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Restored Protections for the Tongass National Forest and ‘Waters of the US’ Imminent

Will Poston
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Restored Protections for the Tongass National Forest and ‘Waters of the US’ Imminent

Last week, the White House announced two major decisions with great implications for fly fishing and aquatic ecosystems. The Biden administration is expected to reinstate Roadless Rule protections in the Tongass National Forest. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its intent to restore Clean Water Act protections for wetlands and small streams. Both regulations became an early target of the previous administration. Restoring these protections is good step toward ensuring the long term health of our nation’s aquatic ecosystems.

The Clean Water Act

Enacted in 1972, the Clean Water Act established a federal framework to regulate pollutant discharges into “waters of the United States.” Exactly which “waters” are covered by the law proved open to interpretation, legally unsettled, and a topic of political  debate. In 2015, the Obama administration promulgated the “Clean Water Rule.” This rulemaking expanded the scope of the law, drawing lawsuits and federal injunctions. Ultimately, President Trump replaced the “Clean Water Rule” with the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule” in 2020.

This interpretation of the Clean Water Act removed “protections against discharges of pollution into rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands across the country,” by narrowing the scope of “waters of the United States.” Conservation and sporting groups came out against the rule. “Trout Unlimited opposed the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule because it dropped decades-long protections nationwide for “ephemeral” streams, which flow only after rainfall. The 2020 rule made it easier to pollute and degrade these streams, which provide drinking water, flood protection, outdoor recreation opportunities, and fish habitat.”

Last week, however, the Biden administration announced it would revise the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule,” reverting to the 2008 interpretation of the law.

2017 AUG 22: A Clean Water Rule rally in downtown Denver, CO.

“After reviewing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule as directed by President Biden, the EPA and Department of the Army have determined that this rule is leading to significant environmental degradation,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We are committed to establishing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ based on Supreme Court precedent and drawing from the lessons learned from the current and previous regulations, as well as input from a wide array of stakeholders, so we can better protect our nation’s waters, foster economic growth, and support thriving communities.”

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers President and CEO, Land Tawney, added, “American sportsmen and women were leading voices supporting passage of the original Clean Water Act in 1972. We appreciate the need for strong protections of our nation’s waterways that carefully consider the needs and interests of diverse stakeholders. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that this rulemaking process reflects the input and values of hunters and anglers, outdoor-focused businesses and the citizenry at large.”

The Tongass National Forest

Informally known as America’s Salmon Forest, the Tongass is a national treasure and one of the top salmon producing regions in the world. Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is nearly 17 million acres and is part of the world’s largest temperate rain forest. For nearly twenty years, much of the National Forest enjoyed Roadless Rule protections. In the Tongass, this rule protected important fish and wildlife habitat but also was flexible enough to allow necessary community projects.

Alaska’s Roadless Rule protects the Tongass National Forest, a ‘fish factory.’

The Roadless Rule in the Tongass–and elsewhere–has been a political football since its inception. Ever since President Clinton included the Tongass National Forest in his 2001 Roadless Initiative, controversy followed. The region, however, remained largely protected, despite exhaustive challenges. Then in October 2020, the Trump administration stripped Roadless Rule protections from much of the Tongass National Forest, exposing nearly 9.3 million acres of old-growth forest and salmon habitat to road construction and logging.

That decision drew criticism from dozens of conservation groups and tourism industries. Additionally, the overwhelming majority of public comments opposed repealing the Roadless Rule in the Tongass.

Last week, the Biden administration announced it would “repeal or replace” the Trump administration’s decision. According to the Washington Post, a final rule will be published later this summer. The Post also reached out to the Communications Director at the United States Department of Agriculture–the Agency that oversees the National Forest Service–who said, “[the Department] recognizes the Trump administration’s decision on the Alaska roadless rule was controversial and did not align with the overwhelming majority of public opinion across the country and among Alaskans.”

However, Alaska’s Congressional delegation did not take the announcement well.

In a press release, Senator Lisa Murkowski wrote, “The Trump administration, through the Forest Service and USDA, put considerable work and effort into the final rule and now the Biden administration is literally throwing it all away. We need to end this “yo-yo effect” as the lives of Alaskans who live and work in the Tongass are upended every time we have a new President. This has to end. I will be using every tool at my disposal to fight back on the administration’s latest action. It’s time we move forward, utilizing the Tongass land management plan and all the other applicable environmental laws to guide new projects and activities and provide long overdue regulatory certainty to the region.”

Unnamed stream in Tongass National Forest, Courtesy of Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited, a longtime defender of the Tongass National Forest and the Roadless Rule, applauded the announcement.

“We’re glad to see the Forest Service correcting such an obvious wrong,” said Austin Williams, Alaska Legal and Policy Director for Trout Unlimited. “Exempting the Tongass from the roadless rule was short-sighted from the start and opposed by a vast majority of Alaskans. It’s long past time to end clear-cut logging of old-growth forest, which damages important critical fish and wildlife habitat, costs taxpayers many millions of dollars, undercuts tourism and fishing jobs, and hampers our ability to fight climate change.”

