Looking for a guilt-free way to get rid of your live Christmas Tree?
Well, all over the nation, various non-profits and state agencies would love to get their hands on your tree to improve fish habitat, and some will even pick up the tree for you. As many anglers know, sunken trees create a phenomenal habitat for fish of all species, from baitfish all the way up to apex predators. In lakes and ponds with little to no structure or depth changes, sinking trees is the perfect way to give these species habitat and improve angling overall, by creating hot-spots of fish activity.
How It’s Done
In order to make sure the sunken trees create the most habitat, the trees are best sunk so that they stand upright off the bottom, as you can see in the graphic above. Most of the time, some anchor is attached to the base of the tree, in the form of a cinder block or a cement-filled bucket. Once your tree has found its new home under the surface, it can take over 10 years for the tree to fully break down in the water attracting all sorts of aquatic life to its decomposing limbs. Crayfish and other macro-invertebrates begin to move in to take advantage of the new source of food and cover.
Where to Donate
The best way to find out how to donate your old Christmas tree is to contact your state’s fisheries department and ask about donation points and partners, some will even come to pick your tree up!
Captain Nick LaBadie captured this insane footage of a “super-school” of Permit in the Florida Keys earlier this fall. The Florida Keys are well known for their permit fishery and it’s incredible to see them schooling up in such strong numbers.
I picked up this costume a couple of years ago from a custom costume maker named Frank Coffman up in Colorado. I’ve worn to quite a few costume party’s but every time I went out fishing, I’d always forget it.
Last weekend we had our annual “Trout Camp” on the Lower Mountain Fork River in Oklahoma, and it’s a time when all of the guys come out for a big gettogether. I finally remembered and knew this was the time to break it out as it’d be a sure hit.
There were a couple of guides that were on that stretch of water with about 6 or 7 clients so I snuck off and changed, then hit the water in costume to thunderous laughter up and down the river. A quick photo session and a couple of spoof videos later, and I became known as the Fishing Squatch for the rest of the weekend.
Article and photos from Brad Besset, if for some reason you ever have need for the Fishing Squatch to join you out on the river be sure to look him up at @bradbesset.
As the school year hits the half-way mark, many of our college fly anglers are thinking of one very important question — where can I study abroad AND have an epic fishing experience? Oh, and how do I get good grades, I guess.
After talking to several friends and fellow college anglers about where they studied abroad and doing a little research of my own, I’ve come up with a diverse and exciting list of great places to have a unique study abroad experience and get into some great fly fishing.
Fly Fishing in New Zealand — Jack Condon
New Zealand:
Well, this one isn’t a surprise; college student or not, New Zealand is a destination that should be on any angler’s list. However, incredible fishing coupled with great options for direct enrollment in any number of the North or South Island’s universities should make New Zealand a top choice among college anglers.
With rivers that are described as clear as air, New Zealand is home to wild rainbow and brown trout that can vary from precious 10-inch fish to double-digit fish in the same skinny headwaters. The central region of the North Island is prime rainbow territory, while the South Island has built a reputation as a pristine brown trout fishery.
New Zealand brown trout — Photo Jack Condon
It is important to remember that fly fishing in NZ requires finely honed skills and an incredible amount of dedication. But, aside from having a new academic experience, there’s no higher pinnacle than fooling a finicky, wild 10-pound+ brown trout on a dry fly.
There is great fishing all around both just a hop in a car and multi-day trips. Here are some options on both the North and South Island:
North Island: Tongariro River (Flows out of Lake Taupo), Lake Rotorua area.
South Island: Haast River, Rai River, Kahurangi National Park (Karma and Crow Rivers), Nelson Lakes National Park (Travers and Sabine rivers).
Fishing in Panama — Photo Ben Weber
Costa Rica and Panama:
Popular destinations for marine and climate studies, Costa Rica and Panama offer rich opportunities to dive deeply into Central American culture and environmental studies. The countries also host plentiful potential for fishing.
While Costa Rica provides the chance to catch major saltwater game species in tarpon, snook, and bonefish, it also has a thriving freshwater fishery for wild rainbow trout in the Rio Savegre Valley.
A bonito caught in Panama — Photo Ben Weber
Ben Weber, a college angler at Messiah College, studied tropical biology in Costa Rica and Panama:
“We fished for jacks and bonito in the Mariato province and fished for snook and peacock bass in the Panama Canal. Catching exotic species in a beautiful place with some special people was a sweet experience. Besides the fishing, being able to work beside the people down there on certain service and research projects was an amazing experience.â€
Josh Hutchins with a fine taimen
Mongolia:
Have you ever wanted to catch a Taimen AND live in a yurt? Then, Mongolia is the place for you! Several study abroad programs offer semesters in Mongolia centering on geopolitics, nomadism and the environment.
