It’s not breaking news that Bull Trout are one of the most endangered fish in the United States, heck they’ve been on the Endangered Species list since 1998. In most of their current range, the species is not allowed to be targeted while fishing, and if caught, must be IMMEDIATELY released. It was recently brought to our attention that the species is still being legally harvested in at least one Oregon fishery, Lake Billy Chinook, where anglers are allowed to keep one Bull trout per person.
Recently, a local conservationist has launched a Change.org petition to bring attention to the issue with the hopes of finally getting these incredible fish the protections they deserve as they attempt to recover.
“One of the most threatened fish in North America needs your help! Due to overfishing and their mistaken status as a “trash fish†in the early 20th century, bull trout now inhabit less than 20% of their historical range. Yet Lake Billy Chinook in Central Oregon is one of the last two bodies of water in the USA where they can be caught and harvested.
Since 1998, bull trout have been listed as “threatened†as part of the Endangered Species Act, and are heavily protected by water quality standards as well as other environmental protection laws. These prehistoric char are only found in several states in the US: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and the Jarbridge River in Northern Nevada. In Montana and Washington, the targeting of this species by fishermen is illegal. In Idaho and almost all of Oregon, they can be targeted but must be released immediately unharmed.
However, in Lake Billy Chinook, one bull trout per person, per day is allowed to be harvested. Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana is the only other place I have found that also allows this practice, yet their regulations state that anglers may only keep TWO bull trout caught during a calendar year. That same fisherman could come to Billy Chinook and catch and kill 365 in the same amount of time! How can it possibly be legal to kill an endangered species? This sort of practice is what led to them being placed on the ESA in the first place! If it is true that this practice is ok because there is a thriving population in Billy Chinook, as I was told by ODFW representative Jerry George, why not let them thrive?! Many scientists and biologists studying these majestic fish believe that we will see their extinction in our lifetime.”
All over the country, Trout Unlimited chapters and their volunteers are hard at work making the world a better place for trout and the anglers that pursue them. Through focused conservation efforts based in science, and a shared desire to improve local environments, we are seeing new boots in the water every day – taking on conservation and restoration projects with our favorite fish in mind.
Unfortunately, these efforts oftentimes go under the radar, and people rarely even understand who they have to thank for their pristine trout-waters, which may not exist without the work of these hard-working collectives. This is why a few months back, we had the privilege of teaming up with Tincup Whiskey to get an insider look at a local effort of one of Colorado TU’s ongoing endeavors:The First Creek Project.
The First Creek Project is one going on in California Park, Routt County Colorado, and is focused on two main objectives. i. to reconnect the stream with its floodplain and thereby improve water quality and wetland habitats, and ii) to restore a population of native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. In order to get the full rundown, we met up with Northwest Colorado TU Director, and Fisheries and Restorations Biologist, Brian Hodge, who walked us through the project, and what was happening on and off the ground.
Project Overview:
(via: Brian Hodges)
First Creek is located within the California Park Special Interest Area, which is home to a suite of native fishes and amphibians, including the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. Project partners are trying to maintain the diversity of the Park, restore conditions where they’ve been degraded, and ultimately increase the abundance and distribution of native species
Today, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout occupy only 10-15% of their historical range and 70-75% of CRCT populations occupy no more than about six miles of stream. By restoring First Creek and the other headwaters of Elkhead Creek, the U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have an opportunity to reconnect up to 40 miles of Cutthroat Trout habitat, which would make this one of the most robust and resilient populations in the entire State.
What’s at stake: this small fry and its future as one of the last remaining native trout species in Colorado.
The degraded condition of First Creek was likely owing to a number of factors and land uses over a course of decades or more. Perhaps the single greatest influence was the upstream migration of a headcut. In simple terms, a headcut is a sudden drop in elevation that can “migrate†upstream. The effect of a headcut is to lower channel bed elevation relative to the adjacent landscape. When a stream is disconnected from its floodplain—that is, when it sits in a trench below the landscape—we typically see excess streambank erosion and a lack of riparian vegetation. In turn, we have more fine sediment clogging riffles and less shade or overhead cover to insulate the stream from the sun, neither of which is good for Cutthroat Trout, which rely on clean gravel for spawning beds and food, and which require cold water to survive.
