Wills Donaldson

The 5 Species of North American Char - on the fly. For those who know me well enough, over the last 6 years or so, I’ve been on a mission to catch all 5 major species of North American Char on a fly: Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, and Bull Trout (yes, there are a few subspecies like the blue back and Splake, but that’s a whole different conversation). In the pursuit of meeting that goal, I’ve found myself in some pretty incredible places - sometimes just to take a spare 10-minutes to try and make a few cast in a pool that looks like it could be productive… but as of yesterday at around 10 am - I was finally able to complete my check list. . Thanks to the fine navigational skills of @benjimccormick_ and some enthusiastic encouragement from my lovely partner in crime and best friend, @kayla__lockhart , we managed to put ourselves in a cove where some lake trout, the last fish on my list, were cruising around. With a full sink line, a tan Ganga, and a heart full of hope, I was able to seal the deal (2nd pic). It was a moment I’ll never forget - and while I struggled to hold the amalgamation of fat and flesh up for even a single photo, as im sure is evident in the photo itself, I was able to send this guy back to the depths with many years worth of effort now paid off. . The whole experience has made me think a lot. Luckily, none of those thoughts form around the question: “what now?”. This is because this journey has only been a step stone into a far greater one. First, seeing how some of these Char, specifically the Bull Trout and Arctic Char, leave a lot left to be desired in terms of size, I think i restart my journey around targeting some actually sizable fish. Furthermore, I’d like to try my hands at some of the aforementioned subspecies. Time to book a trip to Maine… and probably Ontario as well. Lastly, maybe I try going for all the major species in the world! Japan, I’ve got my sights set on you. However, for now I’m just going to bask in satisfaction as I reflect on all these fun adventures. Cus in the end, it’s not about a list, or self-satisfaction, or any of that. it’s just about the fish, and the places they dwell…

Today. Tomorrow. Forever. The spring is a time for new life to rise up from the soil, where it has been patiently waiting for the relent of winter to yield. As forests begin to bud and birds return with song, we’re yet again reminded of the newness that a world so old can posses. It’s now in this time that we celebrate this new chapter of our own love. . To find oneself in another is a quest we all strive to complete — but a daunting one, no doubt. So, in this moment, as our two kindred souls for the first time, say, “I do” it feels not so much an eventuality, but one of our finest accomplishments muttered in such short form. It’s been a long road to this point. But not one of trial or tribulation, but one paved with patience and kindness. True love, as many will say, lies in friendship. A loan of trust and care from one to another that will never be repaid - or expected to be so. It is in knowing this, that these simple two words, hold so much gravity, as we agree to the permanent establishment of this glorious mortgage. . Today, we mark the beginning of our lives together. Of the symphony hardly composed. Of newly formed kin and a monument to the moments that have brought us here. We are so honored to be joined by so many of those who have brought us to one another, and thank all who will accompany us into the future. To all the days to come, until our very last, we are thankful. Sincerely, Mr. And Mrs. Donaldson. PC @nativeoakstudios

Quite some time has gone into this Turkey . This weekend, I was finally able to seal the deal on this public land Colorado mountain Meriam: a bird I’ve been working towards for longer than I care to admit. After years of coming so close, but ultimately returning to the truck empty handed, this incredible Tom decided to give it up (and not without a proper pursuit). . As I was basking in the relief of finally accomplishing a goal that had started to feel more like a pipe dream than an eventuality, it dawned on me how many people aided in this dream come true. First and foremost, I need to thank my incredible wife, @kayla__lockhart who kept an astounding sense of optimism on the ground and at home, and who also captured these fantastic photos. Then, there are so many friends such as @vivalaham and @davismurane who gave their tips, suggestions, and words of encouragement over the years, all with the sole intention of making one hunters journey better. Finally, I have to think back to the words of my Father, who instilled the mantra of “Amber Ever Give Up”, no matter how small or simple the pursuit. On the days when I wanted most to just give it all up, his words rang loudly in my ears… . Ultimately, I don’t want this to sound like an award show acceptance speech. It’s just a bird, and people all over the country are doing the same thing every day during this season. But in a time of reflection, I can’t help but be grateful for the reminder that all our efforts, are the cumulative sum of those influences around us. Of the love and support we’re given. So I’ll treat this bird as a reminder to never take that for granted. I already can’t wait for next season… . #turkeyhunting #turkey #wildturkey

1 year ago, I officially became the happiest man in the world…. . I can still hear the robins singing outside those church doors on this day, exactly one year ago. The forecast had predicted rain, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The wind was blowing from the East, and all the pomade in the world couldn’t save me from it. But with everything happening around me, only one thought entered my head. The next time I walked out of those red doors, I’d be standing beside my wife. . It feels surreal to say a year’s passed so quickly, but then again, I have trouble remembering back to when we weren’t an item! Within the last 365, we’ve grown so much. Both, as individuals, and a partnership. Through life changing achievements, to trials and tribulations, it’s been a year of development and triumph. Waking up next for you every morning is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given, as it’s the promise of a new day by your side. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life, a better mother to our dogs, and a better friend to have on all of our crazy adventures. . Happy first of many, my love @kayla__lockhart . I love you forever ❤️

