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.

Posted in News.