The simple way of executing this: Project partners [will] reconnect the stream with its floodplain and plant thousands of willows with the intent of giving First Creek a jump-start back to its historical, healthy condition.
Where it Started:
In 2009 or 2010, the U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife started chipping away at a multi-year, multi-million dollar restoration vision for upper Elkhead Creek and its tributaries (Armstrong, Circle, and First creeks). In short, the plan was to start small and to progressively tackle bigger and bigger projects. In 2009-2010 we replaced three culverts to improve passage for native fish and amphibians. From 2012 to 2015 we restored three miles of Armstrong Creek, and in 2018 we reintroduced Colorado River Cutthroat Trout to Circle Creek. Next on the plan was to restore First Creek.
The First Creek project took about five years from start to finish (including a one-year COVID-related delay). Project partners started in 2016 by inviting input and ideas from a range of ecologists, hydrologists, and restoration specialists. The restoration plan took shape over the course of the next year or two, and the final design was complete by the end of 2019.  The majority of funds came from grants from the Colorado Department of Health and Environmental Services, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional funds were provided by Tincup Whiskey, Trout Unlimited, and the Forest Service.
Project implementation entailed two phases of work: four weeks of dirt work with heavy equipment and two weeks of planting with a crew of dedicated staff and volunteers.  Restoration actions focused on a combination of raising the channel bed elevation and lowering the existing floodplain in order to reconnect the stream and floodplain during high flow events. In addition, large wood was buried on the outside of meanders to stabilize streambanks and provide a quality habitat for trout.  Where improving the existing channel was not feasible we constructed 800 feet of new channel. Finally, over 700 pounds of native seed and 3,400 willows were planted to quickly establish high-quality riparian areas.
Lead Project Coordinators:Â
(A project like this takes an army. Here are only a few of the many TU and Forest Service Volunteers who helped make this possible)
Project Manager: Rick Henderson, Fish Biologist, U.S. Forest Service. Rick managed the First Creek project through the planning, fundraising, implementation, and monitoring phases.
Project Co-Manager: Liz Schnackenberg, Hydrologist, U.S. Forest Service. Liz provided hydrologic expertise during all phases of the project.
Project Co-Manager: Brian Hodge, Fisheries and Restoration Biologist, Trout Unlimited. Brian assisted with project development and implementation and will assist with post-project effectiveness monitoring.
Additional Mention: Marti Aitken, Botanist, U.S. Forest Service. Marti planned and coordinated the revegetation (seeding and riparian planting) phase of the First Creek project.
Final Thoughts:
“The First Creek project couldn’t have happened without support from a number of organizations, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flylords, and Tincup Whiskey.â€
“The First Creek project improved water quality, approximately three miles of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout habitat, and more than eight acres of riparian and wetland habitats.â€
After a long day in the field, there’s nothing better than poruing up a splash of Tincup whiskey.
To learn more about getting involved with efforts such as the First Creek Project, and other TU initiatives, check out their website HERE, or read about how to get involved HERE. Thank you again to Trout Unlimited, the US Forest Service, and Tincup Whiskeyfor helping make this project coverage possible.
This year has been crazy, to say the least. For wild steelhead, this past year began with the hope of Congressman Simpson’s Salmon and Energy Concept that would breach the four Lower Snake River Dams. But it’s ending with dire warning signs of historic low steelhead runs. Last week, the Wild Steelhead Coalition unveiled their newest campaign–Wild Steelhead: Now or Never. The three part series goes into great detail just how bad things have become for wild steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, specifically, and what is needed to move forward.