For now, we await final language on these decisions. But both announcements appear to be a step in the right direction for healthy fisheries, clean water, and fishing businesses.

Cover picture courtesy of Toby Nolan @t.nolan.imagery.

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Thomas Rhett and Chaco Team Up on New Fly Fishing Design

Dan Zazworsky
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Thomas Rhett and Chaco Team Up on New Fly Fishing Design

Believe it or not, Thomas Rhett loves fishing, and fly fishing especially so. In a new collaboration with your favorite river sandal brand, Chacos, Thomas will be releasing three new designs, the first of which is already mostly sold out.

From Chacos:

“ROCKFORD, Mich. (June 7, 2021) – Chaco Footwear, the iconic outdoor lifestyle brand, and multi-PLATINUM selling country artist Thomas Rhett today announce the Thomas Rhett Collection, a series of three limited-edition sandal designs inspired by Thomas Rhett’s passion for the outdoors and time spent exploring outside with his family. With the first design available today, the new collection pairs Thomas Rhett’s longtime love for the brand with his zeal to help create memories in the outdoors for others.

“When I’m outside my creativity levels go through the roof and it’s no wonder that nature has had such an influence on my new music,” Thomas Rhett said. “There is something about being outside that just takes the worries of the world away and depletes them, for at least an hour or so. It’s a place that you can slow down and learn how to live in the moment.”

The Thomas Rhett Collection will include three product drops throughout the Summer of 2021. The Boulder design available today features green webbing with a colorful fly-fishing lure pattern and is a nod to Thomas Rhett’s new track”More Time Fishin’.” The design is available in both men’s and women’s Chillos, MSRP $60, and in men’s Z/1 Classic Sandals and women’s Z/2 Classic Sandals, MSRP $105.

“The Boulder idea came from my experience fishing the Boulder River in Montana,” explained Thomas Rhett. “I have loved fly-fishing for a while, but this is where the passion for fly-fishing kicked in, it’s where I caught my first trout and I have so many great memories fishing with my wife on that river.”

“We’ve known that Thomas Rhett has been a Chaco fan for a while, and we are thrilled to be partnering with him on this collection,” said Jamie Kirby, Marketing Director for Chaco. “Our team had a lot of fun working with Thomas Rhett to design unique patterns that represent some of his favorite outdoor memories, and we hope they will inspire others to get outside as well.

“Ten percent of proceeds from the sales of the Thomas Rhett Collection will be donated to Love One International, the organization Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren Akins are most passionate about, with Lauren Akins serving on the Board of Directors.

On April 30, Thomas Rhett dropped the first part of his fifth studio double album titled COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A, with ‘SIDE B’ planned for release later this year. Many of the songs on the album were inspired by Thomas Rhett’s time in nature as listeners clamor to his “thematic return to roots” (Tennessean).

The collection is available in both men’s and women’s sizing now at Chacos.com/thomas-rhett. Additional information about forthcoming designs will be revealed soon.”

You can see the full collection, here on Chacos.com!

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RepYourWater & Upslope Brewing Release Limited Edition Western Native Trout Cans

Dan Zazworsky
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RepYourWater & Upslope Brewing Release Limited Edition Western Native Trout Cans

Beer and fly fishing have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship these past few years, with multiple breweries releasing beer collaborations benefiting various non-profits in the angling space. The latest of these is an awesome collaboration from two Boulder, Colorado companies: RepYourWater and Upslope Brewing.

The new cans will feature six unique cans with illustrations from RepYourWater’s own Garrison Doctor, the artist behind many of the brand’s graphics. Proceeds from the collaboration’s sales will benefit the Western Native Trout Initiative and their work to preserve and protect the many native trout that call the American West home!

Unfortunately for those living outside of the Rocky Mountains, these limited editions are only available in Upslope’s Rocky Mountain West distribution region.

From Upslope Brewing: 

“Upslope is proud to team up with fellow Boulder-native, RepYourWater, for these Limited Edition trout cans to benefit the Western Native Trout Initiative! Each can features a hand-drawn illustration of a trout species native to one of six states in Upslope’s Rocky Mountain West distribution region.”

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A Water Temperature Guide to Trout

Evan Garda
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4
A Water Temperature Guide to Trout

While anglers often rejoice when summertime rolls around thanks to warmer weather, dissipating runoff, and spectacular dry fly fishing, it’s important to be mindful of our fishy friends. When the air temperatures consistently climb, the water temperatures will soon follow. Due to extended heatwaves across the country, many of our favorite trout streams and rivers are reaching dangerous temperatures for the very fish we target.

There have been voluntary river closures throughout the country however it’s important that we do our part by fishing at the right times and in the right places regardless of wildlife commission mandates. Knowing when to give trout a break is important and so is maximizing time on the water. These tips will help minimize the impact you leave as an angler.

What Water Temperatures are Safe for Trout? 

 

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A post shared by Trouts Fly Fishing (@troutsflyfishing) on

67 Degrees Fahrenheit & Above

Fishing for trout in water over 67 degrees is downright discouraged as your catch will unlikely be able to survive the fight to the net regardless of how quickly you land it. 

