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How to Tie: The Fat Albert

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: The Fat Albert

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Martyn White Flicking Feathers shows us how to tie a staple terrestrial pattern for the dog days of summer, the Fat Albert.

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Easy

As we approach August, we also enter into one of the most exciting times of year: terrestrial fishing. Throwing big dry flies at banks can offer some of the most explosive and entertaining eats of the season. There are few things more enjoyable than seeing big trout rise carelessly for big bugs, and hopper season is a time when it can happen. The Fat Albert is one of those terrestrial patterns that you can chuck at the bank and have confidence in during the hot dog days of summer.

Being composed of mostly foam allows this fly to ride high and stay highly visible when in the water. Making sure the legs set in the correct positions can be important to these flies, especially since we are imitating hoppers with large rear legs. The Fat Albert is simple to tie yet productive, which makes it a staple hopper pattern right beside the Chubby Chernobyl and Morrish Hopper.

Whether tied as a single or in a dry dropper rig, the Fat Albert will produce fish. If thrown as a single, I personally like casting onto overhanging grass on the bank and wiggling it out so it falls like the real deal. This action will bring out the worst in hungry fish and undoubtedly result in a few eats. With the dog days of summer commencing, the Fat Albert will produce as those hatches slow and fish turn onto falling hoppers.

Ingredients:

  • Hook: TMC 2302 or Other Hopper Hook
  • Thread: Flat Waxed Nylon
  • Body: 2mm Fly Foam
  • Wing: Poly Yarn
  • Legs: Medium Round Rubber

Now you know how to tie the Fat Albert!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Martyn White Flicking Feathers.

Bass, Bluegrass, and the Back Forty Mine

Monica Auger
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Bass, Bluegrass, and the Back Forty Mine

Traveling on the backroads through increasingly wild landscapes- no cell service, no towering buildings, and only the occasional passerby. The border between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin is formed by the Menominee River, one of the many systems that eventually dump into the Great Lakes. Folks around here know what car you drive, what your drink of choice is, and your grandma’s birthday.

We became quite fond of the area after spending time on the water with some of the best from the midwest, Tim and Nate up at Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co. and everyone’s buddy, Adam Greuel.

Nate Sipple (left) and Adam Greuel (right).

Born & Raised in the Land of ‘Ope’  

Musician, angler, and proud Wisconsin-ite Adam Greuel, from the bluegrass band Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, is no stranger to the Menominee. Heck, the river even inspired a beautiful impromptu love song while we were out on the water. When he’s not busy bringing joy sonically, he’s exploring rivers, small streams, and just about anywhere Google Maps shows there might be a chance of fishing. Russel Pedersen- who plays fiddle, banjo, and vocals for the band- was also able to make it out for the day before the two headed to Washington Island to headline Sol Grass Music Fest.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades is a self-described “progressive high-energy string band from WI with roots in old-time, folk and bluegrass”. They recently celebrated a decade of making music together, most of which has been inspired by the simplicities of good ol’ Midwestern living. Fly fishing and the Menominee have inspired tunes such as River Rat, Wisconsin Water, Northbound, and Rivers High. 

Fishing isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are. It’s ingrained in the music they produce, the way they schedule their entire year, and even the cars they drive. The whole band is rallied behind one thing: smallmouth bass.

Russel pickin’ strings mid-float.

Bassin’ was Slow, Spirits were High

There’s not much that brings midwesterners together quite like a casserole… or smallmouth bass. Nobody knows this better than Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co. owner Tim Landwehr and Sage Elite Pro Nate Sipple. When it comes to smallmouth we couldn’t think of any better people to lead you in the right direction… we will have to get back to you on their casseroles though. Just like Adam and Russel, fishing the Menominee is more than a hobby or even an obsession, it’s a way of life that’s deeply ingrained into every part of who they are.

For over twenty years, anglers from all over have made the trek to the Menominee River to experience the legendary topwater bite. Year after year, anglers return for the slowed-down lifestyle, valued friendships that have been created, and pound-for-pound best fighting fish out there.

Adam decided which popper to cast with the new Sage R8 CORE.

We didn’t float all 116 miles of the Menominee, but one day on the river was enough to want to keep coming back. Our trusty guide, Nate Sipple, helped us navigate the post-storm waters as we all worked to get the bass to bite. The new Sage R8 Core was the perfect tool for the job.

