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How You Can Get Paid to Fish in Colorado This Summer

Dan Zazworsky
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How You Can Get Paid to Fish in Colorado This Summer

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department needs your help ridding waterways of invasive species this summer in the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, Green Mountain Reservoir and Wolford Mountain Reservoir. Across the state fishery managers are struggling to keep their waters free of non-native predators like pike and smallmouth bass, and are paying upwards of $20 per fish as a bounty to anglers who aid them by bringing in freshly caught invasive species.

According to Fox 26 Houston:

“From June 1 until Nov. 30, licensed fisherman can earn $20 for each fish they catch and remove from the reservoir and other bodies of water from Stedman Mesa to the Utah border, according to the wildlife agency.”

All you need is a valid CO fishing license and an 8 weight to cash in on your share of the bounty, and help the native fish species of Colorado at the same time!

To get more details about the program, check out this article here.

Source: Fox 26 Houston.

Title Image by: Oliver Sutro on assignment for Fly Lords.

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A Fly Fishing Adventure in the Colombian Jungle

Patrick Perry
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A Fly Fishing Adventure in the Colombian Jungle

When we approached this “bridge” my initial thought was “we must’ve made a wrong turn, there’s no way we’d cross this?!”…by then the front tires were already bending the bridge and we crept over it.

After a four hour washboard, pothole-filled drive we made it over two river crossings

Camp Numero Dos: I got used to the sounds of the jungle after so many days sleeping outside in it. I went to sleep with strange sounds that I didn’t recognize to waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys in the morning.

We worked hard to access a lagoon that hadn’t been fished all season, there is a reason it hadn’t been fished too… you had to carry the boat, the cooler, the motor and all the gear through the overgrown jungle trail.

For the Peacock bass we were primarily tucking casts as close to the shore as possible and stripping back to the boat starting slow to fast.

Pound for pound these peacock bass will bulldog you down deep and tangle you up into the mangroves with the power of their paddles.

In one shot this sums up the release of a peacock bass release, pure power slapping their way out of your hand.

Every fly that got eaten in Colombia had above normal shows of “wear and tear”

I casted my baitfish pattern into the bank of the lagoon, stripping it back fast and short, resulting in my fly getting T-boned by this peacock and the fish instantly ran under the boat and to the deeper water… we chased after the fish with the boat as the fish ran in all directions, we eventually ended up landing it near an opening to the second lagoon.

The natives throughout the tribe were all eager to share their land and culture with us, we were waved down while cruising in the boat, so we pulled up to be greeted by a native woman holding two parrots, we traded some coca cola for a photo.

The first time we were waved down we pulled up to the beach where a native man had the cutest big-eyed, fawn spotted baby ‘Lapa’’.

If there wasn’t a bug trying you crawl into your eyes or suck your blood, there would be the scorching strong sun burning you – Keeping your Buff on at all times was a must.

As I tailed my fish I felt my feet begin to slide down the slippery granite-like rock… with nothing to grab onto and not wanting to lose my fish I looked up at my guide and as my legs entered the deep water, I reached up and he grabbed my hand where he then landed me, landing my fish.

The “Golden Tarpon” -Sardinia, This fish slammed my popper in the fast water and quickly ran down with the current, jumping with the resemblances of a tarpon head shake.

After breaking off four payara I was down to the last day to fish for them and my second cast of the day I hooked into one, only to be led into two rocks in the middle of the fast current where my fly line got stuck and sucked under the rock…

Determined to not lose this fish, Simón from @fishcolombia jumped into the boat and got to the rock, jumped onto the rock, scraped his bare stomach across the sandpaper rock, grabbed my fly line and raised it above his head and in unison the payara is cartwheeling down the river, I quickly mended my line over him..

Thanks to Simón I was able to finish the fight with the payara and land my personal fish of a lifetime.

One of the hardest fish I have landed, after an incredible amount of hard work I was beyond happy to have accomplished catching a Payara

It was the icing on the cake that I caught this fish on a fly I tied.

The Orinoco river is not to be taken lightly, the strong deep currents will swallow you up in seconds.