65-66 Degrees Fahrenheit

A few more casts and it’s probably time to head home. Playing fishing in water with temperatures between 65-67 degrees Fahrenheit poses an increased risk to fish and is discouraged. 

65 Degrees Fahrenheit and Below

Prime trout feeding water temperatures are between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any warmer and you run the risk of playing a fish to exhaustion. Any colder and those trout will become lock-jawed as they do their best to conserve energy. These are guidelines, however, playing with the warmer end of the spectrum can have dire consequences for the trout on your line. 

What can you do when water temperatures rise?

You may be wondering what you can do to stay on the water while being mindful of the potential risks for trout. Like many of our readers, I find it hard to put my gear away during the peak of the season and will share some helpful tips that have kept me on the water. 

Tip #1 Use a Thermometer:

The Fishpond Swift Current Thermometer is a durable choice.

Having a stream thermometer will help ensure that you don’t fish in water that’s above 67 degrees. The Fishpond Swift Current Thermometer is a durable choice and can be attached to your favorite zinger. 

Stream thermometers can also be used year-round to help find prime feeding water and help time various hatches.

Tip #2 Land Fish Quickly

Warmer water temperatures mean that its time to stock up on heavier tippet. Forget the 5x,6x, and 7x.

Landing fish quickly is a good practice in general but is extra important when water temperatures rise. Getting fish to the net quickly will help reduce the amount of stress they go through. Over-playing a fish in warm water is a surefire way to kill a trout. To help land fish quicker, go up a size in tippet i.e. use 3x or 4x when you’d normally use 5x. For dry fly fishing, I prefer to use the Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Stealth Tippet. When I go subsurface fluorocarbon is a necessity, so the Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet is preferred. Sizing down on tippet may slightly reduce the number of takes you get, but it will help ensure you can land fish quickly and send them back on their way.

Having a longer handle net can also assist in landing and releasing fish quickly and safely. The Fishpond Mid-Length Net is a great all-around option for anglers. 

Tip #3 Fish Early

Most anglers are used to early mornings, however, it’s extra important to start extra early during hot summer months to maximize your time on the water. Getting off the water before the peak heat of the day can help reduce the stress that angling places on a fish. When there’s a risk of high water temperatures, I make sure to get off the water around 12pm. This also leaves plenty of time for other summer activities.

Tip #4 Find Cold Water

Head to the high country to find cold water in alpine lakes and beautiful cutthroat trout.

Alpine lakes and backcountry streams will almost always stay in the safe zone (below 65 degrees Fahrenheit water temps) throughout the summer thanks to being fed by the last melting snowpack. Not only will this help ensure you don’t kill trout from exhaustion, but you’ll be guaranteed to take in some amazing views along the way. Check out our Backcountry Fly Fishing Gear Guide for more helpful tips.

Tip #5 Find New Fish 

Photo: Ivan Orsic (@troutsflyfishing)

Summer is a prime opportunity to chase warm water species like bass, carp, and a variety of sunfish like bluegill and crappie. These fish are all a blast to pursue on the fly. These species present new challenges and allow you to vary your tactics. Best of all, many of them can be found just about anywhere in the country. With a little bit of research, you’re likely to find great fishing close to home. Throwing poppers to eager pond fish is a great way to pass any warm summer day.

Tip #6 Give ‘Em a Break

Photo: Jesse Packwood for @teamflylords

All in all, it’s pretty simple. If the water temperatures are over 65 degrees Fahrenheit it’s best to pack up your trout gear to hit the high country, pursue other species, or take an opportunity to enjoy other past times. 

Check available river reports, consult your local fly shop, and take the water temperature with a thermometer if there’s ever a doubt about water temperatures being too high. Sure, we all love to catch trout year-round but sometimes we need to do our part and give the trout a break.

Article by Evan Garda, he is on the Content Team here at Fly Lords. He can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rod. Check out his adventures at @evangarda.

5 Tips for Summertime Trout Fishing

Backcountry Fly Fishing Gear Guide

Photo Essay: Carp For Breakfast

How to Tie: The SUPER Chub – Spicy Chubby Chernobyl

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: The SUPER Chub – Spicy Chubby Chernobyl

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Fly Fish Food gives us a great tutorial on how to tie the SUPER Chub: Spicy Chubby Chernobyl.

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Intermediate

The Spicy Chubby Chernobyl is a new staple for summer dry fly fishing. Whether you are trying to imitate a fluttering salmon fly or a grasshopper splashing down from the riverbank, this fly is as versatile as they come. From small streams to larger tailwaters, trout will aggressively breach the surface to inhale this fly.

The evolution of fly tying has bestowed on anglers a fully synthetic based fly that not even Poseidon himself could drown. By changing the color of the dubbing, foam, or both, you will be able to imitate a wide variety of larger adult insects or terrestrials on the water. Utilizing foam for the back and wings provides tremendous buoyancy, allowing this fly to ride graciously on the surface while supporting heavier nymphs with ease, especially once paired with a strong floatant such as Fly Agra.