The new Sage R8 CORE

We were able to deliver countless casts to every undercut bank, waiting for the topwater explosion. This led us to switch popper sizes and colors throughout the day and even tried to poke some fun at pike. As they say, it’s not always easy but it’s always good.

The Sage SPECTRUM LT reel fit snuggly on the new Sage R8 CORE.

“People have to be aware about it if they’re going to care.”

About halfway through the day, the crew paused at an island before some of the most gorgeous braids. Nate instructed us that we were floating through the area where the proposed Back Forty Mine would be operating. This is why, in 2017 and 2020, the conservation coalition American Rivers named the Menominee one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers.

A sign opposing the Back Forty mine is stood in tall grass on the river bank.
Signs in opposition to the mine were scattered on the river bank.

The Back Forty mine is a proposed open-pit metallic sulfide mine that would be located on the banks of the Menominee River. The mine would spread over 865 acres across the Menominee watershed and be a mere 150 feet from the river bank. It targets the gold, zinc, and copper deposits in sulfide-ore rocks that formed from past volcanic activity. To access these deposits, a 750-feet deep pit would be dug to remove any rock and soil covering the sulfide ore. The company would mine the ore through cyclical blasting and drilling. But it doesn’t stop there. The company plans to extract the metals on-site. This extraction process uses cyanide to extract metals from sulfur. In a mining case study on its website, nonprofit SOS Blue Waters describes that “… regular mining is like mining the chocolate chips out of a cookie, while sulfide mining is like mining the sugar out of a cookie.”

The final open pit plan for the Back Forty Mine. Courtesy of MDEQ.

When sulfide minerals are exposed to air or water, sulfuric acid is created. This suspected musculoskeletal and respiratory toxicant is a highly corrosive material that is an active component in battery acid and drain cleaner. These minerals are what would be sitting just 150 feet away from the Menominee River. 

As stated in a 2016 research paper by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, “uncontrolled acid generation from AMD [acid mine drainage] results in an ecosystem with high levels of metals, dissolved solids, sulfates, and acidity. A mine draining acid water can devastate rivers, streams, and aquatic life for many years.”  

Look no further than the 2015 Colorado Gold King Mine spill for an example of the fate that lies ahead for the Menominee. The mine, abandoned since 1923, released millions of gallons of acid mine drainage into the Animas River. It devastated the nearby farmland of the Navajo Nation and turned the entire river orange from contamination. 

A Changed Community

The Menominee is home to an abundance of classic freshwater species such as small and largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskie, perch, and lake sturgeon. The bounty of fish has led to loyal anglers coming back year after year to enjoy peace, serenity, and bar-none fishing with cherished friends. Tim, Nate, and the whole Tight Lines crew rely on this fishery for their living and the local community relies on them as a premier local business. Horseshoes and Hand Grenades and an uncanny amount of other artists derive inspiration from the unique landscapes that span the 116 miles of river and across the Menominee region. This water is not just a location, but a way of life and a lifeline to an entire community. All of this is threatened by the mine, which would ultimately hurt more than it is claiming to help.  

More fishing, less mining. Adam and Russel effortlessly cast the Sage R8 CORE rods.

The question is not if it will contaminate the precious freshwater, but when and to what extent. To read more about the Back Forty mine, click here. To make your voice heard, sign here and share on social media. 

A huge thanks to Tim, Nate, and the whole Tight Lines Fly Fishing Co. crew for showing us nothing short of a good time. And a special thank you to Sage Fly Fishing for enabling us to get out on the water and cast those primo R8 CORE rods in primo smallie water.

Simms to be Acquired by Vista Outdoor for $192.5 Million

Dan Zazworsky
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Simms to be Acquired by Vista Outdoor for $192.5 Million

Today we’ve got big news coming out of Bozeman, Montana, where Vista Outdoor just announced that they are buying Simms Fishing Products for a whopping sum of $192.5 million.

From SGB Media:

“Vista Outdoor, Inc. announced the acquisition of Simms Fishing Products for the purchase price of $192.5 million. The gross purchase price includes a net present value of roughly $20 million in future tax benefits. 

Simms, the fishing brand and designer, marketer, and manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel, is headquartered in Bozeman, MT. The company was founded in 1980 and later acquired in 1993 by K.C. Walsh, its current executive chairman.