Fly shop tour 2026: WISCONSIN . We’ve been at it for 4 years now. Slowly but surely, we’ve been checking off different regions of the country, sharing boats and countertops with different fly shop owners and employees with one mission: to bring to light the importance of these unique small businesses we call fly shops. I can say with confidence that each year we spend doing this, we take more away than the last. Through the lens of comparison, a greater story reveals itself with each shop door opened and closed. That all being said, I don’t think anything thus far could have prepared me for this year. . “Welcome to Wisconsin”. I could never have guessed how lucky I’d be to be able to share these words on camera this year. During my two weeks, we visited 2 shops: the incredibly unique @muskyfool and the legendary @tightlinesflyfishingcowi . At each location, I experienced an unforgettable first. Be it my first Musky ever, or first 20” smallmouth on the fly. It’s here where I wish I could take some sort of credit as some fishing hero that just gets it done on camera (a feat in itself), but that’d certainly be some kind of stolen valor. It s because of these shops, these owners, these hard workers: that any of this was possible. Without the guys who’ve dedicated their whole lives to making these kinds of dreams come true, this would be a pretty empty post. . To add to the list of firsts; this was also my first year producing this show. There were big shoes to fill left behind by @joseph_berney_ , but the ride was certainly worth it. So much work goes into making this thing come to life… which bring me the amazing crew we had on this trip too. There were countless talents that went into making this whole series, but a special thanks goes to those on the Wisconsin leg with me: @forthegator , @byjoshhardwick , @_haydenrains , and @cole_cronkright for capturing the amazing footage and images we’ve had the privilege to share. TO SEE THE FULL EP, CHECK OUT THE [LINK IN BIO]. . Lastly, I owe a big thank you to the state of Wisconsin: May you never change. . #flyfishing #flyshoptour .

Do not go gently into that long goodnight. One more cast, even if just for the crawfish bite. (Apologies to Dylan Thomas who’s probably rolling in his grave after that “reimagining”). . Nothing feeds the soul quite like a Sunday trip high up onto the Rocky Mountain plateaus. While having been here for, what feels like a lifetime, uncovering new water provides an immense sense of satisfaction. And with that, also frustration as we try to piece together a new puzzle that should look just like the ones before…but doesn’t come anywhere close. Regardless, some time in the boat with your best friends and 2 of your favorite canines, is a feeling that can’t be beat. Today, I’m feeling extra thankful for this life and this love. Tomorrow, I bet I’ll feel like going fishing. . 📸 the amazing (and beautiful): @kayla__lockhart . #fishing #flyfishing

Creekin’ season is officially here, and we couldn’t be happier about it. . 📸 @kayla__lockhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . #creekfishing #fishing #trout #flyfishing

Marry a good net (Wo)man…. . It’s become a little tradition of ours to get out on Sundays and go try to fish some new water. Each weekend, we’ve been scouring over maps and making aimless turns off i70 in hopes of finding our new favorite gem. Last Sunday was no exception, and our efforts paid off! . This is also a testament to having someone by your side who will drop their own rod at a moments notice and come help you net a mediocre trout that’s taking your 6x for a ride. I think it’s indicative of a greater idea of partnership, really. What we do for one another on the river, we do in real life. As they say, “team work makes the dream work”. Lucky for me, my teammate is an all American champ who’s sense of accomplishment is derived from helping others. It’s a good bar to have set; and a good reminder that I need to make sure to meet that bar as well. The key takeaway here is my advice to love someone who makes you want to be a better you. Oh, and make sure your fishing partner is good with the net… . @orvisflyfishing @sitkagear @rising3474 #fishing #flyfishing #onthefly

Fish Camp - Feb 2026. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew… a blast was had by all! Hard to beat some ocean breeze and big runs to break up these dull and unrelenting winters. Til next time, Belize 🫡🫡🫡 . @orvisflyfishing @sitkagear @boteboards #flyfishing #fishing #bonefish #belize

Sunday scaries are no match for an overcast day on a trout stream. . Grateful for everyone moment spent on the water with @kayla__lockhart and these handsome pups. Til next time, trout! . #fishing #flyfishing #troutfishing

Loving you just comes naturally ❤️ . These days, so much of our reality is fueled by man’s insistent push against nature. It seems we’re constantly at war with ourselves and those around us, in a desperate attempt to gain control over something that we don’t fully understand. But perhaps, what we’re batting at with torches and pitchforks, is the beauty of life itself. Sometimes, things just are just the way they are. To my fortune, that’s what loving you is, my dear wife. It’s something never forced but always present. Whether it’s rolling around at night, uncontrollably laughing and breaking in our smiles lines, or just walking towards a quiet mountain sunset with your small hand in mine… in those moments, I feel a true inner peace. Like I’m right where I should be. In our modern era, sometimes I feel so starved of these truths, I feel the genuine hunger pains in my soul. Yet, when I am with you: I am full. No, it’s not due to lack of action, and certainly not without active participation from both players that gets us to our daily finish line. But more so, it’s the knowing we’re doing this together, and as we hold the trophy of a day behind us, we hold it together, on one perfectly level podium. Every day, I hope that all others might find this peace. That they allow the strong winds of time to fill their sails. To use all experiences given to them, painful or joyful, as a river to guide them to their oceans. For now however, I’ll just be grateful the world has brought you to me, and me to you. Loving you is naturally, darling. Happy Valentines Day to my beautiful wife, @kayla__lockhart . ❤️

LA duck camp - 2025 . Couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to finish off the season with. Very grateful to @forthegator for bringing me down on my first trip to Cajun country in style! These are memories that’ll last a lifetime… . #duckhunting #ducks #la