Michael Garrigan’s life is a tapestry of words, water, and wild places. From the tranquil banks of the Susquehanna River to the rugged mountains of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, his experiences flow through his prose and poetry. Michael’s enlightened prose graces the pages of Orion Magazine, The Flyfish Journal, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and The Drake, and his two poetry collections–River, Amen and Robbing the Pillars–share immersive insights into his deep connection with the natural world.

Reflecting on his time as an Artist in Residence in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in 2021, Michael said, “I am full. I am content. I am blessed and so incredibly grateful for this experience. I fished, I wrote, I explored, I sunk in, I climbed mountains, I opened myself up to this wild place and let it shape me. I hope I can give back to it. I hope I can honor it.”

And honor it he has. River, Amen–inspired by his time in the area–received the prestigious Weatherford Award for poetry.

Michael’s path to teaching was somewhat unconventional. “My mother always told me I should be a teacher, but I ignored her,” he recalled. After spending three years living out of a backpack while doing trail work, he discovered his talent for teaching kids how to live in the wilderness. Soon after, he went back to college, earned a teaching degree, and has been sharing his love of writing and literature with his students ever since.

“Imitation is the finest form of flattery,” Michael said when describing Gary Snyder, Jim Harrison, David James Duncan, Brian Doyle, and Chris Dombrowski among the writers who have influenced his voice the most. Beyond poets and writers, Michael also draws inspiration from musicians. “Music is always a large part of my creative process,” he says. “Charlie Parr has been one of the biggest influences in the past couple of years. His albums are like novels.”

In the fifth episode of the Reading the Water podcast, “Five Pounds of Sour Patch Kids,” Michael joins host Tim Schulz to share insights about his life, including his introduction to fly fishing, his beginnings as a poet, writer, and teacher, and his time in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He also reads his poem, “Liturgy of Carp Becoming a God,” and discusses his favorite flies, favorite road candy, and favorite waters to fish.

“I’m a sucker for little brook trout streams,” Michael admits with no apologies.

Aren’t we all?

You can listen to the entire discussion with Michael Garrigan in Episode 5 of the Reading the Water podcast, available through Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Pocket Casts.