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RepYourWater Doubles Down on Sustainability in New Fall Line

Dan Zazworsky
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RepYourWater Doubles Down on Sustainability in New Fall Line

Since their beginnings, RepYourWater has been continually working to reduce the environmental impact of their products and improve sustainability within their supply chains. Their latest Fall line of flannels that are made with ethically sourced, organic cotton. According to their press release, their aim is “to continue to lead by example and has been working diligently on ethically sourced flannels made from sustainable fabric.”

From RepYourWater:

Erie, CO, November 15, 2019

RepYourWater continues to improve its social and environmental performance by working with its suppliers to introduce a line of flannel shirts that are ethically sourced and made with organic cotton for their Fall 2019 collection.

RepYourWater already measures the success of their business in part by how much they can give back to conservation. By donating at least 3% of annual sales to 17 nonprofit conservation partners, they have donated over $220,000.00 to date. Since 2018 they have diverted 97% of their waste from landfill and offset 100% of their greenhouse gas emissions through the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from their warehouse and HQ in Erie, CO.  Now, RepYourWater is taking the next step in their sustainability journey by diving into the social and environmental impact of their supply chain.

RepYourWater continues to lead by example and has been working diligently on ethically sourced flannels made from sustainable fabric. By partnering with this factory that is using the HIGG Index, SA-8000 Certified Socially Compliant and using Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified yarn, they have done just that.  Additionally, the dyes used on these products are AZO free and meet the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which means the dyes used are free of carcinogens and harmless in terms of human ecological terms.  RepYourWater co-founders, Corinne and Garrison Doctor had this to say about addressing the social and environmental performance of their supply chain: “We continue to strive to do well by doing good and are proud of our efforts and know our customers will appreciate them.  There is always room for improvement and knowing that is what keeps us motivated to continue to make advancements in sustainability. ”

RepYourWater started working with sustainability consulting firm, Emerger Strategies, in 2016 because they wanted to further authenticate their brand by improving the social, environmental and economic performance of their operations and products.  Emerger Strategies President, Rick Crawford, had this to say about RepYourWater, “Corinne and Garrison continue to amaze me as they are so passionate about protecting what they love and diving into their supply chain completely validates that.”

To view RepYourWater’s new Fall 2019 and their new Ethically Sourced and Organic Cotton flannels, click HERE.

ABOUT REP YOUR WATER

RepYourWater is an apparel brand dedicated to providing uniquely designed, top quality gear for anglers and hunters while increasing support of local conservation and inspiring exploration.  RepYourWater donates at least 3% of every sale to its nonprofit conservation partners and is working towards achieving its sustainability goals.

ABOUT SA8000  Standard

The SA8000® Standard is the leading social certification standard for factories and organizations across the globe. It was established by Social Accountability International in 1997 as a multi-stakeholder initiative. Over the years, the Standard has evolved into an overall framework that helps certified organizations demonstrate their dedication to the fair treatment of workers across industries and in any country.  Elements of the SA8000 Standard include: Child Labor, Forced or Compulsory Labor, Health and Safety, Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining, Discrimination, Disciplinary Practices, Working Hours, Remuneration, and Management System.

ABOUT Global Organic Textile Standard Yarns

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

ABOUT OEKO-TEX Standard 100

If a textile article carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button, and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article, therefore, is harmless in human ecological terms. The test is conducted by our independent OEKO-TEX® partner institutes on the basis of our extensive OEKO-TEX® criteria catalog. In the test, they take into account numerous regulated and non-regulated substances, which may be harmful to human health. In many cases, the limit values for the STANDARD 100 go beyond national and international requirements.

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How to Tie: Svend’s Turkey Fly

Wills Donaldson
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How to Tie: Svend’s Turkey Fly

In this week’s How to Tie video, we have a special treat from our friend @Svenddiesel. About a week back, we approached him with the prospect of tying up a festive turkey fly in anticipation for the upcoming holiday. He enthusiastically accepted the challenge and within days delivered a fly that looked as enticing as thanksgiving dinner. Without further ado, here is how to tie: Svend’s Turkey Fly.

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Diesel

While families and friends gather together to enjoy a feast, festivities, and football; trout sit bored and unenthused wondering where their usual visitors may be. However, what people may not know is that fish such as trout and bass also celebrate thanksgiving.