Article from Kayla Lockhart and photos from Jesse Packwood of Team Flylords on their recent adventure down to Colombia.

Shoot us an email if you are interested in taking a trip like this: theflylords@gmail.com

https://theflylords.com/2019/06/11/fly-fishing-columbia-trip-preparation/

https://theflylords.com/2017/10/19/tips-jungle-peacock-bass/

June 15-16 Free Fishing Weekend in Montana

Dan Zazworsky
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June 15-16 Free Fishing Weekend in Montana

If you are looking for a quick weekend escape this weekend, Montana should be your spot.  Once a year, Montana allows residents and nonresidents alike to fish for free on public lands in the state, which there are thousands of acres and stream miles of. Whether you want to chase high country mountain trout or try your hand on one of the larger, floatable rivers, it’s worth the trip.

The only licenses required would be if you are chasing Bull Trout and if you are, you should check out this article on how to do it right. If you haven’t had the chance to fish Montana and you’re within driving distance we highly recommend it!

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Throwback Video of the Week – “Fly Gal” April Vokey

Conner Grimes
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Throwback Video of the Week – “Fly Gal” April Vokey

This week we are throwing it WAY back to a 60 Minutes episode with April Vokey. This is a preview of a full feature from back in 2013. With so many women interested in fly fishing today, it is interesting to see how different things were only 5 years ago.

In the video, April is interviewed about her presence on the river, her popularity, and her passion for fishing. In a sport that was heavily dominated by males, April was making a strong career in the fly fishing industry. When the industry once referred to her as a “cupcake in waders”, she proved them wrong with her strong personality as well as her ability to catch some monster fish. Check out the full video to see what she had to say.

Be sure to keep up with April on Instagram and YouTube.

The video of the week is selected and written by FlyLords team member Conner Grimes.

https://theflylords.com/2019/06/06/video-of-the-week-salmon-fishing-in-northern-sweden/

https://theflylords.com/2019/05/24/throwback-video-of-the-week-the-devils/

https://theflylords.com/2017/11/15/video-of-the-week-between-the-lines/

Nestlé’s Bottled Water is Taking Water from Public Lands and Trout

Dan Zazworsky
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Nestlé’s Bottled Water is Taking Water from Public Lands and Trout

In Osceola Township, Michigan, locals are getting very concerned about the fate of their precious local trout streams. For more than 15 years, Nestlé has used the area’s groundwater as a source for it’s bottled water brand, Icy Mountain. Water levels are getting too low and temperatures too high to support its long-standing wild and stocked populations of trout. And now Nestlé has submitted a request to increase its groundwater withdrawal from 250 gallons per minute to 400 gallons per minute, increasing its withdrawals by 216,000 gallons a day. With stream levels already having dangerous conditions for trout, citizens have had enough.

According to an NRDC.org article, “After Nestlé asked the state to increase its allowance from the pump in 2016, public meetings drew hundreds—more than 600 by Maturen’s count—from not only the township but also Detroit and Flint, Michigan. DEQ also received more than 80,000 comments opposing Nestlé’s request and just 75 in favor.”

Environmental groups also shared their disdain for the withdrawal increase, the Sierra Club and Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation (MCWC) criticized the lack of environmental studies arguing that the state has no real-time data to measure stream health since Nestlé began taking water.

To read more about Nestlé’s actions in Michigan check out the rest of the in-depth article, here, on NRDC.org.

Ice Mountain brand water bottles on the packaging line pictured at the Nestle Waters North America factory in Stanwood on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. (Garret Ellison | MLive)

However, this isn’t the only issue Nestlé’s water bottling efforts that are harming our environment. The company is facing backlash in California for its continued use of state forest land as a source for FREE water, which they then turn around and sell. They were required to pay for a $2000 permitting fee and pay nothing for the large volume of water they take out equating to about 45 million gallons.

In the stream whose headwaters are used for the bottling, not much water makes it down out of the park. A California non-profit, The Story of Stuff, created this great video highlighting the issue and those fighting against it.

The Story of Stuff has been largely responsible for the investigative reporting that has brought Nestlé’s poor water usage practices to light. The corporation is now under investigation for illegally using water during the historic California drought a few years ago.