Spending their entire lives in relatively small headwater streams strewn throughout the region’s remote northern mountains, Taimen are freshwater dragons that hammer flies. Be warned, you may have to take a horse to get to these rivers — helicopter rides aren’t really a viable option for college anglers on a budget.
Where Am I Going? Bhutan
A landlocked country in South Asia sandwiched in the middle of the Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the top biodiversity spots on the planet. With deep cultural, religious and historic ties to conservation, Bhutan is an excellent case study in a society in transition and their interaction with the environment.
Snow trout — Photo Darren McFadden
Fishing in Bhutan is restricted and the authorities issue fishing licenses as an approval-based luxurious sport. However, popular species include brown trout and the snow trout which are found in spots ranging from large rivers to crystal clear spring-fed streams. The Golden Mahseer is also a resident of Bhutan’s waters but is an endangered species worldwide.
Where are you going? Share your study abroad fishing excursions with us!
Blue liners and backcountry anglers, rejoice! National Geographic just released a completely free way to download and print detailed topographic maps for the entire United States from home. They put together every USGS topographic map into one, easy to navigate, web-based platform, that makes it easy to find the exact quadrant you need for your adventures. Which for many of us, proved to be a challenge if you couldn’t find a readily available map of your quadrant.
We put together this one in seconds for our time exploring Colorado after IFTD this year.
If you’ve ever struggled to find the correct USGS map for your area, worry no more, all you have to do is zoom in on the tool’s map and select the exact map you want to download and print. Easy peasy.
Presented By Yakoda Supply It’s no secret that this is the busy season for the man in the red suit. What is a bit of a secret, however, is that unbeknownst to everyone on his team, he’s been sneaking out of his North Pole compound on the morning of Christmas Eve for a little self-care.
Santa explained: “Everyone is always resting or prepping for our big night of gift delivery. The elves are tired from building toys for eleven months straight, the reindeer are getting their tack prepped for their big night, and god only knows what Mrs. Klaus is doing. The truth is, the morning of the 24th was just getting really boring for me.†So, what is Ol’ Saint Nic to do?
“A few decades back, I decided enough was enough, so I picked up my fly rod and headed to my favorite, neighborhood stream.†No one seemed to notice his absence, or no one really cared. As a result of one or both of those aforementioned items being true, he’s been making this part of his Christmas tradition ever since.
We must have been extra nice this year because we were fortunate enough to spend Christmas Eve morning with the fat man, himself, wetting a line at one of Kris Kringle’s favorite fishin’ holes. While we were there, Ol’ Saint Nic was kind enough to share with us his top-six tips for fishing during the giving season.
1. Fish when it’s coldest
I don’t know if it’s just me but winter weather has never been much of a bother. The colder the better, I say. This allows me to get out and enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet while everyone else is sitting inside their homes roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or whatever that song is all about. For those of you who are a bit more sensitive to arctic temperatures, just prepare yourself for whatever weather you’ll be facing on the river. Something I’ve been leaving in lots of stockings the past few years are hand and toe warmers. Grab yourself a few packs and get ready to have warm hands and the river all to yourself.
2. Trout don’t care what you’re wearing
If I see camo waders on one more wishlist, I’m going to lose my mind. Instead of worrying about having the freshest, fanciest camouflage everything, how about practice a little bit of stealth? It’s true, fish can see. It’s also true that if they see you dancing around the riverbank like my favorite elf, Buddy, then they’re probably not going to be very cooperative when it comes time to eat a fly. Walk more quietly, don’t splash through the river before you assess the situation, try not to fish downstream. It’s pretty simple stuff, really. I mean, remember what I’m wearing, folks, and I still catch fish.
3. Have the right gear, and a proper Yakoda Bag to throw it in!
Even though my Santa suit keeps me warm and cozy on the water having a few other pieces of gear can really help you enjoy your time on the water. My go-to bag for carrying my gear is the Yakoda’s Drifter Gear Transport 2.0 and they recently launched a new white colorway that goes perfectly with winter adventures on the water!
I brought a few extra gifts with me for some lucky anglers I met on the water…
4. Keep your fly box simple.
It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to fly selection, but when you have as little time as I do to get out on the water, it really pays to keep it simple. The menu is pretty small during the winter anyway. If you limit your selection, you’ll find yourself spending a lot less time changing flies and a lot more time perfecting your presentation. If you have a box loaded with a handful of different midges, baetis, eggs, and maybe even some mysis depending upon where you find yourself, you should be good to go.
We love these Yakoda Made in USA Fly Boxes
5. Mind the redds
This should almost be annoying to hear by now, but it’s nowhere near as annoying as seeing someone walk right through a redd like it isn’t there. By Christmas time, the spawning should be done, but that’s no reason to forget about the redds. You wouldn’t believe how many people spend their entire fall fishing season avoiding fishing to spawning fish (re: “nice†list) only to stampede across redds in December. If fishing redds will land you on the naughty list, carelessly walking through them will make it permanent.
