The fly fishing community is a relatively small niche where everyone knows or knows of someone especially if that individual has contributed to the sport in some way. In my personal opinion the fly fishing community is one of the most welcoming fishing communities there is where everyone is willing to share and help each other in some capacity to succeed. A few days ago I was devastated to learn that one of our community’s best had passed away.
As someone who considers the Yuba River his home river, veteran guide Jon Baiocchi’s influence was always felt. Jon had been guiding on the Yuba River for decades and had a unique way of approaching the river on foot in comparison to other guides who would drift it instead. Jon’s fishing reports were unlike any other guides as well as he was passionate about more than just the fishing conditions. His reports demonstrated his extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna which were always a pleasure to learn about.
Jon’s passion for teaching and nature was one of the reasons I felt comfortable approaching him about questions I had as a newbie fly angler. Although Jon, I, and many other anglers shared our love of the Yuba River it was the Middle Fork of the Feather River where I believed we really connected. There was no other guide more knowledgeable about the Middle Fork of the Feather River than Jon Baiocchi. I have saved emails of all our exchanges of information and still look at them from time to time.
My most memorable interaction with Jon was when he approached me about a photo of a carp I had caught on he Middle Fork of the Feather River. He asked if he could use the photo in a PowerPoint presentation that he had been working on about the Middle Fork of the Feather River. I told him I was truly honored and as a thank you he sent me a copy of the PowerPoint.
Jon Baiocchi passed unexpectedly while guiding on the Middle Fork of the Feather River. He passed away where he loved being doing what he loved to do. The next time I’m out on the Middle Fork of the Feather I’ll be thinking about you buddy. Condolences to his family and friends as we all mourn the loss of one of the fly fishing greatest.