It is so unfortunate that not only are our clean, cold streams under attack from environmental and climate change threats, now we have to worry about corporations mismanaging and abusing the important groundwater sources that give our trout streams and river life.

Source: NRDC.org. TheStoryOfStuff.org.

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Representative Jared Huffman Works to Protect Bristol Bay and Block Pebble Mine

Will Poston
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Representative Jared Huffman Works to Protect Bristol Bay and Block Pebble Mine

Earlier this week, Representative Jared Huffman [California-02] voiced his opposition to the potential Pebble Mine project in Bristol Bay’s headwaters. Rep. Huffman, who chairs the Democrat-led Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, penned a letter to Army Corps of Engineers’ officials highlighting many of the problems with the Pebble’s draft environmental impact statement and potential environmental threats to the Bristol Bay watershed and fishery. 53 other members of congress joined Rep. Huffman in signing this important letter. The letter, which can be found here, discusses many of the concerns for Pebble Mine, including: “the livelihoods and way of life of Bristol Bay tribes, village corporations, fishermen, hunters, anglers, local business owners, and other stakeholders will be put at risk if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits the Pebble Mine.”

In Rep. Huffman’s  press release for the congressional comment letter, his office wrote: “today’s congressional comment letter criticizes the Army Corps’ inadequate draft environmental impact statement for failing to address reasonably-foreseeable impacts of the Pebble Mine on Bristol Bay fisheries, communities, public lands, and cultures; for disregarding concerns about Pebble’s unprecedented water treatment plan; and for ignoring impacts associated with fully developing the Pebble Mine.”

In addition to spearheading this Congressional effort to provide oversight for the controversial Pebble Mine project, Rep. Huffman has also utilized another congressional tool: the power of the purse. He proposed an amendment to an upcoming appropriations bill, which would further delay Pebble’s permitting process by cutting funding for the required Army Corps of Engineers final environmental impact statement.

Rep. Huffman, thank you for your efforts in supporting Bristol Bay. Even from his home district of Northern California, Rep. Huffman understands the delicate national treasure that is Bristol Bay and the threat that is Pebble Mine. Hopefully, this letter and proposed amendment draw even more attention, and furthers the efforts to permanently protect Bristol Bay!

For more info on Pebble Mine, check out these articles:

https://theflylords.com/2019/02/28/pebble-mines-draft-environmental-impact-statement-released-grim-outlook-for-bristol-bay/

https://theflylords.com/2019/04/03/pebble-mine-update-and-call-to-action/

This article was written by Flylords’ Conservation Editor, Will Poston.

Angler Saves and Adopts Abandoned Dog While Fishing in Southern Belize

Flylords
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Angler Saves and Adopts Abandoned Dog While Fishing in Southern Belize

Wesley White was fishing and shooting photography down in Southern Belize at Thatch Caye Resort with Blue Horizon Belize when he noticed an abnormally skinny dog on a nearby Caye/Island. After realizing there was no one on the island to take care of the dog, he took matters into his own hands. He put the dog into his Kayak and took him back to the lodge at Thatch Caye, where he then fed the dog some food and got in touch with a vet on the mainland. The vet was able to run some blood tests and the dog’s health was stabilized. Wesley then had to return to the States but was able to get in contact with the Belize Human Society to set up an adoption for the dog named “Winston.” Check out the full video and photos below from Wesley’s rescue to the adoption and now one happy dog, fishing for trout with Wesley and the rest of the crew.

Be sure to follow along with Wesley and Winston on Instagram @winston_bz.

https://theflylords.com/2019/03/30/the-7-best-fly-fishing-dogs/

https://theflylords.com/2019/05/06/photo-of-the-day-teaching-alaska-catch-and-release/

Fly Fishing Columbia’s Jungles: Trip Preparation

Patrick Perry
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Fly Fishing Columbia’s Jungles: Trip Preparation

Planning a fishing trip out of the country is something you would typically have at least a month or more in time to do…This is how I did it in a little over two weeks.

After feeding my brain with as much research as I possibly could on the area, the fishery and the environment I would be in, I formulated a list of the essentials and priorities that I would need to have for the trip to be successful.