One time a year, fish gather together in pursuit of delicious turkey, just as we do. This fly is an excellent way to enthuse stubborn river monsters who only have a hankering for an oven-roasted bird. Soon after this fly hits the water, expect an eruption of feathers and the thrill ride of a lifetime as a fish turning down this deliciously plump fly is a rarety.

So, after a hearty helping of button busting stuffing, take a sit-down at the vice and try your hand at this elaborate fly. This Thanksgiving, avoid the politics and impress the in-laws with the perfect conversation starter and centerpiece.

Thank you again to our friend @Svenddiesel for tying this masterpiece up for us. For incredible fly tying videos and tutorials, make sure to go check him out on Instagram and Youtube.

Ingredients

  •  Hook: ahrexhooks TP615 size 1/0
  • Thread: semperfli nano silk 3/0 black
  • Tail and Wings: whitingfarms 4b hen feathers
  • Legs: harelinedubbin rubber legs
  • Body: whitingfarms euro grizzly hackle mixed with FNF Daphnia Fritz
  • Head: 2mm red foam with blue and black sharpie highlights
  • Resin: loonoutdoors thick (make sure it’s flexible)

Now you know how to tie Svend’s Turkey Fly

Video and ingredients courtesy of @Svenddiesel

Lego Parachute Adams Fly

How to Tie: The Tarpon Bunny

 

 

Two Glacier Nat’l Park Stonefly Species Listed Under “Threatened Status”

Dan Zazworsky
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Two Glacier Nat’l Park Stonefly Species Listed Under “Threatened Status”

Featured image: JOE GIERSCH, AQUATIC ENTOMOLOGIST / USGS NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCIENCE CENTER

The latest victim of climate change and disappearing habitat isn’t a large mammal or rare fish species, but instead, two stonefly species native to Glacier National Park in Montana, according to a rule published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to Montana Public Radio, “The western glacier stonefly and the meltwater lednian stone fly depend on glacial meltwater in high-elevation alpine environments. But scientists estimate the famed ice masses and snowfields of Glacier National Park will have mostly disappeared by 2030.” The ongoing loss of these populations will have lasting effects that are felt throughout the park’s food-web, and their current declination can be directly attributed to shifting climate conditions which have impacted snow-pack and glacial melt rate.

Clint Muhlfeld, a research aquatic ecologist with the United States Geological Survey had this to say regarding the 2 species, “These species might be some of the first that go extinct because of climate change. They are literally the polar bears of Glacier National Park. Clint has studied the two stonefly species for a decade and a half and his research informed Wednesday’s listing decision.

To read more about the western glacier and meltwater lednian stoneflies, check out Montana Public Radio’s in-depth article here!

Source: Montana Public Radio

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Help Wild Steelhead–Now!

Will Poston
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Help Wild Steelhead–Now!

Wild, Pacific Northwest Steelhead are struggling–actually, they’re in much worse shape.  There are 11 populations of wild steelhead listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and historic rivers are seeing lower and lower returns. Dams, human development, loss of habitat, and other factors have all contributed to this demise.

Oregon is no different. Many of the State’s historic rivers are not seeing the numbers of years past. Now, a group of anglers are hoping to change that. Harvey Young is leading the charge to let the state of Oregon know that wild steelhead are more valuable–much more valuable–released to bout with another angler than dragged up the shore and harvested. Young’s petition, Catch & Release for Wild Steelhead in Southwest Oregon, seeks to harmonize wild steelhead regulations. Under current regulations, Southwest Oregon is one of the only regions that allows the harvesting of wild steelhead; most of Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia do not allow harvesting these fish.

A Wild Steelhead on the North Umpqua River

Young’s petition highlights several benefits of changing Oregon’s current regulations.

  1. Increased angling opportunity for wild steelhead
  2. More steelhead anglers will be able to participate in the fishery
  3. Steelhead fishing has been really tough for the last couple of years.

On Friday, December 6th, Oregon will consider rule changes for the 2020 season; they will also consider the proposal to mandate the release of all wild steelhead. To show the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission that anglers want to prioritize conservation and the long-term vigor of the resilient wild steelhead, he stared the petition which now has over 10,000 signatures and more on the way, hopefully!

For more background and info on how to comment and sign the petition follow this link!

