As I write this column I am reminded of the saying, “All good things come to an end.” I am saddened, and grateful, to say “Flies and Lies” is coming to end.
It saddens me to know that I will no longer be writing for you. It gladdens my heart to know that I have been able to write 234 columns in nearly 20 years. Having made a full-time move to Tennessee, to be closer to three-fifths of the Wild Bunch, it is time for SWMBO and me to “move on.”
With this last column I want to say thank you to the owners and editors of the Durango Herald and Southern Ute Drum. Without the owners signing my paychecks and the support of numerous editors, I would not have been able to write this column for all these years.
The editors, for the most part, never made large corrections, nor changed the content of what I had written in “Flies and Lies.” If they had questions, and there were some, they did me the courtesy of calling for clarification of my intent, or asked why I had worded a sentence in such a way.
This attitude was a positive way to do business and a great encouragement. Even when I climbed on my short soap box, to pontificate, my thoughts and words almost always passed their scrutiny. To those men and women I say, ‘Thank You.’
Lastly, and most importantly, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who read “Flies and Lies” for all these years. Your encouragement and positive thoughts via texts, emails, phone calls, and word-of-mouth meant the world to me.
When someone disagreed with something I said, usually through a letter to the editor, it was done in a respectful manner, proving, once again, that people who fly fish can disagree, but still be friends.
Maybe the people holding elected office in this “me first” politicized country should pay attention to, and take a lesson from, those that fly fish. Writing “Flies and Lies” has truly been one of the most fun and rewarding ventures I have ever taken on. I will always remember my years with you. I just cannot say THANK YOU enough.
Now, I will once again, for the last time, leave you with my annual politically incorrect statement. I wish everyone Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, a good Eid al-Adha, and of course, merry Christmas. If none of these fits your beliefs, then may whatever touches your heart with hope be with you all of 2026. Thank you and farewell.
The Durango Herald wouldn’t be the paper that it is without its columnists, and Don Oliver is a big reason why that statement is true.
I’ve only been at the paper for a little over two years, but I was saddened when Don said he was going to stop writing for us. He’s been an institution in the Sunday paper for two decades. I don’t want to make Don or anyone else reading this feel old, but 20 years ago, George W. Bush was president and the iPhone that some of you are reading this article on didn’t exist. Let’s also just say, I was still in school.
What’s always existed since Don has been writing for us is knowledge, education, wit and an appreciation for all that fishing can bring to someone’s life.
Whether it’s recapping great road trips with his SWMBO, writing about fly fishing with his grandchildren, local fishing spots, or different techniques, Don has consistently written about fishing in this area that has improved many local fishermen’s experiences in the greater Durango area and beyond.
When I got to the Herald a little over two years ago, it was a new experience for me in a new part of the country. Having a dependable columnist like Don was such a blessing to know I could rely on getting his column the same time every month. I also learned a lot about fishing, and Don’s columns have deepened my appreciation for the sport.
Although I’m saddened to see Don go, I’m excited for him to embark on a new adventure in Tennessee, and I’m sure he’ll have some great fishing experiences there just like he’s had here.
Thanks so much to Don.
All of our fishermen reading this, don’t worry, there will be a new fishing columnist for the Herald in the new year.
Best regards,
Bryce Kelly