First on my list was obtaining my yellow fever vaccination – This task resulted in being much more difficult than I could have imagined. There was a yellow fever vaccine shortage and after calling all over the Portland area and 2 days later I finally was able to get in touch with a Travel and Immunization clinic – They told me that they have the yellow fever alternative vaccine until the shortage is fulfilled. They then told me that they are booked for a month out …. after some begging and persuading with them they “squeezed” me in that following Monday.

When I met with the nurse who stuck a needle in my arm, she ran down all the “worse case scenarios” with me. She prescribed me the two important pills to bring with, according to her, anti-malaria and anti-diarrhea.  There are four different types of anti-malaria pills and all have different side effects, one being that you can have very “vivid” dreams and another being that your skin can be extra sensitive to the sun. I opted for the ladder of the two, bring on the trippy dreams!   

After you get your yellow fever vaccine they give you this little yellow stamped card that can be very important in allowing or not allowing you entry in some countries. Luckily for travel from the US to Colombia, it is not required but it is recommended and sort of peace of mind to have it just in case.

Next on my list was the bugs! I will be camping in the jungle for 10 days and from my research, everything in the jungle wants your blood. I found the Sawyer Permethrin spray to be the best pre-treatment for my clothing. I hung up all my clothing in my backyard and sprayed multiple layers of the insect repellent to have a base coat ready and soaked into my clothes upon my arrival. The spray lasts for up to 6 weeks and protects against ticks, chiggers, mites, and mosquitos. Once it was dry I could not feel or see any leftover residue or odor which I really liked.

Where I will be traveling is practically on the equator so protecting my skin was very important to me. All the clothing I packed I needed to be confident in that it would withstand the jungle conditions and have SPF protection. The Free Fly bamboo Shade Hoody paired with the Breeze Pants ended up being my go-to for fishing on the boat. They kept me from getting sunburned and also cool in the hot humid weather.

While traveling in and to Puerto Carreno the Kuhl Horizon Pants held through all the weather conditions that were thrown our way. It went from hot and sunny to torrential downpours while standing on the ferry crossing the river and these pants wicked away moisture.

In preparation for the trip, I had the most fun researching the species I would be going after and tying up some of my own creations on what I think could work. Payara were one of the harder fish to find flies for. I knew they had to be big and flashy so going off of that I came up with a few baitfish patterns to tie and I also found a Colombian local who works with Fish Colombia who is an incredible fly tyer and bought some flies off of him – @orinocoflies.

For the Peacock bass, Umpqua flies had all the arsenal we could need. The Reducer Fly was the VIP of the trip.

Last but not least – The gear! I brought down with me 3 setups. 9wt, 10wt, and an 11wt – the 9 wt I had equipped as my jungle dry line for fishing poppers and streamers that I did not want to sink too much for Sardanita and Peacock Bass. The 10wt I had for the peacock bass streamers with a full sinking Type 6 jungle line to get the fly down there when fishing the lagoons. I used the 11wt set up with a full sinking tropical line, Type 6 for the Payara, who live in the fast strong currents of the Orinoco River.

Article from Kayla Lockhart and photos from Jesse Packwood of Team Flylords on their recent adventure down to Columbia.

https://theflylords.com/2017/10/19/tips-jungle-peacock-bass/

https://theflylords.com/2018/11/05/piraruco-king-of-the-amazon-arapaima/

https://theflylords.com/2019/04/17/7-things-you-never-knew-about-the-wolf-fish/

Canada Kicks Plastic: Banning Single Use Plastics by 2021

Dan Zazworsky
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Canada Kicks Plastic: Banning Single Use Plastics by 2021

Yesterday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will ban “harmful” single-use plastics by as early as 2021.

According to the BBC:

“This initiative is modeled on similar legislation passed last year by the European Union and other nations.

Canada will also establish “targets” for companies that manufacture or sell plastics to be responsible for their plastic waste.

Currently, less than 10% of plastic used in Canada gets recycled.

Mr. Trudeau called the issue of plastic pollution a ‘global challenge.'”