Implementing the Spicy Chubby Chernobyl in a dry dropper rig is one of the most effective and exciting ways to target trout in the summer months. With summer flows typically being lower, this is a very efficient way to cover the entire water column. Replace those indicators this summer with a Spicy Chubby Chernobyl and you will find yourself grinning ear to ear more than ever on the water.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie the SUPER Chub: Spicy Chubby Chernobyl.

Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.

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Large Scale Coral Restoration Begins in Florida Keys

Monica Auger
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Large Scale Coral Restoration Begins in Florida Keys

A three-year effort to secure over 60,000 coral fragments to the seafloor in the Florida Keys has begun. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and its partners are working together in the first of several large-scale efforts. The project, aptly titled Mission: Iconic Reefs, is an effort to restore seven prominent coral reefs within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This is one of the largest investments in reef restoration anywhere in the world.

The Situation

In the past 40 years, the coral reefs in the Keys have suffered and lost approximately 90 percent of their corals. The loss of habitat is not due to one particular issue, but rather multiple interconnected factors. The local impact of coral reef loss stems from ship groundings, mislaid boat anchors, overfishing, tropical storms, and reef diseases. Globally, warmer sea temperatures, ocean acidification, runoff and pollution, and extremely low tides contribute to coral bleaching, which ultimately kills the coral.

The loss of these reefs could create an avalanche of unfortunate outcomes ecologically and economically. Healthy coral reefs provide habitat to over 6,000 different species of commercially and recreationally important fish, sea turtles, and lobster. In the Keys, one out of two jobs is connected to the marine economy. The 5 million annual visitors contribute a whopping $2.4 billion in sales for the region each year. The barrier reef also acts as a line of defense against tropical storms.

“Florida Keys’ iconic reefs are the basis for thriving ecosystems underwater and the critical tourism economy on dry land,” said Kris Sarri, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. “This project will transform how we approach coral restoration.”

The Solution

Over the next decade, scientists and students will transplant and tend to the seven selected reefs. Informed by years of heavy research, successful trials, and expertise from coral scientists and restoration practitioners, NOAA and its partners believe this plan will put the Keys’ reefs back on track toward recovery while continuing to provide economic benefit to the community.

Map displaying the seven reefs where coral will be transplanted in Mission: Iconic Reefs.
A map showing the location of the seven iconic reef sites proposed as focal areas for large-scale restoration. Image: NOAA

Step 1

The coral sites must be prepared. Invasive and nuisance species, such as algae, will be removed. These are organisms that compete with coral for space and smother coral larvae.

Step 2

Resilient and fast-growing coral species, such as elkhorn coral, will be transplanted from ocean nurseries. In these nurseries, corals grow on structures that mimic tree limbs. Once appropriate size, they are trimmed off and relocated to the designated reef.

Step 3

Introduce algae grazing species to the transplanted population of elkhorn, star, pillar, brain, and staghorn corals. These are also known as stony coral species.

Step 4

Continue to introduce other stony coral varieties and natural grazers to improve biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The steps are organized into two phases spanning over 20 years. Phase 1 of the mission anticipates raising 15% of the coral within the next seven years. The estimated cost is $97 million. Phase 2 will be an additional 10 to 12 years. There is no cost estimate yet.

Diver cleans off coral in one of the oceanic nurseries
A diver cleans algae and other nuisance species from coral “tree” structures in a Coral Restoration Foundation nursery. These structures are used to grow staghorn coral (pictured) and other coral species in ocean-based nurseries. Credit: A. Neufeld/Coral Restoration Foundation

“Coral restoration is about buying time and stabilizing the system to give it a chance to restore itself,” said Tom Moore, the NOAA coral restoration team lead. “We still have global challenges we have to address, but if we just wait for those global challenges, we won’t have reefs left. So, this is our part in making sure we still have reefs left in the Florida Keys in the next 100 years.”

This first-of-its-kind approach will bring resiliency back to the critical reef regions. Thousands of different fish, turtle, and lobster species will directly benefit from the habitat regeneration. Protecting our coral reefs supports the people, places, and aquatic populations that rely on their health.

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Anglers Driving Change: Katie Cahn – Casting For Recovery

Wills Donaldson
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Anglers Driving Change: Katie Cahn – Casting For Recovery

In this series, Flylords had the chance to partner with BUFF to highlight some outstanding members of the fly-angling community who are taking action to drive change in their communities and the world. Through the lens of struggle, perseverance, and a passion for bettering the world; we aim to share the stories of these anglers and their corresponding organizations to inspire future generations.

Katie Cahn is the embodiment of perseverance. Through her battle with cancer, she has dedicated herself to finding ways to uplift those fighting similar battles by utilizing her own experiences. Here, Katie walks us through her story of survival and perseverance, and how alongside Casting for Recovery, she embodies what it really means to be an angler driving change.

katie tying on a fly

We had a chance a touch base with Katie after our shoot in September to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview. Check it out here:

FL: Who are you?

