PlanetTrout evolved from a five year old fingerling who fished Eastern Sierra streams from Olancha, CA to June Lake, CA – to a silver haired fly fishing addict. This is the story of that evolution and what has been learned, created and, now, passed on…
My Mother (front), her Brother and Sister, Brooklyn, NY…about 1924…
My Mother and Father with actress Ann Blythe at an industry function…
Me and my Father, Actor, Jess Barker…
Moving Day…again…
The house we moved to and lived in till 1955…and their really NASTY divorce…
Same house, seen from the rear hillside, where “Clash of the Titans”..took place…NIGHTLY…
My FAMILY…1951…Greg, Dad, Mom and me…
Goin’ where the LOVE is…
Home – LIFE…VIDEO FROM YOUTUBE PT, Greg, Mom &Dad…Step Father…
PT at eight…dreaming of Lone Pine and Trout…in the front yard of our home in Sherman Oaks, CA…
Surf fishing on Maui…1955…
There’s the TROUT…Reverse Creek, June Lake loop, CA…1954…
Some kind of fish from the waters off Maui…1955..it’s not a TROUT…
With my Dad and Brother, Malibu…1956
With some guy named ROBERT, on the set…
My Dad and Mom in Madrid, Spain in 1953,,,he has his Rolli around his neck…
With two other guys named Dick and “DUKE”...on location in St. George, Utah…
On the set, in the usual “clown outfits”, for publicity photos…
My Mother and Father being “CIVIL“…a camera was present…
Stirring up the bugs with my brother, Greg on Reverse Creek, June Lake loop, CA…1954…
With my Mother at some airport in Hawaii…1955…
At the Academy Awards, 1956… (38 seconds in…)
What the HELL did he just say (or do to) HER…?
PT/TB , my Mother and twin brother Greg…Shooting instructions …
” You BOYS wanna’ fish? Dig for WORMS….”
Working through some anger issues….
That’s better…!!!
Playing with yarn in Palm Springs, CA…gettin’ ready to learn Fly Tying…
PT on Yellowstone Lake with a Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Summer, 1956…
My Mother giving instructions on how “to plow the North forty” to a hapless driver at the “Ranch”, in Carrollton, GA about 1956…
Georgia Military Academy, 1957-1962, I am the BOZO with the guidon on the far right…
Georgia Military Academy 1962…not even colleges EVER beat us…
My graduation photo, Georgia Military Academy (Now Woodward Academy)…College Park, GA…1962
Water skiing with my Sister Morgana, in Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach, Summer, 1963…
Salt water fishing off West End, Grand Bahama Island, 1967…with my Mom…
PT, on my Mother’s boat, Nassau Harbor in the Bahamas, just before the following occurred…1967
Ft. Bragg, NC going through Special Forces Medical training at ” Smoke Bomb Hill” , April, 1968…pre-flash…
1969 MT. Washington, NH…10th Special Forces Group (ABN), 1st. Special Forces, ODA-o34
On the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, October, 1977…this photo was taken by my Dad…
Without whom, there would be no BLOG about Fly Fishing with our kids…
Up in the middle of nowhere searchin’ for a YETI with an FN-FAL PARA 50.63 and IMI “Nimrod” Scope…found ‘em too…
Stretchin’ on the Stillwater…
Me ‘n Angelo on the East Walker River…
What HEAVEN looks like…
What HEAVEN feels like…
Ally and me waiting for the next generation to take up his vise & fly rod…
Michael and Ally, Bridgeport, CA…September, 2011…
PT and his future Fly Fishing bud and partner…Miles
Miles…workin’ on dexterity…for his first pair of waders…
PT/TB
PLANETTROUT: Fly Fishing, Fly Tying and LIFE
Tim:
Enjoyed looking at your site – especially the pics of the Owens. Fished the upper Owens this past week; usually after Crowley. Fell in love with this water after staying several days each year at the old Arcularis Ranch thru the 70′s – 90′s.
The river is a bit low now; but, still plenty of hungry fish.
Thanks for the pictures.
Larry S
San Diego
Greetings and Salutations!
Do you still recall your your old pal Timo from the B&B days?
(It’s only been about ten years or so……….)
For me the past decade has been a mixed bag. A few years sober, a few not. I’m happy to report that I’m sober three years next month! Whew! The most unfortunate thing I’ve been dealing with is my Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis as of three years ago. PD is really impacting my life. Oh Well…….Shit Happens…..