Fall Fishing for Smallmouth Bass [Tips and Techniques]

Wesley Hodges
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Fall Fishing for Smallmouth Bass [Tips and Techniques]

It’s always a depressing time for me when I discard my flip flops and shorts for wading boots and long johns.  It seems as if there is never a gradual transition period; one day it’s an endless summer filled with poppers and drift boat mojitos only to find frost covering my rowers seat 12 hours later. Sure it can be off-putting however this is one of the best times to fish for monster smallmouth bass. The key to catching big smallmouth this time of year is fishing transition lines in the river bottom.  If you can find these locations, you can increase your chances of catching a stud smallmouth. Below you will find tactics and tips for three types of imitations I used to target smallmouth; baitfish, crawfish, and top water. 

4-6’’ Baitfish Streamer Imitations

As the water temps start to drop into the 60s and 50s, smallmouth bass, as well as all warm water species shift into overdrive for the upcoming winter. They become somewhat reckless as they chase baitfish near the banks and in the shallow flats of river systems. I even start to see them get into feeding groups in an effort to trap baitfish easier. It’s not uncommon on the rivers that I guide on to see multiple bass chasing my flies during the retrieve.

When throwing baitfish streamers I focus on areas with shallow, gravel flats immediately next to a sharp drop off. My retrieve is very aggressive up to the drop off which I will then kill the retrieve and dead drift the fly. If the fly is not eaten in the shallow water, it will get crushed at the drop off. This transition from shallow too deep is critical for smallmouth.  It allows the fish to move quickly from deep to shallow when heavy cold fronts arrive and provides a great ambush line.

Guide Note: I throw almost all of my streamers on sinking or intermediate lines. They help me get my flies to the correct depths quickly and help in providing a more realistic swimming action to weightless streamers as compared to jigging motions of weighted flies. 

Crayfish Imitations 

Over 70% of a smallmouth’s diet consists of crayfish. This is why a crayfish is my go to  pattern year round, especially in the fall. Depending on water clarity, I prefer to throw larger patterns but will size down in low, clear water. I prefer to fish these in deeper holes with little to no current. As well as bottoms that are scattered with large, chunk rock and a mixture of logs seem to produce better. However, it can be very effective to fish in deep riffles so long as you can get the fly down to the bottom.

Unlike a streamer, I do not consider a crayfish search pattern. I think of them as more of a “direct” or “target area” pattern. I fish them to specific rocks and structures that stands out. Often time while guiding clients they typically end up snagged on the bottom. So don’t worry if you are snagging up a lot. And Keep in mind, crayfish are a bottom dwelling creature. They do not like to swim as it makes them vulnerable as prey. To increase your success with crayfish, fish a specific rock or even a specific side of a rock. Once you finish working that targeted area, move to the next. Don’t waste time trying to fish the entire area in one cast.

Guide Note: Fish structure closest to you as the angler. Don’t go for the long cast initially. Often times I find my clients spooking fish 40’ away when they are trying to cast 80’. You can always add distance to your cast, but you cant get back a fish that spooked out.

Topwater Imitations

I do not throw a lot of topwater as fall progresses. However, there are times when a warm snap will occur and it can make or break your day. I let the fish tell me before I tie one on. A key indicator that it is time to throw on a topwater is when I see baitfish blowing up along a shallow flat or against the bank. I typically only throw minnow patterns that are flashy this time of year and I fish them in the exact same areas that I would throw a streamer. I work them very aggressively with little to no pause. This is an area coverage fly just as a streamer. I want to cover as much water and structure as possible in the shortest amount of time. Cast away and be aggressive. 

Article and photos from Wesley Hodges, a longtime fly fishing and bird hunting guide in Blacksburg, Virgina. Check him out on Instagram on online at https://wesleyhodgesflyfishing.com/

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth/Largemouth Bass: Your Complete Guide

 

 

Easy Steps to Improve Your Roll Cast

Sam McLean
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Easy Steps to Improve Your Roll Cast

In this video by Mad River Outfitters, Brian Flechsig demonstrates the proper technique for an excellent Roll Cast and the several variations you might use in different situations. This video is excellent for beginners and experienced anglers alike who are looking for some more instruction on how to get that line to layout on the water. So often while fly fishing you are unable to complete a full cast, and Brian does an outstanding job demonstrating how to get the most out of your Roll Cast.

Mad River Outfitters’ Youtube Channel has an excellent series of videos that serve as a great resource for anglers looking for everything from just improving their cast, to tying, and even reviews of popular new gear.

This film was created by Mad River Outfitter. Be sure to check out more of his films on the Mad River Outfitter YouTube page.

These instructional videos are curated and written by team member Sam McLean (@sam_d_mclean).

