The hot weather in the Upper Sacramento River Canyon is melting snow and driving flows ever higher – the river's nudging an amazing 6,000 cfs (historical data suggest 1500 cfs is average), and the upward trend continues.

Despite the fact the Upper Sac's currently best suited for use by whitewater enthusiasts with a death wish, I've noticed I still check the river whenever I drive by. Call it the power of possibility.

In a stunning illustration of the phrase "Resistance is Futile," Chris Raine dragged his drift boat to Lake Siskiyou. There, he found himself perched atop a body of chocolate milk, the South Fork booming like the Rolling Stones in an undersized concert hall.

What this means is that I'm stuck running yet another slaw dog picture – this one from the big Underground Slaw Dog Festival of Tuesday night. Most of the participants enjoyed the mighty slaw dog for the first time, and reaction was overwhelmingly positive (the initial reaction anyway; no word on residual effects).

The Western Slaw Dog; bigger body and more olive in the slaw than the Eastern species...

For those who are similarly trapped by raging waters and an unreasonable need to make a living, here's today's Underground Entertainment. First – as an interesting alternative to Mad About You reruns – I suggest an educational Podcast (basically on-demand Internet radio) with Kelly Galloup about fishing streamers. After my recent streamer follies in Tennessee, I've developed a newfound respect for the techniques involved. Give it a listen.

Second, there's an interesting New Zealand fishing site that's worth a look. Visit Bish on Fish and see what you can find.

Finally, those of us who like smooth-casting fly rods (that fish better than so many of the pool cues offered for sale today) will be saddened to learn of the death of J. Kennedy Fisher, whose company sold some wonderful fiberglass and graphite rods (and built blanks for the likes of Winston). Tight loops Mr. Fisher...