We are stoked that our neighbors to the North are taking the lead on protecting and preserving our planet by reducing the amount of plastic they consume. As more and more cities in the USA pass plastics of their own, we hope that states and our country as a whole takes a look at how we all can kick plastic out of our own lives.

Source: BBC.com.

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Bass Pro Shops Donates 40,000 Fishing Setups in Push to Get Kids Outside

Dan Zazworsky
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Bass Pro Shops Donates 40,000 Fishing Setups in Push to Get Kids Outside

From Bass Pro Shops:

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is challenging families everywhere to get off the couch and head outdoors to discover the fun of fishing this summer. Bass Pro Shops is donating 40,000 rods and reels to nonprofit organizations that help kids from all backgrounds connect to the outdoors. The effort is part of Gone Fishing, a nationwide movement that aims to introduce the sport to families everywhere through donations, nonprofit partnerships and free catch-and-release ponds at Bass Pro Shops locations across North America on June 10-11 and 17-18.

Morris was inspired to create the initiative after reflecting on childhood memories of fishing with his family. These experiences helped shape his lifelong passion for the outdoors and wildlife conservation.

“The most special memories in life come from spending time in nature with those you care about. For me, it all started with fishing,” said Johnny Morris, who spent his boyhood summers fishing with his family on the beautiful rivers in Missouri’s Ozark mountains. “We want to help as many kids as we can discover the joy of fishing – on the ocean, in a lake or on a stream – so we’re donating thousands of fishing poles, inviting families to catch their first fish at Bass Pro Shops and encouraging everyone to take someone they love fishing this summer.”

National Donation Day

During a national donation day on Thursday, June 8, Bass Pro Shops is donating 40,000 rods and reels to nonprofit organizations that connect kids to the outdoors and help get more kids outside. Customers brought in their gently used rods and reels this spring in exchange for discounts on new gear. Bass Pro Shops refurbished each piece to ensure it was fish-ready for kids. In the last five years, Bass Pro Shops has donated more than 250,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations including Boys and Girls Club and Boy Scouts of America.

Free Family Activities

There are a variety of free activities and special giveaways taking place in all Bass Pro Shops locations across the U.S. and Canada during Gone Fishing that are perfect for first-time and avid anglers alike. Family-friendly activities taking place on consecutive June weekends (June 10-11, June 17-18) include:

  • Free Catch-And-Release Ponds: Kids are invited to experience the excitement of fishing at in-store catch-and-release ponds and receive a “first fish certificate” to commemorate their big accomplishment. Free photo downloads of their first fish are also available. (Noon – 4 p.m.)*
  • Free Gone Fishing Introductory Guide: Learn the fundamentals and get tips on best local fishing spots with this family-friendly, informative guide. Available while supplies last.
  • Free Fishing Seminars: In-store fishing seminars offer kids and families basic fishing information and tips to make for an enjoyable experience.
  • Free Gone Fishing Door Hanger: The first 100 catch-and-release pond anglers per location each day will receive a commemorative Gone Fishing door hanger perfect for letting parents, siblings, teachers and friends know a fishing adventure is in progress.
  • Video Game Trade-Ins: Bring in a video game and receive $5 off a new youth starter rod and reel combo $19.99 or more. Collected video games will be donated to the AMVETS Association.**

Get Involved

Anglers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to join the movement by posting a selfie with a fish to social media using the hashtag #gonefishing, and pledge to take someone fishing; participants are also encouraged to donate to Teach a Child to Fish. Founded by former professional football player Kendall Newson, Teach a Child to Fish is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing underprivileged, disabled and less fortunate children the opportunity to enjoy nature through fishing, outdoor activities and educational programs.

 A Leader in Conservation

Gone Fishing is one of many ways Bass Pro Shops and Johnny Morris are inspiring everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. The company is a leader in protecting wildlife habitat and introducing new audiences to the outdoors. One significant effort underway is Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, envisioned as the largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world. Wonders of Wildlife consists of an all-new 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds, and an immersive wildlife museum that brings visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, the 320,000-square foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water.

For more information about Gone Fishing, visit www.basspro.com/gonefishing.”

Source: Bass Pro Shops.

Images from Bass Pro Shops.

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