Rocking the River: How a Punk Rocker Found Solace in Fly Fishing

Chuck Ragan, the co-founder of the gritty 90s punk band Hot Water Music, has traded in the mosh pit for the serene waters of California's rivers. These days, the 50-year-old musician operates his own fly fishing guiding business near Grass Valley, while still touring as a solo artist and with his legendary band. In this exclusive interview, Ragan shares how he's blended his passions for rock music and fly fishing, and offers valuable advice for fellow travelers who want to make the most of their time on the water.

Discovering the Rhythm of the River

Balancing Music and Fishing on the Road

Ragan's life is a delicate dance between the demands of the stage and the call of the wild. When touring with Hot Water Music, he admits it's "tougher to fish" as the band's schedule leaves little room for spontaneity. However, Ragan seizes every opportunity he can, like the time he was able to sneak away to a lake outside Denver to fish for white bass between shows. When Ragan hits the road solo, he's more strategic in his approach, often planning his tour dates around prime fishing seasons and locations. "My agent may suggest I play in Detroit in January," he explains. "Well, I love to fish there in March, so that's when I'll go." By aligning his music and fishing passions, Ragan ensures he can indulge in both during his travels.

Reflecting on Lost Opportunities

Looking back on his early touring days, Ragan laments the missed fishing opportunities. "I remember it took me years to realize the fishing opportunities I was missing when we were on tour," he admits. "Now, I look back and think that I was just blowing it." Ragan recalls passing by stunning rivers and lakes, only to be too exhausted from late nights and hard living to take advantage. "I'd love to hit rewind and do that over," he says wistfully.These days, Ragan is determined not to let those chances slip away. He's learned to plan ahead, meticulously mapping out his calendar to balance family, guiding, and touring commitments with his fishing pursuits. "These days I find that pretty much everything I do—other than little opportunities that pop up—was planned out a year in advance," he reveals.

Embracing the Local Expertise

When Ragan does have the opportunity to fish on tour, he's quick to tap into the knowledge of local guides. "If I'm following a guide on social media and I admire them, and they're chasing a species I like, I'll reach out and hire them," he explains. Ragan values the chance to learn new techniques and connect with the people who know the waters best. "For me, fishing on tour is more about the experience of being on the water and connecting with people and learning new methods than actually carrying fish," he says.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Music and Fishing

Ragan's two passions, music and fishing, have a symbiotic relationship that feeds his creative process. "I'm always working on melodies and phrases and recording them to my phone when I'm on river trips," he shares. Whether it's the "howling lyrics" he captures while the river rages in the background or the moments of inspiration that strike during long hours of guiding, Ragan's time on the water has been the birthplace of many of his most iconic songs."A lot of those classic Hot Water Music songs were either started or finished out in the woods or at the lake," Ragan reveals. "A lot of my songs have been written this way." The tranquility of the river, the rhythm of the water, and the solitude of nature all serve as a wellspring of creativity for the musician.

Parallels Between Guiding and Performing

Ragan sees striking similarities between his roles as a professional river guide and a touring musician. "I'm out there to have a good time and to share something I believe in with people," he explains. Whether it's his clients on the river or his fans at a show, Ragan's goal is the same: to create an experience that allows people to leave their troubles behind and immerse themselves in the moment."If my clients or fans can leave their troubles at the door and enjoy themselves for a minute, then that's all the better," Ragan says. Just as he's not on the river solely to catch fish, he's not on stage just to perform. "If someone leaves my show and enjoys the music and gets something out of it, then that's a big bonus too," he adds.