Free Fly x TU: Protecting an iconic trout 

two anglers fishing in boat wearing free fly tu collab limited edition yellowstone cutthroat hoodie

Yellowstone cutthroat trout are among the West’s most iconic native fish, but today they occupy just 43% of their historic stream habitat, with only a small fraction of those remaining populations considered secure.   Unlike introduced rainbow and brown trout, Yellowstone cutthroat evolved over thousands of years in the headwaters of the Yellowstone River Basin, perfectly…

Is it too hot?

water temperature thermometer header

Did you know that trout are cold blooded? What does that mean, exactly? Well, it means that their body temperature depends on the temperature of the water in which they swim.   Why is this important to consider? If the water is too warm, trout struggle to thrive. Warm water carries less dissolved oxygen, which means it is…

Two things anglers can do in times of drought 

low warm creek, not good for fly fishing trout

I had a choice this weekend. I could head down to Shenandoah National Park and fish for native brookies or ply the Potomac for blue catfish and perhaps an occasional schoolie striper.  I chose the Potomac. While I love fishing the Potomac, after multiple days of high temperatures, I didn’t feel great about tugging on bespeckled jewels, even in cold small mountain streams.  Your actions…

The True Cast – Fly fishing through drought 

fishing a river mountains in the background with no snow

Low water? Warm water? You still have options. But you also have responsibilities.  It’s no secret that we’re experiencing some whacky, weird, often unfortunate, and sometimes downright devastating water conditions throughout the country now. Fly anglers understand that better than anyone. We are the “boots in the water,” the “canaries in the coal mine” as it…