Katie: I’m Katie Cahn. A woman whose passionate about rivers and their inhabitants. I’m also passionate about the internal well-being of humans.

FL: How long have you been fishing? How did it make its way into your life?

Katie: I’ve been fishing ever since I was a kid, but I’ve been flyfishing for the past 10 years. I was introduced to flyfishing when I attended college at Western Carolina University. I learned on delayed harvest sections but quickly made my way to the blue lines of western North Carolina to fish for native brook trout.

katie Cahn

FL: When you were first diagnosed, what was going through your head? How did these thoughts change as you embarked on your journey through treatment and then recovery?

Katie: When I found out I had cancer I could barely speak. I had the tumor removed 14 hours after my diagnosis. So, because it happened so fast I didn’t have much time to process what was happening. When I got out of the hospital I was so scared to know what the pathology report showed. When I found out the cancer had not spread, and therefore did not need further physical treatment, I was able to breathe and work through some of the trauma. Depression slowly crept in and I felt like I had fallen into the darkest hole. I had friends all around me, but I felt so alone. With the help of anti-depressants, good therapy, and lots of flyfishing I was able to change my thoughts from, ‘I want to die,’ to ‘Today I am alive and today I will live.’

katies photos

FL: Can you explain how you utilized fishing to help you get through the struggles of that time?

Katie: When I got diagnosed and was in the hospital recovering from surgery, it had not rained in a full month. For two months after, it didn’t rain. I didn’t feel like I was missing much on the river, but I did feel like the world was coming to an end. I live in a temperate rain forest section of the country and we were experiencing drought and wildfires. I really thought I was losing it. I didn’t get back on the water until after the second surgery where they removed my ovary and appendix due to a large benign tumor (not related to the kidney cancer). That was nine weeks after having my kidney removed. Six days after the second surgery I went flyfishing and caught one trout. I was still bandaged up and weak, but I so desperately needed that fish. And it helped in so many ways. Not long after that trip to the river, I was asked to be a flyfishing guide for Headwaters Outfitters in Rosman, NC. That was five months after the cancer diagnosis. Becoming a guide gave me a new outlook on life. That’s about the same time I was asked to volunteer with Casting for Recovery.

katie and her daughter

FL: When did you get involved with CFR and what is your involvement now?

Katie: My first year with CFR I just showed up on the third day of the retreat to help guide one of the 15 women in the group. I made friends with the program directors and they asked me to come back next year to help out with the full retreat. Now, every year I help teach the women about the bugs trout eat, the way fish move in the water, knot tying and tying flies, wardrobe stuff, and help coordinate “on the water day” with the other volunteers.

katie working with CFR

FL: When working with the ladies from CFR, both volunteers and those in the program – what’s something you aim to inspire while on the water?

Katie: As a group, we aim for the women to feel comfortable as well as successful on the water. We don’t guarantee they will catch a fish, but we do try to guarantee they will be happy and fulfilled on the water. I aim to inspire women to do something that they never thought could be done. I aim to inspire confidence.

fish on

FL: Was there a defining moment during your journey with CFR when it all “clicked” and you realized this was something you really wanted to be a part of?

Katie: Oh yes. My first day as a volunteer, in pure Katie Cahn fashion, I walked into the wrong room on accident. I sat down and listened to the group of women talk about their struggles with being diagnosed with cancer. This was seven months after my diagnosis. I listened to these women and felt their pain and just wanted to hug each one of them and let them know I understood what they were going through. I found out later that day that a lot of the volunteers for CFR are cancer survivors and was told that the retreats are about the participants, not the volunteers. Knowing that the volunteers knew what these women were going through made me feel right at home and has helped me heal in so many ways.

CFR Buff
Show your support with a custom “Casting for Recovery” Buff.

FL: Moving forward, what does your future with CFR look like?

Katie: I hope to be part of these retreats every year for the rest of my life. CFR has opened doors for other non-profit organizations that are helping fight the good fight. I have recently been asked to be a board member for an organization that takes women that are in drug and alcohol recovery flyfishing.

CFR on the water

FL: What were you able to draw from your personal struggle that you now use to help others.

Katie: I was able to understand what helped me get out of that dark hole. Depression is different for everyone and I don’t take that lightly. What helped me was the river and throughout my life, the river has been a constant reprieve from all struggles life has thrown my way. I like to ask people, ‘What makes you feel at peace?’ This usually turns into a conversation about the important places or undertakings in his or her life and that can really help motivate a person to get back to those places.

working the river

FL: As an “Angler Driving Change”, where does your mission lie? Where do you see a place for change and what are you doing to help?

Katie: Since the diagnosis, my mission lies with interpersonal health and wellbeing. I know that mental health is hard to obtain in some situations, whether it be finding a good counselor or a facility that offers free counseling. There are many people suffering from mental illness. I share my story not only for my own healing, but to help others heal as well. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had on Instagram with people from all over the world that reach out to tell me their story. When you hear others stories you don’t feel as alone. The change I would like to see is more opportunity for youth to learn to fly fish, and with that, honor the rivers, oceans, lakes and streams that provide them the opportunity to catch those fish. When you have something that you love and it also makes you feel strong or accomplished, you seek that out for the rest of your life. I’m just a volunteer and I appreciate the hell out of the people that are organizing these programs. When I get more time, I’d like to be the one organizing.