“Across their home waters, the crisis facing wild steelhead became undeniable this year. Finally stopping the loss of these incredible fish is going to take all of us working together,” said Wild Steelhead Coalition Board Member Ed Sozinho. “With that in mind, we set out to make Wild Steelhead: Now or Never a resource, a line in the sand, and a rallying cry for steelhead anglers in the 21st Century. We see viable paths forward for restoration and recovery, but there is no time left to wait for someone else to do the work or demand the changes needed. Steelheaders are a dedicated, passionate community of anglers. We have a responsibility, and a profound opportunity, to lead the charge to save our wild fish and free-flowing watersheds. To do so, we need to shift our narrative of what it means to be a steelheader. Today all of us need to become conservationists and advocates just as much as we are anglers.”
Chapter one takes a step back to better understand the current condition of wild steelhead. If you’ve remotely followed this species or fly fishing social media, you probably have a pretty good grasp on just how bad things are. But maybe some don’t realize the degree or seriousness of today’s levels. “Let’s be brutally honest: The state of wild steelhead in 2021 is terrifying. Anyone who says otherwise is intentionally avoiding the truth or is not paying attention.”
The Wild Steelhead Coalition was founded 20 years ago when many Puget Sound steelhead runs collapsed. Today, they’re looking inwards and asking some tough questions: “How do we focus our advocacy to ensure wild steelhead can survive, and even thrive, in the future? How do we make sure that our children and grandchildren have a chance to encounter one of these amazing fish in their local rivers? The status quo is failing us, but how do we make the massive changes needed on the scale and timeline required?”
Chapter two details the drivers for declining wild steelhead populations and outlines the necessary steps for their very possible recovery. The “Four Hs,” harvest, habitat, hatcheries, and hydropower, have historically been the general reason for dwindling runs. However, another “H” s now being added to this educational concept: Heat attributable to climate change. A warming climate has dire conditions for anadromous species both up-river and in marine environments.
“This growing threat adds great urgency to our work to restore habitat, remove migration barriers, reduce harvest, and protect clean, cold water. The diversity of wild steelhead gives them the best opportunity to adapt and survive in less stable systems. It is a crucial reason to prioritize these resilient wild fish and provide the habitat, connectivity, and protections they need.”
Recovery seems daunting, but if you give these fish half a chance they will come back. Look at the previously dammed Elwha River, which (since the largest dam removal project in the world)Â may support the largest population of wild summer steelhead on the Washington coast.
With this evidence, breaching the four Lower Snake River Dams seems all the more effective and immediately necessary. But much like the previous chapter, recovery can’t just be large, physical, government-run projects, anglers will be desperately needed to drive the change. “A steelheader’s first priority must always be how many fish reach the spawning gravel, not how many we catch in the short-term.” That concept brings us to the final chapter.
Chapter three describes the changing climate of chasing wild steelhead. “In the 21st Century, being a steelheader must mean being an advocate and a conservationist as much as being an angler. It must mean prioritizing ecological restoration, sacrificing for long-term recovery, and rebuilding by giving back more than we take. Above all, it must mean working together with other anglers, advocates, tribes, and conservationists to hold agencies, managers, and politicians accountable for our clean, cold, free-flowing rivers and wild fish on a scale that’s never been done before.”
There is no silver-bullet for steelhead recovery. Sure, suitable habitat and favorable environmental conditions are essential, but when runs are as low as today’s every fish matters–thus, every potential encounter with wild steelhead and anglers becomes even more impactful. Whether that’s switching to barbless hooks, committing to leaving fish in the water, supporting businesses and organizations that promote conservation, submitting public comment to fish and game agencies, or just not fishing when runs look dismal, that’s what it’ll take now.
“Together, let’s shift what it means to be steelheaders in the 21st Century and hold our community to a higher standard. Let’s make giving back to our rivers and restoring wild fish an integral part of who we are as anglers. The truth is that raising funds for conservation, showing up at commission meetings, contacting managers, and calling legislators to insist on change is the work the fish need. It is how we’ll get rivers set aside for wild fish, dam removals, selective commercial fisheries, and habitat restoration. These are actions to be proud of and something we should all be celebrating and encouraging.”
