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When the fish don’t show up, the river tells the truth
In May, I sat in the boat with my brother on the Clearwater River, fishing for spring Chinook. Our excitement had been brewing for a year, since last season ended. The river looked right. The water felt right. It was the kind of morning that reminds you why people in Idaho wait all year for these incredible fish to come home. But by the end of the day, we had not gotten a…
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The True Cast – The 3 “modes” of dry-fly fishing
Not all dry-fly fishing is the same. Seeing trout poke their heads above the surface might be the obvious clue that you can play the dry-fly game. But the savvy angler recognizes subtle situational differences that can and should dictate some basics, like which fly pattern you choose and how best to present it. I’ve learned…
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Video of the Week – The Golden Trout Project
If wilderness and pristine fishing areas resonate with you, it might be time to check out “The Golden Trout Project”. High in the southern Sierra mountains of California lives a beautiful native trout called the golden trout and now is a splendid time to explore the area. Trek there to see the numerous projects and habitat improvements made by Trout Unlimited and partners and…
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TROUT Tip – tame the wind
Even if you’re new to fly fishing, you can imagine the challenge that a windy day presents to the cast. But it doesn’t have to mean you have to pack it up and go home. It’s all about punching through that stiff breeze, so try these tips to do just that: Thumb on top Make sure to accentuate the power…
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Places Worth Protecting: Hot Creek, California
Hot Creek is a unique geologic site that’s as impressive for its natural beauty as its high quality and highly technical fishing. Join Trout Unlimited, the local community and other nonprofits to help permanently protect this place from mining.
Cresting the dirt rise from the parking on the south side of the canyon, the view comes into focus. The east side of the Sierra Nevada reveals its massive snow-covered flanks. A thin ribbon of clear water S-turns its way through the small canyon. Thick matts of bright green vegetation waving in the gentle current cover the streambed. Small rainbow and big…
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The True Cast – It’s tube and canoe season… don’t sweat it!
Years ago, I was canoeing down the West Branch of the Delaware with a fishing buddy when we came upon an angler casting in the Farm Pool. We asked if he wanted us to paddle behind him, but he just huffed and took a step back toward the bank. So, we took that as a sign to hug the…
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Photo of the Week – Summer
Ah, summer. What many categorize as their favorite season, especially anglers. Long days mean plenty of time to fish (as long as the water temperatures are conducive to trout survival, i.e. below 68°F). Warm days mean lots of bugs hatching and ants, beetles and grasshoppers starting to appear on riverbanks. Time off means spending time with friends and family on your favorite…