“Walsh’s initial vision for Simms was to create the most beloved brand in sport fishing that could marry his passion for fishing with his commitment to fisheries conservation. This vision has endured as Simms is now one of the most highly innovative fishing gear and apparel companies and a purpose-driven brand that resonates with consumers across the globe,” said Vista in a press release.

More than 8,500 Simms-sponsored fishing professionals use its products and distributes them through specialty retail domestically, internationally and DTC through simmsfishing.com. 

Vista said, “fishing continues to be a popular and highly accessible activity, with more than 55 million fishing participants in the United States alone.”

You can learn more about the acquisition on SGBMedia.com.

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Bristol Bay Notches Another Record Sockeye Run, Other Salmon Runs Struggling

Will Poston
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Bristol Bay Notches Another Record Sockeye Run, Other Salmon Runs Struggling

Another year, another record breaking run of sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay. Last year’s run of 67.7 million fish was a record and a rallying cry to protect this watershed. As of July 21, more than 76 million fish returned to Bristol Bay and its tributaries.

The run is so large that reports are coming that boats and fishing gear are literally sinking due to an overwhelming amount of sockeye salmon. And before people wonder about the sustainability of such seemingly gluttonous catches, fishermen cannot harvest salmon until their respective escapement goals have been met–i.e. enough fish have made it upriver to successfully spawn.

“After a record-breaking season like this year, there’s no question that Bristol Bay is an exceptional place that deserves exceptional protection,” said Elizabeth Herendeen of Businesses for Bristol Bay. “It’s an economic engine that pumps out billions of dollars of annual revenue, supports more than 15,000 renewable fishing jobs, and supplies millions of pounds of nutritious wild protein. That’s why businesses around the country are calling on the EPA to finalize Clean Water Act protections for Bristol Bay by the end of this year; it’s a national treasure that we can’t afford to lose.”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

However, other salmon runs throughout Alaska and Bristol Bay are not seeing the same productivity. Bristol Bay’s Chinook and coho runs are experiencing comparatively poor runs, and some tributaries in Alaska are seeing record-low runs on the verge of collapse. The Yukon River Chinook run in one of them, where “the drainage-wide run may be under 50,000 fish, which is so small that escapement goals may not be met in any tributaries.”

So, what is causing the boom for Bristol Bay sockeye and the bust for other runs? Well, it’s complicated and multi-faceted. Dr. Daniel Schindler is a fisheries science professor at the University of Washington and has spent extensive time in Bristol Bay studying sockeye. He shared his thoughts with KYUK, a news source for Alaska’s Yukon Delta. Schindler offered several insights to what may be contributing to the up and down runs, but the exact scientific explanations will be difficult to pinpoint.

“What we have is correlations,” said Schindler. “And the correlations are that when we’ve had really warm—too hot, even—eastern Bering Sea sea surface temperatures, Bristol Bay sockeye have done really well. And other species in the region haven’t.” The different behaviors and life histories of these different species “are making chinook and chums vulnerable to something that sockeye aren’t–at least sockeye that are returning to Bristol Bay.”

Another aspect that may be contributing to the stellar sockeye runs in Bristol Bay is the water conditions at the rearing lakes. As they become warmer, plankton production increases in these lakes increase which has direct impacts for juvenile sockeye. “So over the last 60 years, we actually see that juvenile sockeye are growing much faster now than they were 30 or 40 years ago, which means they’re leaving for the ocean as bigger smolts. And presumably, that has something to do with their higher survival rates in the ocean.”

It’s a bitter-sweet reminder that climate change will produce winners and losers for fisheries around the world. The communities of Bristol Bay are no doubt greatly benefiting from thew booming sockeye runs. But fishermen targeting Chinook in the Yukon drainage may not even be allowed to fish this season, because of historically poor runs. In the near future, climate and fisheries science will become more and more important. But in the meantime, protecting these wild places, ensuring our fisheries remain abundant and sustainable, and keeping these watersheds intact is the best insurance policy we have to the variable impacts of climate change.

“Bristol Bay continues to reign as a wild fish powerhouse, and with that supports Indigenous traditions, a robust sportfishing economy, and a commercial fishery that puts healthy food on tables worldwide. Clean water and healthy fish habitat are a crucial component of these record smashing runs, which is exactly why we need durable protections for the headwaters of the region as soon as possible.” Meghan Barker, Bristol Bay Organizer for Trout Unlimited in Alaska.
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently accepting public comments on proposed Clean Water Act protections for Bristol Bay until September 6, 2022. Check out www.savebristolbay.org/take-action today to protect this amazing watershed.
Cover picture by Will Claussen.