I’ve spent the past three months in Canada visiting my parents. There’s been nothing to do but go fishing!!!!!!!!! Walleye,whitefish,bass,lake trout,muskie,perch,and pike.
I’m fond of using downriggers on these deep cold northern Ontario lakes. That time you took me fly fishing all those years ago was the only taste I had of it. Perhaps we can go again?
I see from the pix on your site that Michael and Ally have grown up into two fine looking young people………..you must be very pleased.
I wish you all the best.
Timo.
(807) 345-7796
TIMO!
Good to hear from you!
I do the Moorpark thing in Studio City (check the directory).
9AM, M-F and sometimes 3PM. Now, almost 14 1/2 years ( 13 Alanon). I am unable to access my email account on the computer I am now on ( it is old, like me) will contact U soon with my ph. #.
Thank you Big Guy…U survived!!!
PT/TB
http://www.gringoes.com/articles.asp?ID_Noticia=2241
Hi, Tim, here’s an article about Patagonia, Argentina. I thought you might be interested.
Good things!
Ted H
Enjoyed reviewing your blog this morning – came across it as I was looking for a fly recipe.
I saw your Bat Wing baetis pattern and was wondering how you tie in the Dun Hen feathers on the top of the abdomen (I am relatively new to tying). I figured you could also use CDC to acheive the same?
BTW, I saw in your blog that you fish the Kern river in CA. I am often in Bakersfield on business (we just finished a big biodiesel plant there) and was thinking that one of these days I should bring my gear and try to fish the Kern. Any suggestions on what part of the Kern I shoudl try?
Tks and Rgds,
Harry
Denver, CO
CDC is a pain in the butt! Dun hen neck, tied in – convex side up – pulled over abdomen and bead, tied down, whip finish. Ck. with the Kern River Fly Shop in Kernville for up to date info and also check the Kern River Forum. Lots of good Kern River info and a bunch of friendly Fly Fisherman…
Tight lines!!!
PT/TB
Tim,
I found your blog today and I haven’t been able to stop looking at your old pictures for the past hour. I’m living in Glenwood Springs now and your shots from down on the Frying Pan are great. I was just down there yesterday and picked up some nice browns on midge pupas and adults.
Get ahold of me if you’re in the area anytime. You seem like a good guy to fish with!
Baron Zahuranec
baronzahuranec@gmail.com
Tim, will you be headed to Montana this year? Jan and I would love to see you again and maybe get a little fishing in. I just got back to Ca. but will be heade4d back on the 11th of June. The water has been high and ugly, but still great fishing
Dennis and Jan ,
Hope to!!!Will PM ‘ya at NCFFB if it appears likely…
PT/TB
Hello, good morning, I am Jorge Aguilar Rech, I invite you to visit http://browntroutargentina.blogspot.com. A fly-fishing site where you can find information, download games, meteorology, techniques, fishing maps . Since we have interests in common, it would be very good to exchange links in our blog Rolls. We are also on líen for responding to inquiries. A big hug and good fishing. Jorge
Goodidea! He visitado su sitio y enlaces a sus páginas. Que por preguntar … Al igual que su segundo nombre, mi mejor amigo tiene el mismo nombre que su apellido …It is done!!!
Planettrout / Tim Barker
Came across your blog accidentally while looking at pictures of the West Fork of the Madison. Love seeing the pictures of your children fly fishing with you since they were young. Great memories for you i’m sure. Used to fish the Madison often but have not gone for about a decade – now fish other MT waters for bigger trout. Will visit often!
Matt,
Thanks!!!
I love the Madison but always spend time on the Stillwater, Boulder, Big Horn, Big Hole and other waters across most of SW Montana…For me, it has never been about the size of the fish – just being “out there” and in the zone…
PT/TB
Hi Tim,
Sarah here, Candace’s turtledove from Moorpark. Would love to connect with you and draw upon your experience, have something I would like to seek your guidance about. Please contact me via email.
All blessings,
Sarah
Hi Tim,
Great blog. Our company works with Classic Hollywood Icons and films. Would like to discuss a few things with you regarding your mother. Thank you.
Shannon,
Email sent and that’s INQUIRY…
PT/TB
I found your site about 2 months ago. Jammed full of great information. I have recommended it to several friends and
clients. Was a big fan of your mother when I was growing up,
Now I am a fan of you.
