Steve Duda Wins 2026 Robert Traver Fly-Fishing Writing Award
Steve Duda of Seattle, Washington, has been announced as the new winner of the 2026 Robert Traver Fly-Fishing Writing Award for his essay, 'The Goddess of Compassion, Holding Open the Door.' This announcement comes after the previously declared winner was disqualified due to a violation of the policy prohibiting AI-generated writing. The award, presented by the John D. Voelker Foundation and the American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF), recognizes distinguished original stories or essays that embody the love of fly-fishing, respect for the sport, and the natural world. Duda's winning entry is described as a personal contemplation on river rocks collected while fly fishing, characterized by humor, curiosity, and quiet lyricism. The judges noted that it embodies the award criteria by celebrating the joy of fly fishing, personal and philosophical experience, humor, and appreciation of the environs where trout are found. Duda will receive a $2,500 prize, and his story will be published in the Winter 2027 issue of...