Katie with family

FL: Do you have any words of advice for young people/ anglers going through similar issues in their lives?

Katie: Yes. Life is about growth. Whether it’s something good or bad that happens in our lives, we grow from it. We can take those experiences and turn them into lessons and turn those lessons into our story.

katie and her daughter

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your remarkable story with us. To learn more about Katie’s story, Casting for Recovery, and other ‘Anglers Driving Change’; head over to BUFF’s website. Thank you to Casting for Recovery and BUFF for helping make this project possible.

Organization of the Month: Casting For Recovery

2021 F3T Behind the Lens: Dropped in the Pacific

 

2021 GoPro Mountain Games Fly Fishing Competition Results

Dan Zazworsky
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0
2021 GoPro Mountain Games Fly Fishing Competition Results

Every year, outdoor enthusiasts gather in Vail, Colorado for GoPro’s Mountain Games. The Games feature several categories to compete in and entry is open to anyone, whether you’re a pro or just a highly skilled hobbyist. What’s special about this event is that every year, they featured two fly fishing competitions in addition to whitewater, trail running, mountain biking, and disc golf events.

The two competitions in this year’s Games (presented by YETI), was the traditional 2-Fly Xtreme competition and Catch Wars. Check out the results of both fly fishing events below!

The YETI 2-Fly Xtreme Competition Results:

This competition will be head-to-head in various fly fishing events including a combination distance and accuracy challenge that will test the best of the best. The final round of competition throws casting out the window as it will be time to test angling skills on the waters of the Vail Valley. The competition field was split into 2 categories a men’s and a women’s.

Results (Women’s):

First Place: Audrey Wilson

Second Place: Kristen Sorensen

Third Place: Skylar Hertfeld

Results (Men’s):

First Place: Troy Garner

Second Place: Andrew “Otter” Smith

Third Place: Marcelo Caiozzi

Biggest Fish Results:

First Place: Andrew “Otter” Smith

Second Place: Marcelo Caiozzi

Third Place (Tie): Troy Garner, Jeremy Sides, Ian Caiozzi, Caleb VanWagner

The YETI Catch Wars Fishing Competition Results: 

Experienced angler and oarsman duos take on the Eagle River to see which team of 2 can catch the most fish from Edwards to Wolcott.

Results: 

First Place: Andrew Smith & Shaun Twomey

Second Place: Kirk Lewis & Joseph Schwonke

Third Place: Matt Debus & Ryan Schmidt

Check out all the 2021 GoPro Games results, here on MountainGames.com!

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Click and Pawl Fly Reels: What are they and why should you try one?

Evan Garda
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2
Click and Pawl Fly Reels: What are they and why should you try one?

Click and Pawl fly reels are simple reel options for fly anglers who regularly pursue trout and other smaller freshwater fish. These reels are typically made with fewer parts, making maintenance a breeze. Another reason many anglers turn to click and pawl reels is the classic sound that’s oh so sweet when a fish takes line. A majority of modern fly reels contain some sort of disc drag system and are often sealed to prevent dirt, grime, and salt from entering the drag system. While this may seem like an advantage, if a sealed drag system fails or is compromised you may need to send it to the manufacturer whereas a click and pawl reel can be easily cared for at home. The advantages of a click and pawl reel don’t end at ease of maintenance as you’ll see below. 

What are click and pawl reels?

Click and Pawl drag systems are simple and effective and can handle a variety of species. This style of reel get their name from the metal tooth, or “pawl”, that is attached to the spool.

The second component of a click and pawl mechanism is gear that is fixed to the center of the frame. Lastly, a small “spring” behind the pawl adds resistance as the pawl passes over the gear on the frame, preventing your reel from over-spooling and providing drag.  This style of drag system is tried and true and can introduce a fun, new challenge on the water.

Why try a click and pawl fly reel?

Simple

Click and Pawl reels are incredibly simple and effective tools designed primarily for freshwater fly anglers. The simple drag system outlined above consists of only a handful of parts making them incredibly easy to maintain at home. Fewer parts leave fewer points of failure which is why these reels are known for their durability. In the event that your reel does fail, you can access all of the drag components with ease. 

Lightweight

Fewer parts also means a lighter reel. Click and Pawl reels are almost always lighter than a disc drag and sealed disc drag reel of equivalent size. Lightweight and simple, click and pawl reels are great for backcountry and pack-in fishing destinations where reducing weight is key. Pairing a click and pawl reel with a lightweight fly rod is a match made in dry fly heaven. Many anglers, myself included, turn to click and pawl reels in the summer months chasing smaller fish in high country streams. 

Fun

Click and Pawl reels aren’t as strong as many modern-day disc drag systems and don’t have any adjustability in drag pressure. When hooked up with a large fish, anglers can apply additional drag pressure by “palming the reel”. This allows the angler to be in tune with the fish and manually adjust drag through the fight. Click and pawl reels are flat-out fun to fish when you hook up with a feisty trout or bass. 

