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Video Spotlight: The Beiarn Project
We talk a lot about "sustainable development" in the conservation arena. The notion that human progress need not impair or impede the natural order of our rivers is perhaps one of more attractive ideals within the growth and development fields. And, make no mistake, we have the ability to protect our watersheds while we continue…
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Fly tying: Different kinds of hackle
I've learned a lot about fly tying over the last few years, thanks to Tim Flagler's tying videos, and his "One-minute Fly Tying Tips and Techniques" videos he does through Orvis. The latter series is particularly helpful for beginning fly tiers who might need some help understanding certain aspects of the craft, like stacking hair,…
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Voices from the River: Lessons from the Tinker Creek fish kill
By Mark Taylor First came the stench. A putrid, heavy, disgusting aroma. Dead fish on a hot summer day. There is nothing quite like it. On rivers with heavy salmon runs it’s expected, coming after the fish complete their one-time spawning run, in death providing nutrients to ecosystems that will support their soon-to-hatch fry. But…
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TU, Vermont Fish and Wildlife host Chinese delegation
Recently, TU’s Upper Connecticut Home River’s Initiative, along with our partners at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, were invited to speak to employees of the USFWS and the Chinese Department of Wildlife Conservation and Nature Reserve Management, and the Cinese State Academy of Foresty, about our stream restoration and research projects on the Silvio…
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Trout Tips: Small stream structure
I hear from a lot of anglers who prefer chasing big trout on big water that small-stream fly fishing is easy and that the fish aren't as sophisticated as big-water trout. This may be true, in some instances, but I'm here to tell you that you'll need more casts in your toolbox to effectively cast…
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Fishing with bears—a primer
By Dave Atcheson As usual, there have been many stories this year in Alaska about bear encounters and, unfortunately, two deaths attributed to black bears. This brings up the ever-present question of what steps we, as fishermen, might take to avoid similar confrontations. It is a topic that often generates a great deal of speculation…
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Fly tying: The Stonefly Creeper
Who says fly fishers can't appreciate art just like anyone else? If you've ever watched a true fly-tying artist craft an Atlantic salmon fly at the vise, you know that really good tiers have a flare for the artistic. Tim Flagler is no different. Video of Stonefly CreeperAs you'll see above, the Stonefly Creeper is…