James Murray

Classroom of the great outdoors

I remember as a young kid lying in the tall grass that grew along the banks of the creek that flowed not far from my home

Lessons learned about snakes

Have you ever had the feeling that someone or something is watching you?

Dragging a line: An osprey in a tree near Canoe Beach has become entangled in fishing line. Although the bird is able to fly it did not appear able to free itself from the line or release the fish attached to the line.

Fishing line ensnares osprey

Column: Simple solution can prevent fatal damage to wildlife.

Dragging a line: An osprey in a tree near Canoe Beach has become entangled in fishing line. Although the bird is able to fly it did not appear able to free itself from the line or release the fish attached to the line.

Things fall into place on the river

There is a hint of autumn in the air these days. I guess that shouldn’t be much of a surprise considering…

As one door closes, another opens

James Murray closes chapter with the Shuswap Market News/Salmon Arm Observer.

Songs that rattle around in my head

There are certain songs that, when I hear them, well, I have this strong, sudden overwhelming desire to simply drop whatever it is I’m doing

How to attract fish, not scare them

For the past 10 years or so I have concentrated most of my fishing efforts on a number of smaller Interior lakes

Keeping canines cool and hydrated

Any way you look at it, common sense should tell people that when they’re out in that kind of heat, they need to take along plenty of water

How to deal with muddy tasting fish

The dog days of summer are well upon us and fishing, at least in many of our Southern Interior lakes, has taken a turn for the worst

Determined to catch one more fish

Pale orange hues lined the few wispy clouds that hung in the sky at the far end of the lake.

When it comes to setting an example

Kids learn by watching and emulating what they see their parents doing - or in some cases, not doing.

Precautions can make the difference

Before shoving off in your boat or casting a line on your favourite stream or river, take a good look around you

When fishing, patience had its rewards

Last week I decided to get away from everything for a while and go fishing.

Kids’ fishing derby a true community effort

The 18th Annual Salmon Arm Kids’ Fishing Derby, hosted by Shuswap Recreation Society, took place under cold, cloudy skies

Time spent fishing with family… priceless

You know what I’d really like to see: one of those MasterCard ads that you see on television showing the cost of a couple of rods and reels…

Family fishing weekend approaches

Each year, the BC Family Fishing Weekend is held on the third weekend of June.

Treasuring a friendship with Santa

Saying farewell to a well-loved community member and a good friend.

Annual fishing derby a community effort

This past Sunday morning I was down at the end of the wharf putting up posters for the upcoming Salmon Arm Kids Fishing Derby.

Carp a big contender at fishing derby

For the past three weeks, I have been going down to the end of the wharf to check out the water level of the lake

Craftsmanship still earns admiration

Often have I stood and cast my line to the unknown – to some momentary flash of silver in the waters out of the corner of my eye