Keep up the good work and Best Wishes,
MM
Michael,
Thank you, I am honored…
PT/TB
Hi Folks
After looking through the web for boots I stumbled on the above under “US Army Cold Weather Mountain Boots”.
The squared toe and rear heal grove look like they would take a binding of some kind, possibly for a ski or snow shoe?
Do you recognise these?
I would be interested to check availability and also find an original manufacturer. Could be the chippewa boots you mention on the blog.
I see my photos from the web have not passed in to this box.
If you have any could you forward them on to me.
Thanks for your help in advance.
John Sharman
John,
The boot made by CHIPPEWA for the 10th. Group is no longer manufactured. It was designed for the “ancient” spring bindings on wooden skis (hated them)…there are several boot companies that make boots with grooves for crampons (ice climbing), LOWA is among them. Don’t know what else to report…
Best,
PT/TB
Hi Tim:
I enjoyed the new photos you posted of your family and the pithy captions.
“The clash of the titans” remark really made me laugh. Gotta laugh, eh, rather than cry?
Wanted to let you know that there is going to be a rare screening of “Top Secret Affair” coming up on Sunday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at The Billy Wilder Theater. It will be on a double bill with another favorite of mine, “Too Much, Too Soon”, which I haven’t seen since it first came out. So I am really looking forward to this event. It is part of the program “Rarities from the Warner Archive Collection” presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.
Am not sure if you are familiar with this venue, but it’s a wonderfully comfy theater at the Hammer Museum (Westwood and Wilshire).
You may want to check it out; if you need any other info, let me know.
Best, Jill
Thanks Jill,
When we are children, we look up to our parents as GODS, many, unfortunately, are NOT very god-like…they both had their own demons,,,and NO program(s)…
I’ll check with Ally and Nadia and see if they want to go on the 8th… Appreciate the heads up…
Best,
PT/TB
Unfortunately I knew early on that my parents had a lot of demons. That is why I can identify fully what you experienced. But I always thought a pretty house would have made a difference. Obviously not.
Am glad I was able to alert you to the screening and hope you can make it.
Take care.
Jill
Tim,
Many thanks for your terrific photos and commentary. My
parents enjoyed a happy,rock-solid marriage for 42 years
and I was blessed with a wonderful mother,yet as a kid
growing up in the fifties,I idolized Susan Hayward, and on
the outside looking in, would have given anything to have had her as my mother. I am certain that other fans felt
the same. At the end of the day,despite an obviously
turbulent childhood-and either because of it or inspite of
it-you’ve emerged a survivor and, more important, a
committed and devoted father. You’re to be admired.
Elaine
Elaine,
Thank you!!!
I will be putting up some (never before seen ) photos of my Mom and her saltwater fishing exploits in the next day or so…ENJOY!!!
PT/TB
“You possess a seriously fascinating blog. Too many blogs that I see now don’t really provide something that I’m interested in, but I’m definately interested in this 1. Just thought that I’d pass that message on. “
Hello Tim,
I am hoping that I you can provide me with an email address where I can reach you. I hope to talk with you about a partnership with Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters. I enjoyed seeing those photos of you on June Lake Loop. I was just up there this summer. I would have loved to see it back then. Shoot me an email if you have a minute.
Regards,
Ben Paull
To planet trout.
I enjoyed the many interesting photos and commentary
Your insight into fly patterns will have me back.
Congrats on a very nice site.
Jim.
Thank you!!!
PT/TB
Tim,
As a teenager in the ’70′s, I was obsessed with your mom, and wanted to go work for her. Growing up in rural North Alabama, my life seemed so dull, and hers so exciting.
Obviously, I was pretty naive about people, and the real world and life in general. ha Even now, at 54, it seems I am still learning. And who would ever have imagined the technology that allows me to read your blog, and see pictures of you and your family, and read about your Mom?!
Anyway, I greatly respect the way you cared for your mom, and am very happy that you seem to have such a good life, and nice family! Congratulations on your new grandson; I hear that grandkids are more fun than one’s own children, so I am looking forward to having some one day. Take care of yourself, and your family, and I wish you many more happy fishing adventures! Your Mom will always be my favorite actress! Susan McClellan
Susan,
Thank you !!!