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Lodge Spotlight: Taylor River Lodge, Colorado

Dan Zazworsky
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Lodge Spotlight: Taylor River Lodge, Colorado

We want to help you experience some of our favorite fly fishing adventures. If you are looking to plan a fly fishing adventure shoot us an email: travel@theflylords.com.

Nestled in the pine and aspen lined Taylor River Gorge, Taylor River Lodge by Eleven Angling is home to some of the best trout fishing in Colorado. The Taylor River is a tailwater that drops quickly through the gorge before it joins the East River to form the Gunnison River in Almont, CO. The river is home to trout of unusual size and supports a healthy wild population of fish thanks to the constant cold water outflow from the dam.

The Taylor River Lodge features absolutely gorgeous cabins with all the amenities you could ask for, located right alongside some of the most productive fishing waters around, this experience is not only great for avid anglers but even beginners with little experience on the water. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool.

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Or find yourself grabbing a beer and playing a game of pool in between the hatches…

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Elevens goal is to take your fishing experience to the “next level” – hence “Eleven” not 10

With a trout pond to help new anglers perfect casting, learn how to handle a fish on the other end of the line, and incredible guides to teach you the ropes, or put you on the best fish, this place is sure to not disappoint. Behind the main lodge, you can treat yourself to over a mile of semi-private and majestic water.

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The stretch of river features enough small water that allows for anglers of all types to get in positions to hook into, and land some gorgeous fish, while also provide some unique ways to spot some of the more elusive fish in the water.  This river doesn’t only house some incredibly beautiful browns, bows, and cutties, but from experience, we can tell you that it is home to some 20+ inch fish as well.

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After a long day on the water, guests can relax in their cabins, enjoy the bar, or hop in the pool or hot tub for some relaxation.

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Firsthand Experience from Flylords Team Member Max Desmarais:

After an amazing IFTD experience in Denver, the Flylords team gathered up our gear and headed west from Denver to experience the lodge and the fabled Taylor River ourselves. Upon arrival, we headed out to the river with our guides and immediately started seeing fish. Trout of all sizes were in abundance and we were fooling them on nymphs, streamers and dry droppers for the majority of the day. 

Towards the end of our fishing day, the sun was getting low, and we all decided to give a small section of the river with a few holes in it a try before making the short walk back to our cabins. It was clear that this piece of water had the potential to hold some really nice fish. A few of the others in our group managed to land some nice bows and one gorgeous cutthroat. As others were calling it a day, it was my turn to give the hole a go. Only expecting to fish it for 5 or 10 minutes, I stubbornly approached a hole, and proceeded to try and attain a perfect drift in a section that just seemed like it had to house the fish we’ve been waiting to see.

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For 20 minutes I tried with no avail and kept inching closer to get just the right drift. Nearing quitting time, I waded just a few inches forward and managed what was a pretty good drift. My dry fly hesitated, I lifted my rod tip and dead weight. Just a few feet in front of me I beheld what must have been a 5+ pound cutthroat that quickly maneuvered back into its hole.

I kept pressure on the fish, and calmly said to our friends on the water, that I just hooked into a really big fish, and I was going to need a bit of help. Knowing I had 5x tippet with fast water on either side of me, it was clear that this fish was going to be hard to land. 

It was the start of a 5 minute + fight that I won’t ever forget. Applying as much pressure as I safely could, I tried to bring the fish in water where we could net it, and we were inches away numerous times.

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About 3 minutes into the fight, something unique happened – a 12-inch rainbow launched itself out of the water, attacking the hopper tied as the top fly on my rig – nearly hooking itself mid-air. I was fortunate this fish missed because I surely would have lost both fish immediately.

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It was time to bring this fish into the shallower water to have a chance to net it. With our guide wading and waiting with his large Fishpond net, the fish begin to push downstream into faster water. I watched our guide dive to net the fish, I felt the fly break off, and I watched in agony as the best fish of my life disappeared.

What was the most disappointing moment of this trip, was also the most incredible. I felt nothing but pure joy for every second of fighting that fish, and despite the pain of losing it, I left the Taylor River Lodge that day with satisfaction, and excitement for the next big fish I hook into. I’ll be back again.

For more information on booking a stay at Taylor River Lodge Visit their website. Or send us an email at travel@theflylords.com.