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Finding a lot more than Fish, a Treasure

Kirk Marks
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Finding a lot more than Fish, a Treasure

Angler Story: Flylords Culinary Editor Kirk Marks finds Early Archaic Projectile Point on the water

A couple weeks ago, I fished a small, privately-owned stream after work. Turns out, I ended up finding much more than some hungry creek chubs and sunfish. 

Photo Credit: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

This is a Kirk Corner Notched projectile point from the Early Archaic period. It’s anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 years old, made from a hunk of rhyolite and all in all, cool as shit. To add some historical context, this thing came into existence about the same time Ice Age animals like mammoths and sabertooth tigers were on their way out.

Photo Credit: Kirk Marks (@kirkymarks)

There were some notable downpours in the days leading up to this particular outing. I assume the point was dislodged from an undercut bank due to the subsequent water level rise and discharge increase in the stream. It’s preserved so well and hardly weathered; I can’t imagine it had spent much time in the stream proper. 

Photo Credit: Dylan Taillie (@dylightful)

The feelings that come with holding this relic are hard to explain. In a roundabout way, it makes me feel even more centered in my outdoor pursuits. It’s like some ancient form of encouragement saying “keep it up, man.” 

Photo Credit: Dylan Taillie (@dylightful)

The dude who stood behind this point hunted out of necessity. Lucky for me, hunting is a choice; my survival doesn’t actually hinge on my success in the field. Our lives are hardly comparable, but I can’t help but to think, after all this time we still share that common interest. 

The point has a decent name too. 

Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks. 

Angler Story of the Week: Norwegian Salmon Rips Centerpin off Reel

Reel of the Week: Caddis Dries with Danny Eiden & John Kelley

ICAST Announces “Best of Category” Winners for 2022

Dan Zazworsky
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ICAST Announces “Best of Category” Winners for 2022

ICAST is the largest fishing industry trade show where manufacturers get a chance to show off their product lines and display their latest angling innovations. This year, as always, the show was held last week in Orlando, FL and the results from their “Best of Category” awards are in, showing off the best-of-show products by category. While fly fishing is not the focus of the show, there are several pieces of outerwear and gear that the fly fishing industry is going to love. Check out the awards results, below!

From the American Sportfishing Association:

Last night, the ICAST 2022 “Best of Category” winners were announced during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by St. Croix Rod. The recreational fishing industry’s brightest stars gathered beneath the stage lights to see which products would carry home one of the coveted ICAST awards selected by credentialed buyers and media at the industry’s largest trade show.

“The nice thing about these awards is that they are accolades from your peers,” said the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) Chairman Jesse Simpkins, VP of Marketing for St. Croix Rod. “They recognize the hard work, effort and ingenuity that goes into the product.”

This year, more than 900 new products were entered in 30 categories. On Thursday, those winners will go head-to-head in voting to determine the overall “Best of Show” winner—an honor reserved for the pinnacle of new products with the greatest chance to impact sportfishing’s future.

After launching on July 19 with Super Tuesday, ICAST, the premier annual event for the global recreational fishing tackle industry, is now in full swing through Friday, July 22. ASA, the show’s producer, is a national, non-profit trade association whose member companies share a stake in promoting sportfishing for the well-being of their businesses and to grow recreational fishing.

Today at 2:00 p.m., the ICAST 2022 overall “Best of Show” award will be presented inside the New Product Showcase at the Orange County Convention Center.

“One of the winners told me he spent 365 days on this,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “Then, he told me that he is starting on next year’s tomorrow. That’s how much this means to some manufacturers.”

All New Product Showcase entries [were] available for viewing on the ICAST app for Apple and Android devices.

On Wednesday, the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception was preceded by a full day of festivities, including the State of the Industry Breakfast featuring keynote speaker and shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder. De Gelder warmed up the packed ballroom with tales of personal perseverance and survival amidst an irreverent backdrop that sent attendees into the show on a high note.

By mid-day, the Keep America Fishing Dunk Tank was causing a stir across the show floor thanks to Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers Matt Robertson and Brandon Palaniuk, who taunted fellow pros and fans gathered to take their shot at splashing them in the tank for a cause.

It all served as a prelude to the highlight of the day, the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception where Hughes presented 30 lucky winners with hard-earned recognition and the chance to take home Thursday’s overall “Best of Show” award, the sportfishing trade’s top prize.