Check out the Wild Steelhead Coalition website and Instagram to stay engaged on protecting and restoring these storied fish.
It wasn’t that long ago that sinking line was only used for trolling flies in lakes… We’ve come a long way since then. Check out this video from Mad River Outfitters (featuring Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup) for all the information you need to get going with sinking fly lines.
Fly fishing, wingshooting, dogs, and adventure travel are at the core of Orvis products, services, and culture. As an industry-leading OMNI channel brand, these four product categories are a critical part of the Orvis strategy. In pursuit of future growth, Orvis has made significant investments in developing relationships with customers, pro guides, outfitters, dealers, media, and non-profit organizations.
The Denver Marketing Community Leader will work to accelerate growth within the greater Colorado market by identifying strategies and opportunities to make Orvis the leading brand among fly anglers, wing-shooters, dog owners, adventure travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Denver Marketing Community Leader will connect in-person with the greater Colorado outdoor community, further develop and manage key relationships within those communities and coordinate specific marketing initiatives. The Denver Marketing Community Leader will be asked to develop an annual community marketing plan, set annual goals, and execute the plan.
The successful candidate will be tightly integrated, with an existing network of relationships and a deep understanding of the greater Colorado fly-fishing and outdoor community. Colorado residency is required; greater Denver area residency is preferred. The salary range for this position is $45k-$50k.
Who you will be working with:Â
This position reports directly to the Orvis Community Leader and works closely with the Retail Marketing Programs Manager, Product Category Marketing Manager, Vice President Omni Channel Marketing, and Vice President Fly Fishing, Wingshooting, Dog, Adventures, and Wholesale. In addition, this position will work closely with internal Orvis partners in Retail, Marketing, Orvis Adventures, Social Media, and Product Development. External partners will include pro guides, outfitters, dealers, media personalities, industry thought leaders, and non-profits.
Access Unlimited is putting on an incredible raffle in support of an amazing cause, providing adaptive outdoor adventure trips to those who have experienced life-changing injury or disability!
When you support Access Unlimited, not only do you help individuals who have experienced life-altering injury embark upon once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures, you also have a chance to win a NEW 2021 Toyota Highlander-Hybrid XLE AWD!
Access Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that strives to empower people to feel less restricted by their disability so they can live lives filled with curiosity, vigor, and an unstoppable spirit. We provide personalized, life-changing adventure trips to deserving trip recipients who have experienced a life-altering injury, regardless of age, gender, or cause of injury. We have served individuals from across the nation and have partnered with some of the most innovative organizations and hospitals in the country.
Prizes Up For Grabs
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD or $40,000 Cash!
Whether you’re exploring the dirt roads of the great outdoors or cruising in comfort on city streets, the 2021 Toyota Highlander-Hybrid XLE AWD delivers an unrivaled driving experience. With plenty of passenger room, cargo space for gear, AWD, and fresh new looks, the Toyota Highlander is the perfect vehicle for Montana. ​ Features include:
3.5-Liter V6 Engine With 295 hp and 263 lb./ft. of Torque
As winter approaches and the sun sits a little lower every day we begin to shift our focus from sun-protective products to a dependable collection of cold-weather head and neckwear. Bring on the Polar, Merino, and ThermoNet collections. Don’t forget beanies and caps. The Pack Merino Wool Fleece Cap is at home on the river or fireside this season.
Before we dive into products, welcome the new BUFF® brand packaging – Designed to make an impact and made of 90% recycled cardboard, saving 72 tons of cardboard per year. The new packaging uses 30% less cardboard than previous Multifunctional Neckwear packaging and eliminates the plastic hook.
Made with breathable, durable PrimaLoft® yarn that wicks moisture away from your skin, keeping you comfortable and dry in a wide range of weather. Steelhead beware.