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URGENT: Take Action on Puget Sound Fish Farms

Dan Zazworsky
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URGENT: Take Action on Puget Sound Fish Farms

Featured image: Ramon Dompor/The Seattle Times

Once again, fish farmers are working to re-establish pen-raised fish farming in the Puget Sound. Cooke Aquaculture, one of the companies known for accidentally releasing Atlantic salmon into the Sound a few years ago. But now, your voice is needed to once again protect the wild fish of the Puget Sound!

From The Wild Steelhead Coalition:

Time is running out to block a dangerous proposal from Cooke Aquaculture to farm ‘steelhead’ in Puget Sound. Take action TODAY calling for a full environmental review!

In 2018 when Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2957 into law, the bill banning non-native finfish farming in Washington’s waters after 2022, we thought Cooke Aquaculture’s net pens in Puget Sound would soon be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that may no longer be the case as Cooke Aquaculture is working quickly and quietly to transform their Atlantic salmon net pens into “steelhead” net pens, with little pushback from state regulators. This shocking development is not only an affront to transparent government, but more importantly, it is an environmental disaster in the making.

On October 1st, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) advanced a proposal to allow farmed steelhead to be planted in Cooke’s existing Puget Sound net pens, determining that environmental impacts were likely to be non-significant. For public review, all that was provided was a short comment period.

We cannot allow this fish farm bait and switch to become a reality, so it is critical we speak up today and send a loud and clear message to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that the state needs to conduct a more thorough environmental review process. This review is especially needed since the state’s current analysis relies on a decades-old EIS with limited supplemental information, which is absurd and totally insufficient for an inherently high-risk project operated by a company with an abysmal safety record.

Steelhead net pens could have major repercussions on Washington’s wild steelhead populations. Not only would these net pens be a massive source of pollution and have the potential to spread deadly diseases and viruses to wild fish, but escaped farmed fish could interbreed with wild steelhead stocks and dilute the genetic pool. While the project calls for the use of triploid (sterile) steelhead, this sterilization is not 100 percent successful, making the risk of interbreeding very likely in the event of a catastrophic spill.

Please take a minute to tell the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to conduct a full environmental review of this perilous proposal. Our iconic state fish are far too important to Washington’s people, economy, and ecosystem to risk them by dangerously rushing through this important environmental review process.

To make your voice heard, sign The Wild Steelhead Coalition has set up a simple form letter you can use to make your voice heard, here!

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An Inside Look at YETI’s New Book TARPON

Sam McLean
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YETI has just released their first book called TARPON. The book consists of a collection of stories and photographs giving praise to the infamous big eye species the TARPON. We had a chance to sit down with David Mangum – the mastermind (and curator) behind the new book – to ask a few questions about how it all came together! Check out the interview below.

YETI_20191010_Product_Tarpon-Book_Spread_P12-13_Face-with-Bandana_ForwardFlylords: We just received our copy of the Tarpon book, and wow Dave, what an incredible job! What does it feel like to be finished with the project?

Dave: Lots of emotions, relief, nervousness, excitement, pride, and a lil disappointment that it’s over.

SANDY PORT BOOK

Flylords: What was the original conversation with YETI like when they approached you about the book?

Dave: Roy and I were Tarpon fishing, he was on the bow, and outta the blue, he turned around and said, “Have you ever thought about doing a book”? We spent the next few days hashing out how it would look.

Flylords: How do you begin laying out pieces to go into a book with so many creators involved?

Dave: Collect as many images as possible. Then define the criteria. Tried to select images that were timeless and told a story about the “culture” of tarpon fishing

ANDY CIGAR POON

Flylords: Where did you source the images from?

Dave: Over 30 different photographers and Austin Coit and I hit the road for the portrait shots, wish I could have had even more time for that.

diryt water poon

Flylords: How do you time-manage effectively for deadlines and due dates?

Dave: Stay ahead of the due dates, finish things ahead of time. It wasn’t a problem.

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Flylords: What surprises did you encounter that added or changed the direction of the book?

Dave: Nothing really changed the direction. The only tough part was collaboration with other creatives on which images should be involved, we only had so many pages to work with. I wish it could have been 300pages…

BEAR FLIES

Flylords: What are your creative aspirations for the book?

Dave: I just hope those within the Tarpon world feel it’s a true representation of the sport and fish.

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Flylords: What do you hope to see it express or change in the fly fishing world?

Dave: Nothing, don’t want it to change a thing. I’m just so happy to have a chance to create something you can put your hands on.

