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Finding the right fly rod for you
People ask me all the time if I could recommend a fly rod. Sure, I say, but there are many variables to consider, and what works for me might not necessarily be your cup of tea. Let’s start with the basics. Fly rods are categorized by length and “weight,” which doesn’t mean the actual weight of the rod…
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A valid question; How’s fishing after restoration projects?
An angler might wonder; what will one of Trout Unlimited’s restoration projects do to the fishing? It’s a valid question. At times we work with contractors to add numerous logs (or even full trees) and woody debris in a stream to make the habitat more complex. We break up long, straight riffle sections with j-hook rock structures to slow down the flow and create deeper holding water. TU…
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Busy field season ahead for Driftless Area
Trout Unlimited’s Driftless Area Restoration Effort’s has another busy field season ahead of it for 2026. Work started in January, when we started construction on the partnership project on Fancy Creek. In conjunction with the landowners, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resourcesz, Pheasants Forever, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Richland County Conservation District, U-W Madison, and others, the project has been designed…
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Five years of healthier fish and forests in Idaho’s Panhandle
In Northern Idaho, TU and the Forest Service are working together to restore native trout habitat, support local jobs, and improve wildfire resiliency In North Idaho, TU’s Panhandle Chapter has been active for several decades, but Trout Unlimited didn’t have full time staff in the region until Erin Plue was hired as a project manager late in 2020. Plue led TU’s partnership with the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (IPNF) until…
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18th Annual Driftless Symposium draws robust crowd
More than 115 participants recently connected at the Stoney Creek Lodge in Onalaska, Wisc., for the 18th annual Driftless Area Symposium.. Held in late February, the event featured presentations on a wide variety of topics, including trout genetics, stocking activities, stream restoration permitting, outreach strategies, beavers, springs and more. There were more than 30 presenters, including nine students who shared their research activities. The event…
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Photo of the week – fishing dogs
It’s hard to beat a good fishing dog. Sure, it takes time and patience to train them properly, but it’s doable... and so worth it.
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TROUT Tying Tip – Copper John
This fast-sinking, highly-effective fly pattern is ideal for imitating mayflies or even stoneflies, especially in fast-moving water. Created by John Barr in the early 1990’s this is a great pattern for spring fishing. Tie some up today with these tips from Orvis. See All Orvis Learning Center Fly Tying Videos