ICAST 2022 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners

Best of Category — Novelties and Wellness Product:

Garmin Quatix 7 Smartwatch – Sapphire Edition

Best of Category — Boating Accessories Product:

Frabill ReCharge, Deluxe Aerator |
Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Boats and Watercraft Product:

BOTE Rackham Gatorshall + APEX Pedal Drive | BOTE

Best of Category — Footwear Product:

AFTCO Ankle Deck Boot | AFTCO

Best of Category — Ice Fishing Product:

Garmin LiveScope Plus Ice Fishing Bundle LI | Garmin USA

Best of Category — Eyewear Product:

Roca | Baijo Sunglasses

Best of Category — Lifestyle Apparel for Women Product:

Women’s Reaper Softshell | AFTCO

Best of Category — Lifestyle Apparel for Men Product:

CocoBoardies Boardshorts | AFTCO

Best of Category — Warm Weather Technical Apparel Product:

SolarFlex Guide Cooling Hoody | Simms Fishing Products

Best of Category — Cold Weather Technical Apparel Product:

Barricade Rain Suit Acid Camo Colorway | AFTCO

Best of Category — Soft and Hard Coolers Product:

P88-MK Combo | PacBak

Best of Category — Electronics Product:

MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock | Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics

Best of Category — Cutlery, Hand Pliers, or Tools Product:

BUBBA Saltwater Multi-Flex Fillet Knife | BUBBA

Best of Category — Fishing Accessory Product:

Frabill WITNESS Weigh Net | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Kids’ Tackle Product:

Kid’s Tributary Wader | Simms Fishing Products

Best of Category — Tackle Management Product:

Plano EDGE Frog Box | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Terminal Tackle Product:

DieZel Eye Jigheads | Z-Man Fishing Products

Best of Category — Custom Tackle and Components Product:

RBS Pro G2 Power Wrapper | Mud Hole Custom Tackle

Best of Category — Fishing Line Product:

SpiderWire DuraBraid Hi-Vis Yellow | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Freshwater Soft Lure Product:

Berkley PowerBait PowerStinger | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Freshwater Hard Lure Product:

Berkley Slobberknocker | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Saltwater Soft Lure Product:

Kicker CrabZ | Z-Man Fishing Products

Best of Category — Saltwater Hard Lure Product:

LIVETARGET Live Shrimp | LIVETARGET Lures

Best of Category — Fly Fishing Rod Product:

Banshee Fly | Bull Bay Tackle Company

Best of Category — Freshwater Rod Product:

Legend Tournament Bass Rod | St. Croix Rods

Best of Category — Saltwater Rod Product:

Ugly Stik Carbon Innshore Rod | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Rod & Reel Combo Product:

Shimano Spheros SW Combo | Shimano

Best of Category — Fly Reel & Fly Fishing Accessories Product:

Hardy Fortuna Regent Saltwater Fly Reel | Pure Fishing, Inc.

Best of Category — Freshwater Reel Product:

Shimano STELLA FK | Shimano

Best of Category — Saltwater Reel Product:

PENN Authority Spinning Reel | Pure Fishing, Inc.

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Team USA Wins Gold at World Fly Fishing Championships

Dan Zazworsky
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Team USA Wins Gold at World Fly Fishing Championships

The 7th Annual World Fly Fishing Championships were held in Trentino, Italy this year, and Team USA came up big, securing the win over both the Italian and Belgian fly fishing teams.

Learn more, here!

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Umpqua Releases New 2023 Fly Patterns

Dan Zazworsky
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Umpqua Releases New 2023 Fly Patterns

Brand new Umpqua patterns are coming soon to a fly shop near you now that the Colorado-based fly manufacturer has announced their new flies for the 2023 fishing season. See them all in the video above and on Umpqua’s website!

From Umpqua:

Umpqua is thrilled to release our new flies for the 2023 season. From the vises of Umpqua’s Signature Tyers, these flies are now available after years of on-the-water testing and refining. From match the hatch spinners to carp flies, this collection has innovative patterns for a variety of scenarios, including plenty of heavy jig flies.

All of the new 2023 flies are in stock now at Umpqua dealers across the country.

