News: Underground Fave Local Legend Joe Kimsey in Hospital

by Tom Chandler on July 16, 2009 · 12 comments

Anyone who has fished the Upper Sacramento has probably run into wisecracking local legend Joe Kimsey, and will be saddened to hear he’s in the hospital after what may have been a stroke.

Chris Raine visited Joe a couple days ago, and found him in what he described as “visible” distress (he couldn’t button his shirt, his left arm wasn’t working well, etc).

Chris dialed 911 and while Joe seems to be recovering, the inevitable questions about his future have floated to the top.

Joe Kimsey on a summer, 2008 fly fishing trip

Joe Kimsey on a 2008 fly fishing trip

I profiled Joe Kimsey in an earlier article on the Trout Underground, and suffice it to say he’s a much-loved fly fishing icon – one who first fished these waters when they still ran thick with salmon and steelhead. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday, a party I missed.

I do remember celebrating his 70th birthday right after I moved to Dunsmuir – and to this day remain astonished by the throng of people who attended.

I’ll update the Undergrounders as more news emerges.

UPDATE: Joe Kimsey is out of the hospital and staying with family for the time being. He’s far from recovered, but it’s a start. More as it happens.

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Update on Local Fly Fishing Legend Joe Kimsey | The Trout Underground Fly Fishing Blog: August 21, 2009 at 11:04 am

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Don July 16, 2009 at 4:18 pm: Tom,

Thanks for passing along the news.

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2 DS Fly Fishing July 16, 2009 at 4:30 pm: Thoughts are with him – hoping for a speedy recovery.

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3 Bjorn July 16, 2009 at 8:36 pm: Joe took my dad and I out the year after I first picked up a fly rod… he was the first one to introduce me to two fly rigs and I caught my first fish tight-line nymphing with Joe. Hope he’s OK.

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4 Brian July 16, 2009 at 9:00 pm: Helped me start my uppersac fly box years ago, my thoughts are with him

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5 Smarter and Better Looking Brother July 16, 2009 at 10:02 pm: Get well soon Joe.

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6 Alastair July 16, 2009 at 11:27 pm: I wish him the best.

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7 AC July 17, 2009 at 5:27 am: Great guy…Get well soon Joe

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8 samistopdog July 17, 2009 at 9:11 am: True Gentlemen…always willing to help those wanting to learn. Smile on his face always and truly a credit to our sport…god Bless and get well soon Joe.

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9 Flyfishpapa July 17, 2009 at 10:08 am: I always look forward to seeing Joe at the shop when I fish the Upper Sac. He always has great stories and a helpful tip. Get well soon Joe.

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10 Tom Chandler July 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm: UPDATE: Joe Kimsey is out of the hospital and staying with family for the time being. He’s far from recovered, but it’s a start. More as it happens.

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11 Marlene Furtado August 9, 2009 at 6:16 pm: Hi Joe,
Get well soon. The Upper Sac trout are waiting for you to return. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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