Choosing a Click and Pawl Reel

Abel TR $395.00

The Abel TR is a partially ported, large arbor click and pawl reel that has a classic sound when the line is being stripped out or retrieved. This reel is a favorite around Flylords for targeting trout around the world. The TR has an oversized palming ring that allows anglers to apply additional drag pressure while fighting feisty fish. Palming allows you to gently add drag to protect fine tippets. Palming a click and pawl reel also allows you to throw the breaks on a running fish when necessary.

The 2/3 Abel TR pairs well with small stream rods like the Scott F Series.

The Abel TR is my personal go-to for a click and pawl reel. The 2/3 model pairs well with small stream rods like the 372-5 Scott F Series fiberglass rod. If a classic looking and sounding click and pawl reel is what you’re after, be sure to give the Abel TR Fly Reel some serious consideration. Best of all, the TR is available in all of your favorite Abel finishes. 

Ross Reels Colorado $335.00

The Abel TR is a phenomenal reel,  but it isn’t as light as some on the market if that’s your primary reason for buying a click and pawl reel.  You may want to consider an option like the Ross Reels Colorado for a milled, made in the USA, click and pawl fly reel. Coming in at 3.2oz in the ⅔ model and 3.5oz in the ⅘ model, these reels are light. If you like to target fish in the high country or frequently pack your rod and reel into a fishing location, the Ross Reels Colorado was built for you.

This fully ported click and pawl fly reel has a large arbor and a Vesconite bushing for an incredibly smooth feel and lasting dependability. The Colorado click and pawl fly reel will help you land fish in skinny backcountry waters and big rivers alike. Available in matte platinum and matte black options, the Ross Reels Colorado will look right at home on your favorite trout rod. Be sure to check out our complete review of the Ross Reels Colorado HERE.

Disadvantages to Click and Pawl Fly Reels

As mentioned above, click and pawl reels don’t typically have adjustable drag settings to stop strong fish. The drag found on click and pawl reels is not as strong or adjustable as many modern disc drag reels on the market.

So if you are in the market for a saltwater-specific reel you may want to look past click and pawl reels. If you’re looking for a saltwater reel that’s lightweight and has an incredibly smooth drag, look no further than the Ross Reels Evolution R Salt fly reel. Be sure to check out our in-depth review of the Evolution R Salt if you’re still on the fence. 

Your next reel?

If you’re in the market for a new fly fishing reel, a click and pawl reel may be for you. These reels help you feel connected to the fish while you palm the spool for added drag. One of the biggest advantages is that they are lightweight, allowing you to take them wherever you go. Simple, fun, and easy to maintain, click and pawl reels are perfect for the no-fuss fly angler. 

Gear Review: Ross Colorado Click and Pawl Reel

A Saltwater Click and Pawl Fly Reel?

Urban Fly Fishing & The World’s 9 Best Cities to Fly Fish

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Urban Fly Fishing & The World’s 9 Best Cities to Fly Fish

New species to catch, new spots to find, and action closer to home – these are just a few of the reasons why urban fly fishing deserves the hype. From landing lunker carp to hooking hard-fighting smallmouth, urban fly fishing is hot right now, and for good reason. How and where you choose to urban fish is up to you, but these are our thoughts on why this type of fly fishing is well worth your time. Plus, we provide our top-nine picks for the world’s best urban fly fishing cities.

Photo: Jakob Burleson

What Is Urban Fishing?

Exactly what you make it! Depending on where you live and what you’re after, everything from lakes, ponds, and streams to canals and rivers all offer the opportunity to land fish on the fly. Sure, it takes a little know-how to pick the rights spots and find fish, but that’s all a part of what makes urban fishing so enjoyable. Urban fishing is all about resourcefulness and a little flexibility, and once you’re open to having an urban adventure the possibilities are endless.

Photo: Jakob Burleson

Why Is Urban Fishing So Cool?

For so many of us a day on the water means waiting for the weekend and spending serious time in the car. But you can change all that with some urban fishing fun. After all, it doesn’t take much to slip into that fishing induced meditative tranquility, and casting a rod closer to home makes it that much easier.

Urban fly fishing, until relatively recently, has flown beneath the radar. But more and more people are now discovering fish in their own backyards, and are fishing more because of it. One of the best parts of urban fishing is the adventure associated with it. So many cities have more bodies of water than you’d ever imagine, and most are filled with fish. Finding those gems is the name of the game, and chances are the fishing pressure is nonexistent. Only the bravest and most committed anglers (like you and I) have the steely will required to walk past picnickers, Sunday joggers, and bustling construction sites with a rigged fly rod.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits to urban angling is watching your skills improve. By targeting new-to-you species on diverse bodies of water, your casting techniques, fly selection, and presentation will all benefit from the challenges you pursue. The better you get at creeping up on cruising carp, the more trout you’ll catch on those gin-clear water days.

Photo: Jakob Burleson

How Do I Find Urban Fishing Spots?