2023 Flies Designed By: 

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AFFTA Fisheries Fund Awards $31k in Grants

Dan Zazworsky
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AFFTA Fisheries Fund Awards $31k in Grants

AFFTA has increased its charitable influence in the fisheries world this summer, awarding more than $30,000.00 to non-profits and water restoration projects around the country. Funds will go to restore fisheries, provide educational opportunities and help fund research projects.

From AFFTA:

In June, the AFFTA Fisheries Fund (AFF) Board awarded $31,500 to non-profits across the country in support of projects aimed at fisheries restoration, research, education, and assisting underserved communities. AFF is proud to have provided more than $265,000 in support of partner organizations working to enhance fisheries, restore habitat, and increase awareness.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers – New Mexico Stream Access Stewardship & Education
Access/Restoration/Education

Through targeted stream access restoration projects, an education campaign, and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, work to enhance the public’s understanding of how to thoughtfully recreate on New Mexico rivers and streams while being good stewards of our riparian and aquatic ecosystems and fisheries.

Bighorn River Alliance – Side Channel Reactivation Project – Montana
Habitat Restoration

Based on the successful reactivation of two side channels in 2021 (which AFFTA Fisheries Fund provided financial support in 2020), work to reactivate 12 side channels that have become disconnected or are increasingly low functioning, restoring a total of 5.5 miles of critical spawning and juvenile rearing habitat.

Flathead Rivers Alliance – Fisheries Conservation and Stewardship Messaging – Montana
(Education/Responsible Recreation)

Expand responsible recreation messaging, focusing on fisheries conservation and stewardship, surrounding the 219-mile Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River, targeting visitors and residents alike in northwest Montana.

Menikanaehkem – Menominee Reservation Youth Initiative – Wisconsin
(Education/Underserved Communities)

Support for an Indigenous youth leadership initiative providing wellness to at-risk youth through the revitalization of their connection to nature using fly fishing as the “hook” to share the therapeutic experiences of the outdoors.

Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited – Downtown Trout – Connecticut
(Education/Underserved Communities)

Launch “Downtown Trout” in the heart of Stamford, Connecticut, designed to increase outdoor participation among urban families by offering free, weekly fishing and environmental education opportunities for local youth and families.

Native Fish Coalition – Inter-Stream Movement of Sea-Run Brook Trout in Maine
(Research/Management)

Research to determine whether wild native sea-run brook trout in a multi-stream estuary system demonstrate inter-stream movement. As sea-run brook trout represent a unique life history strategy, migrating between freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater, this understanding is vital for proper management.

North Umpqua Coalition – Establishing an all-wild steelhead watershed (Oregon)
(Species Restoration)

Wild summer and winter steelhead in the North Umpqua River face threats from the climate change impacts of fire and drought. With the destruction of the Rock Creek Hatchery by wildfire, work to designate the river as a wild steelhead-only watershed.

Trout Unlimited — Alaska Fish Habitat Mapping and Community Science Project
(Research/Management)

Provide continued support to survey water bodies in southeast Alaska for anadromous fish use and add these data to the Anadromous Waters Catalog (AWC) to ensure prioritized anadromous fish habitats receive basic protections under state law. At present, the AWC is incomplete, and many important species and water bodies are left unprotected.

“We are delighted to provide support for these important projects while we also recognize the need to grow our grant funding as we were unable to provide support for many other quality projects,” observed Whitney Tilt, AFF Executive Director. “For 2022, we grew our grant funding by 30 percent, and we plan to keep that growth in 2023 and beyond, thanks to the support of the fly fishing industry.”

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Reel of the Week: Laid up Tarpon in Gabon, Africa

Nelson Oxley
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Reel of the Week: Laid up Tarpon in Gabon, Africa

A note from Christiaan Pretorius:

“There are not many places nowadays where you don’t hear the classic saying on your arrival  “you should have seen this place 20 years ago”, story of my life. Gabon is certainly one of those places, surprisingly. I have seen Tarpon behave out here in ways that is completely uncommon in the “well known” Tarpon fisheries. Apart from the behavior of the Tarpon it’s the size of the fish that really draw me to this fishery. Everyday you set foot on the skiff you have a legitimate shot at hooking a 250lb+ fish. Big fish aside this is a damn cool fishery right here on our African coastline, I look forward to spending many more years out here getting to know these majestic creatures.”

Follow @christiaanpretorius and his endeavors to chase different gamefish all over the world on instagram.

Check out the articles below:

5 Tips for Landing Your First Tarpon

How to Choose the Best Hooks for Tarpon on the Fly

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