BUFF® Polar Neck Warmer and Multifunctional Neckwear offer Classic PrimaLoft® fleece coziness made from feel-good, wicking recycled polyester that will keep you warm and sweat-free.
On October 29, 2021, The U.S. District Court of Alaska ruled to reinstate the 404(c) Proposed Determination for Bristol Bay. These protections would limit the concentration of mine waste allowed in Bristol Bay’s delicate headwater streams, rivers, and wetlands.
The ruling wraps up a two-year-long lawsuit that was filed by Trout Unlimited (TU) and follows another recent ruling favoring TU from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The group challenged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when they removed protections that were granted to the region. Trout Unlimited stated that the withdrawal from the 404(c) Proposed Determination was “arbitrary and capricious and contrary to the Clean Water Act’s governing standard”.
“Today’s decision gets us back on track to finalizing protections for Bristol Bay’s headwaters and its world-class fisheries,†said Austin Williams, Alaska legal and policy director for Trout Unlimited. “As the science has shown time and time again, large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay headwaters would be catastrophic to the region’s fisheries, its economy, and its vibrant cultures. We look forward to working with the EPA to finalize these protections that are so critical to so many people.â€
While this is still not the final nail in the coffin for Pebble Mine, we’re one step closer to permanently protecting one of the greatest fisheries and the last great Salmon runs in the entire world.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has approved an amendment to the management of Chinook salmon off the West Coast to benefit the struggling Southern Resident orcas.
Three pods, with 75 total orcas (three of which are pregnant), rely on the Chinook salmon species to fortify their diet. These pods are referred to as the Southern Resident orca population and they occupy the waters between Washington and British Colombia. In recent years, they have been at their lowest population number since the 70s. Many scientists say they are on the brink of extinction.
Fishing restrictions would spread from Puget Sound in Washington to Monterey Bay in California. If the anticipated Chinook salmon run is below 966,000, then restrictions would be enforced. This limit was calculated by taking the average of the seven lowest years of forecasted salmon abundance in the region. The good news is that Chinook numbers haven’t been that low since 2007.
The major measures that would take place are as follows:
Close off areas of Colombia River and Grays Harbor to all but tribal fishing until June 15th
Delay ocean commercial fishery between Cape Falcon and the Oregon/California border until April 1st
Reduce fishing quotas north of Cape Falcon, OR
Close off selected areas of the Kalamath River and Monterey Bay to recreational and commercial fishing from October 1st until the following year March 31st
This amendment comes after the Pacific Fishery Management Council of NOAA conducted a consultation under the Endangered Species Act. The consultation was prompted by new findings detailing where the whale population fed and what their preferred prey was. The examination was performed to ensure that the fishery would not threaten the continued existence of the Southern Resident orca population.
Montana Fly Company has been well known for its wide fly selection and colorful fly boxes that adorn many fly shop and big box store shelves. MFC just announced that they have been acquired by the folks at Golden Fly Shop. According to that post (found below), MFC will continue operations as usual producing and distributing flies around the globe.
“Big news! Montana Fly Company founder, Adam Trina announces the sale of his company to Justin Nine. Justin is the current owner of Golden Fly Shop in Golden, Colorado, home of the famous “Streamer Wallâ€.
Adam was adamant about not letting his company go into the hands of a big corporation that would likely dilute or dissolve the brand. “So, when Justin approached me with a long-term vision, continued creativity, product expansion, and keeping MFC independently held, he had my attention,†says Adam. “We believe he is the perfect addition to our already powerhouse team.â€
Adam will stay on at Montana Fly Company as President and there are no immediate plans to relocate the company headquarters and distribution center from Columbia Falls, Montana. We are eager for MFC fans to see what we unveil in the coming years as we work with Justin on a wide range of products and innovations.
In 22 years, Adam Trina and his team grew MFC to 500 employees worldwide with distributors in every fly fishing country. He’s put his heart and soul into making this company a powerhouse, and is stoked to see how far it’s come and now its promising future under Justin’s ownership. Here’s to what’s ahead, friends!”