Be creative, be resourceful, and be patient. Chances are you drive past fishable water on your work commute, or walk your dog around a local lake teeming with bass and panfish. The only way to know how good the fishing is, or isn’t, is by actually wetting a fly. Urban fly fishing is a game of exploration and adventure, so don’t get discouraged if your first few outings don’t produce much.

When it comes to locating water, I’ve always been a big fan of taking the aerial approach. Fire up that laptop, grab a beer, and let the scouting begin. Using Google Maps or any other satellite mapping program is an excellent way to find local water, figure out your access points, and get stoked on the unknown of a new urban fishing mission. When determining your next destination, be sure to consider public access and private property. Yeah, it might look like a gold mine, but trespassing to hit that bass pond is never a good idea.

Where Should I go to Urban Fish?

Nearly every major city has some urban fly fishing appeal, but here’s our take on the world’s 10 best cities for catching fish right in town.

  1. Austin, Texas

Photo: Stuart Seeger Flickr Creative Commons.

Streams, creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds – Austin is an urban angler’s paradise. With the Colorado River running right through town, and countless others streams and tributaries scattered throughout the city, largemouth and Guadalupe bass are never too far away. Not to mention the catfish, panfish, and carp, and alligator gar scattered throughout the city’s lakes and ponds.

Lenée Dedeaux of All Water Guides, a guide service based in Austin, Texas with a hefty bass.

  1. New York City, New York 

Photo: Pom Anger, Flickr Creative Commons

Urban fishing abounds in the city that never sleeps. Fishing in the Big Apple means everything from brook trout on Long Island to stripers in the lower Hudson River, plus numerous city ponds and lakes stocked full of bass and panfish. If you’re looking for something a bit saltier, head over to Jamaica Bay for fluke and bluefish.

  1. Denver, Colorado

Photo: Jakob Burleson.

Besides being the gateway to the Rockies, Denver is home to some excellent urban fishing. Most notably, the South Platte River runs right through downtown and offers anglers a chance to hook into carp, smallmouth and largemouth bass, bluegill, suckers, catfish, and walleye, with the occasional rainbow trout mixed in.

The South Platte River, where you never know what you might catch. Photo: Jakob Burleson.

  1. Sacramento, California

With the moniker “River City”, Sacramento has to make the list. The urban fly fishing in Sacramento is the real deal thanks to the Sacramento and American rivers, both of which meet in the heart of downtown. While the lower “Sac” is known for its healthy populations of salmon, striped and largemouth bass, and shad, the American River plays host to memorable steelhead and king salmon runs. Protected as a “Recreational River”, the American is easily accessible via the American River Parkway – one of California’s largest urban parks.

  1. Miami, Florida 

Miami, baby! The city of glitz and glam has it all. Wade into the flats for a chance to land any of the “big three” (tarpon, bonefish, permit), or hit the freshwater canals for a chance at a peacock bass. With incredible weather year-round, be sure to pack your gear the next time you find yourself in this fishing metropolis. Already live there? Lucky you, hopefully, your rod is already stringed up for your lunch break.

  1. The Twin Cities, Minnesota

Ok fine, so this is technically two cities, but both offer killer opportunities for the urban angler. Lovingly known as “the City of Lakes”, Minneapolis is chock full of lakes teeming with fish, all within the city limits. Plus, you’ve got the Mississippi River, which divides the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Put it all together and you’ve got the chance to hook into bass, crappie, musky, walleye, and some pike.

  1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 

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Perhaps better known as the home of the world’s tallest building, Dubai is the next hot spot for urban fly fishing. Surrounded by impressive architecture and lavish attractions, Dubai’s urban angler can access some of the most sought-after fish on the planet: queenfish, golden trevally, kingfish, cobia, and bonito. For these reasons, it’s no surprise that guiding operations are adding this remarkable destination to their service menus.

  1. Melbourne/Sydney, Australia 

New Zealand gets plenty of attention for its fly fishing, but Australia shouldn’t be overlooked. Melbourne, in particular, has some of the best urban fishing opportunities in the southern hemisphere due to its unbeatable combination of hungry trout and salt-water classics. Our suggestion? Start your urban adventure on the Yarra River before picking out a local lake for some afternoon still-water fun. Or head to the Sydney Harbour to try your hand at some saltwater fishing fun.

  1. London, England 

Who knew London was known for its urban fishing? Take a break from the hustle and bustle of England’s capital city and escape to one of the many stretches of water flowing past iconic destinations. With loads of streams and canals, all running into the famous River Thames, anglers can catch everything from titanic carp to dry-fly sipping brown trout – rumor has it that even sea trout and salmon make runs into town…

We get it, it can be hard to get past the allure of throwing hoppers to big browns lurking under shadowy banks. But it’s impossible not to fall in love with urban fly fishing once you realize you can fish closer to home. No longer must the weekend wait, and no longer is a skunked day reason for sleepless nights – that same pond will be there tomorrow, and you can fish it.

Article by Jake Lebsack, an angler based in Denver, Colorado.

Fly Fishing in the Urban Jungle

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