PT/TB
I am the editor for the New Mexico Trout newsletter (http://newmexicotrout.org/), and stumbled across your site while searching for ideas for our ‘fly of the month’ feature. Even though many of your flies are tuned to CA waters, there are some innovative patterns that might work well in NM. I would like to include one of your patterns, such as Serendipity in our May issue, with your permission.
I will credit you for the pattern and include a link to your site.
Please let me know if this is acceptable.
Thanks,
Mike
Mike,
Please, go for it…you also might want to look at the Amber Serendipity I am putting up later today…
Best,
PT/TB
Mr. Barker,
I found your site today looking for some bubble midge patterns and cant stop reading and exploring it. There is a plethora of information for a 23 year old colorado trout bum to soak in. Your story is very touching and inspiring; I hope I can take part in like adventures in my life. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and story, I will be sure to continue to check your site on a regular basis and share it with my friends, fishermen or not.
Thanks,
Stephen Hofer
Stephen…
‘Ya got a lot years to do this thing…one fish at a time !!!
PT/TB
PT, I came to your blog via your Whisky River Yellow Sally pattern (kudos), then became fascinated by your mini Bio of your life as a kid in Hollywood. Congrats for finding out that flyfishing along with self discipline heals all wounds. Hopefully some readers here will take your message to heart and “pattern” their lives after yours. Cheers, Chris aka flyfshr1cd
Chris,
Thank you…
I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that each individual gets to follow their own path…
PT/TB
Hey great pictures great stories! Thank you very much. I will have to share this with my father whom is an old L.A boy and my fly fishing buddy for life as well. Thank you.
Thank you Patrick…
Best,
PT/TB
wow, awesome pics and stories. Thanks to my father in law I took us fishing a few years ago. After reading your blog it put life and fishing into perspective. If you fish truckee, lower yuba, would love to shake your hand. Thank you for the patterns they will come in handy. All the Best, Keith.
Thanks Keith,
My son Michael. who’s in school up in SF, wants to get me over to the West Side of the Sierras this year…the Hong ( Mike’s family from his Mother’s side) clan up in the Bay area have a big vacation home near Donner Pass (Sugar Bowl area) and he wants me to work those waters with him…maybe ???
Best,
PT/TB
Wow, Wow… what memories there are of all of you and the family…. i can remember some of those days…. Great days (maybe) at GMA and
So. Florida…. Regards to all….
Joel,
Good to hear from you !!! Hope all is well with you and your family…there were some good (muddy) football days at GMA and even better days in the Grove and up at your place(s)…keep in touch please…
PT/ Tim
enjoy your blog!! yes, we were talking about old kids shows at work today and tried to remember the girl from Ark 2–looks like you have a pretty cool prespective on life
Maybe Phillip,
But YOU guys have Beale Street !!!
PT/TB
..sounds like you have been to Memphis!–hope you weren’t looking for any of great trout you are use to–all we have here is catfish and BBQ!
Phillip,
…and great Blues and R&B…that was back in the days that Stax Records was one of my accounts…
PT/TB
Stax was one of your accounts? talk about a small world!
You worked with Stax? Are you a lawyer or were you in the music biz,etc.?
wasn’t expecting that–I blog about memphis music (past and present) at jungleroom.com…
Phillip,
I did PR for a number of their artists and worked with Isaac Hayes for a lot of years – including his Academy Award Campaign…
PT?TB
ever work with Don Nix?
Phillip,
Nope…but I met him once, there at Stax…
PT/TB
Dear Mr’ Barker:
Sorry I’ve no comments about fly fishing. But those pix of your mom and Dad and you young guys made me so happy. My Aunt Mary died in 1955 before I was born and all I ever knew of this beautiful lady is that she was the spitting image of your beautiful mom, Susan Hayward. My mother and I watched movies, lots of old movies when I was growing up and Susan was our FAVORITE. What a gem of an actress. What an emotional actress. There will never be another one like her. I think her movies consoled my Mom, as my Mom and Aunt Mary were only 13 months apart and my Aunt died of acute leukemia that she succumbed to in only 3 months. She was only 29 years old and she left my Mom and Grandmother to care for her daughter who was only 23 months old at the time. The memories and your Mom are overwhelming and happy. I wish there was another star like your Mom now! No such luck. Your Mom and my Aunt were incredibly lovely. I wish I knew how to show you her picture. I am a TCM fan of course as they show your Mom’s films and right now on the Net I am watching 23 Paces to Baker Stree and I love it! ( I was born in 1956).
God Bless,
Barbara A.
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