat would do the trick if I were six or seven years younger. Instead, I’m satisfied with the current Bruun fleet: a pair of drift boat skiffs and three modest outboards, as I turn 81.
Recalling endless leaky wader miseries

Mar 5, 2025 | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

Waders rarely leak during nice conditions. They wait until trout and salmon are murdering streamers, ice is jamming stripper and snake guides and helpless fingers are turning to claws of ice. Earlier in the season the wearer (you) ignored what was deemed to be only a pinhole. That tiny leak was easily forgotten during wet wading that continued deep into September. With the “Reveille” of October, big fish junkies wake up to anticipated arrivals of lower waters and nastier weather.
Time to enjoy Anchor Steam beer again

Feb 19, 2025 | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

The unique flavor and aura of Anchor Steam beer, only available at Calico Pizza, were intriguing Jackson discoveries I made in the 1970s. Anchor originated in an 1856 California Gold Rush-era brewery begun by German immigrant Gottlieb Brekle. Eventually it became San Francisco’s favorite beer, available in bottles and on draft in its popular tap houses, other select locations and especially Candlestick Park, the San Francisco Giants’ stadium.
Ending October closure of Jackson Lake is recipe for disaster

Feb 5, 2025 | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

I treasure those late afternoon visits with Richard Pack on a Jackson Lake otherwise abandoned except for our two boats. Those meetings became a Sept. 30 ritual. Out loud we wondered what our fines might be if then-Game and Fish boating warden Doug Crawford and special investigator Fred Herbel saw our crafts “the next day” inspecting 15- to 20-foot waters.
From unthinkable to merry phone pranks

Jan 22, 2025 | jhnewsandguide.com | Paul Bruun

Saturday revealed a dreaded scribe situation. My planned column was erased by the previous day’s promise to withhold strong opinions until after the response period of a current Wyoming Game and Fish Department survey. Yet a Sunday deadline still loomed. Luckily a witty email appeared from Bennett Mintz, 91, a treasure trove of always-amusing stories. Thoroughly describing Ben is a challenge.