OHEARN PANIC

Flylords: What is your opinion on YETI taking a pivot from lifestyle products to produce a print book like this?

Dave: I think it’s exactly in their storytelling  wheelhouse, we all know their films, this is simply a print version of that storytelling they are so good at, I’m just honored they trusted me with telling that story.

YETI_20191010_Product_Tarpon-Book_Cover_Front

Flylords: Do you have a favorite page of the book? Anything else to add? 

Dave: The last 2 pages, the portraits!

David Mangum is owner and operator of Shallow Water Expeditions

In an interview with us, Dylan Schmitz (Contributing Photographer) explained why he was so excited to be apart of this project:

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Dylan: I’ve been fishing all my life but I didnt get into the photography and videography side of things until I linked up with Marty Gallipeau each summer when we came back from college. In 2012 we actually submitted a photo to YETI’s monthly photo contest and won a cooler! We were stoked. Since then we’ve always been big fans of the brand and the people behind it. Its such an honor to be a part of this project, and David Mangum did such great job with it. I used to watch his films way back and they were super inspiring, he deserves a lot of credit for showing this awesome side of saltwater fly fishing.

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In YETI’s words, “Take a visual journey into the world that surrounds this iconic fish with our first YETI Presents book, curated by David Mangum. Over 130 pages of stunning photography and short essays from some of the sport’s most influential writers, including Charles Gaines, Thomas McGuane, Randy Wayne White, and Diana Rudolph, in celebration of the culture of the Silver King.” When asked about a personal story with the Silver King Dylan Schmitz said;

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“One time some buddies and I went down to Key West and had tough fishing, but the trip was amazing overall. We spent lots of days looking for hungry fish up and down the key, just pushing in. Some days of good weather in the 80s. Was on the poling platform, the sun was going down, and a circle of fish formed, and I slapped my fly down in the middle of the circle and this big girl took it. We got the set, the girl ran, and the prototype rod my friend bought broke in like four pieces. I don’t fish to land tarpon; I fish for the jumps or the fish and the fight.”

Be sure to check YETI’s New Book online here.

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The Understated Beauty of a Brookie

Olivia Merlino
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The Understated Beauty of a Brookie

They’re found in places that are wild and often untouched. Thought to be one of the most beautiful species of fish, it is only fitting that you would find them in the most pristine places.

We drove miles deep into a valley situated in the western mountains of Colorado. Winding down a forest service road we came to a snowy outcrop and grabbed our gear- dogs included. One by one our footsteps crunched through the fresh layer of white and as we approached the water, our conversations diffused like fall snowflakes. The silence added to the untouched nature of the setting. No one wanted to be responsible for ruining that recognized moment as we watched the lake for any sign of movement. Only a few areas of the lake were not yet frozen over offering solid casting practice, but more so a chance at hooking up to a colorful masterpiece beneath the surface.   

They’re called Brook trout and their presence is a direct indicator of a flourishing watershed. A healthy population of these trout live only in the coldest and cleanest of water— this backcountry lake being the perfect home.

Where were you the last time you hooked up to a brookie?

Likely somewhere where your lungs were rewarded with high quality air, or maybe a place where humans are the minority among wildlife. Appreciate those moments, appreciate those wild places and the fact that ultimately, a fish brought you there. But don’t forget to appreciate the obvious and also understated beauty of a brookie and what they’re presence can tell us.

As anglers, we are often in tune with the ways in which humanity continues to threaten the health of watersheds across the globe— the most current being the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, AK. As the most valuable sockeye salmon fishery in the world, it’s often difficult for anglers, conservationists, and natives to see any chance of value behind the immense impacts this mine would have.

Not only would it affect the environment but also the economy and culture of this watershed. It’s imperative that as anglers we push the importance of focusing our attention on discerning whats productive and what is positive for our watersheds, the Pebble Mine being neither.

The next time a brookie is on the other end of your line, hold onto that little win- that moment of connecting with such a pure and pristine ecosystem that has been left alone from the wake of humanity. Then imagine a world where this was the norm. A world where the future of habitats and fly-fishing were not threatened. Let it inspire you to continue protecting and conserving the watersheds that mean so much to you and to the species of fish and other wildlife that rely so much on them.

All is not lost in today’s environmental crisis, and for that, we have the understated beauty of a brookie to thank.

Article by Olivia Merlino, check her out on Instagram @merlinoolivia. Photos from a recent Team Flylords trip to Colorado.

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