6. Don’t forget about your family
While it’s always nice to sneak away from the house when things are getting a little too Griswold, please make sure you get home at a decent hour. This season is about family. Without them, who would be there to help you drink eggnog and make fun of cousin Eddie? So go ahead, make that next one your last cast and hit the road back home. Who knows? You might find something really special under the tree with your name on it when you get there.Â
Can’t wait to hit the water again with you next year! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Article presented by Yakoda Supply – they are offering 25% off on products through December check them out here! Yakodasupply.com
In this week’s How to Tie video, Barry Ord Clarke from The Feather Bender shows us how to tie the seasonal Yuletide.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: JollyÂ
This fly is regarded as one of the most effective flies any angler can throw. Hailed for its versatility, this tie can be found effective on saltwater, roaring rivers, or local streams. The only thing that matters is the time of year.
Found to be most effective around the end of December, the Yuletide fly is a flashy pattern that resembled that of a festively decorated Christmas tree. Once this tree fly hits the water, expect a plethora of young fish to gather ’round in hopes of tasty bugs wrapped up tight with flashy paper and fluorescent bows. Often times said fish may be disappointed in what they find (usually a hook in the lip), but once they’re in your net, feel free to remind them the true meaning of Fishmas.
This fly is a very fun tie and easy tie. It is also an excellent gift for the fly tier or angler in your life. So grab some deer hair and hit the vise, because this tree is sure to be the best looking ornament on YOUR tree this holiday season.
Ingredients:
Mustad s74 saltwater hook size 20
size 4.6mm gold bead
UTC ultra tying thread (white or black)
Hareline Dyed Deer Body Hair
UV resin
Glitter (red, blue, whatever other festive colors you care for)
Australia is world-famous for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces and multiple wild things that want to kill you. From its beaches to the deserts, the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef, it has a lot to offer, but for fly anglers, it’s coming of age as one of those truly global “bucket list†fly fishing destinations. Despite the increased attention, there are still so many untouched or remote fly fishing adventures to be had around this amazing country. Forced to pick just one, the Capt Jack Productions team rigged up and went exploring the wild and untouched coastline of Northern Australia.
South Africans and Australians, also known as “Bastards,†are long-time sporting rivals, but for this exploratory trip to the remote Wessels Islands in the Northern Territories, they put aside our rivalries and joined forces to tackle some of the most technical fish species on the planet. First, they have to get permission from the aboriginal landowner, Terry Yumbulul, and a quick crocodile briefing from his wife, before setting sail with the Waterline crew.
What met them on arrival? Some of the most untouched waters and amazing fishing any of them had ever experienced. Not only were there two different species of permit to target, the blocchi (Indo-Pacific permit) and the Anak, they also got to grips with the main target, the infamous Blue Bastard. Long rumored to exist among Australian fishermen, the Blue Bastard was formally identified as a new species in 2015. Queensland Museum ichthyologist Jeff Johnson named the fish Plectorhinchus caeruleonothus — the Latin translation of blue bastard.Native to the Northern Australian waters, this is a truly Aussie fish. They live up to their name and drive anglers insane because of their tenacity.
Surrounded by bastards, two kinds of Permit, and an array of different species the squad of South African and Australian anglers lost themselves in this truly remarkable fishing.Â
The beautiful untouched backdrop of the Wessels Islands with its insane fishing makes Glorious Bastards one crazy ride.
I collaboration with Sweetwater Brewing Co, we are excited to bring you our latest video: Abbie.
Abbie is a fishing guide up in Marthas Vineyard! She lives for the salt and is so passionate about getting people on fish it’s contagious. Being a female guide in a male-dominated industry hasn’t been easy, but Abbie has dedicated her life to the sport and has encouraging other women to get on the water along the way.
We were fortunate enough to spend a few days with Abbie chasing striped bass, bluefish, and Albacore! The diversity off the coast of Massachusetts is one of the reasons Abbie loves to guide there!
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous folks at Sweetwater Brewing Co – in 2019 they launched Guide Beer – which donates 11% of profits from each beer back to the guiding community. This project also wouldn’t have been possible without the generous time that Abbie committed to the project! If you are looking for a guide up in Mass look her up!
Vancouver Island, British Columbia – Most of the 21,000 Atlantic salmon that were in a Vancouver Island fish farm pen damaged by fire have escaped, the company who operates the farm confirmed Sunday.
This seems to be a common theme lately with Open Net Fish Farm Pens, the risk is just too high of these non-native fish escaping into the wild to have a large ecosystem imbalance on the native species. With an already struggling salmon and steelhead population in British Columbia, this news does not come lightly. Check out the full article from Sean Boynton of MSN here.
One easy way to not support open-net pens is to know where your salmon is coming from, check out the story below to get a better idea.
Where Am I Going? Bhutan
Even though my Santa suit keeps me warm and cozy on the water having a few other pieces of gear can really help you enjoy your time on the water. My go-to bag for carrying my gear is the 
