We’re close to backcountry trout season here in the West, but we might have to wait a bit longer this summer, given the copious runoff we’re seeing in the region. Nevertheless, wandering off the beaten path—parking at the end of the road and then wearing out some shoe leather—is my favorite kind of trout fishing…
It’s stonefly season in the West—the big, adult bugs will be popping on a river near you before you know it. And, while the dry-fly imitations are easily the most popular—and the most fun to fish—it’s the nymph patterns that likely catch more trout. And there are some great stonefly nymph patterns out there. But…
Looking for a simple and easy way to improve stream habitat, clean the air, and strengthen your conservation community with one easy event? Go get your hands dirty and put some plants in the ground along your local stream! Doing a riparian area planting is one of the most impactful projects we can do in…
I love fly patterns that incorporate a bit of inventiveness, or include some new tricks that I never considered at the vise. Polly Rosbourough’s Casual Dress is one of those patterns. Not only is a fairly simple endeavor to tie a few of these small streamers up, but the tying itself incorporates some nifty procedures…
Even though I have some favorite brands, I think competition spurs innovation, and that pushes everyone to get a little better. I’m eager to watch what unfolds.
Throwing big, weighted streamers can be challenging for a lot of anglers—the added weight also adds some needed nuances to your cast, if for no other reason than to avoid wearing a big, purple monstrosity as an earring. But what about flies tied to even heavier jigheads? Is the need to get really deep, really…
Conservation Related Policies National Conservation Agenda – (2016) (The National Leadership Council creates and approves the NCA which is designed to chart the course for all components of TU – national staff, councils, chapters and members – to work together on a shared enterprise to implement TU’s mission. Policy on Climate Change and Promoting Responsible…
Hatcheries are used extensively throughout the United States to artificially breed and raise salmon, steelhead and trout. Hatcheries are most commonly used to support recreational, commercial, and tribal fisheries, but they can also be used to conserve imperiled populations threatened with extinction. For many years hatcheries were built to mitigate for habitat loss caused by…
New York City Chapter Members gather after planting along the Amawalk River in Westchester, NY. By Tracy Brown Since 2017, Trout Unlimited has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant close to 10,000 native trees along priority trout streams in New York rivers. New York chapters have organized and implemented more than 30 volunteer…
Take photos of everything … but the fish Our friends at Keep Fish Wet and Ten And Two Co. have announced “No Fish Dry July,” a campaign that encourages anglers to ask themselves, “Do I really need a photo of that fish?” and challenges them not to take a single fish photo for the month…
Here’s a great tip for beginning fly tiers—tie at angles. That might sound simple, but it’s a technique that a lot of folks don’t employ enough at the vise–and the results can be immediately visible. Video of Angle for Accuracy Above, Tim Flagler shows us how to not only use angles to tie and secure…
6/30/1999 Cherry Creek Restoration: TU Response to Outdoor Life article Cherry Creek Restoration: TU Response to Outdoor Life article Contact: 6/30/1999 — — Montana TU and the George Grant Chapter support the project because it is a low-risk landscape level restoration project that can benefit westslope cutthroat trout in the Upper Missouri basin, where the…
New Legislation Would Protect Taxpayers, Prevent Nation’s Largest Toxic Polluter from Destroying Rivers New Legislation Would Protect Taxpayers, Prevent Nation’s Largest Toxic Polluter from Destroying Rivers Bill would prevent bad actors, like those behind Rock Creek Mine proposal underneath Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, from sticking taxpayers with billions of dollars in cleanup costs Contact: Chris Wood…
“There are lots of great TU Business members who support our efforts, but I can think of only a few who do as much for TU as Mike and Laura Geary.”
TU volunteers remove invasive weeds at a restoration site in Washington’s Chehalis River Basin
Blonde sand beaches. Warm, clear Caribbean flats. Soft breezes. Bright sun. Stop me if you’re not tired of winter yet, because I can go on. And on. And on. This is the time of year when I toil over the travel sites and search out the best deals for tropical fly fishing retreats. Even getting…
Scuds are an important year-round source of food for trout, but I find flies mimicking them to be even more effective in fall and throughout winter. Scud patterns are also great for tailwater trout hunting—small flies dead drifted through fishy runs often get the attention of trout that have seen damn near everything. Video of…
Tying in hackle that faces rearward can be a bit tricky at times, particularly if you’re using small hackle and small hooks. But, for some patterns—many small soft-hackle recipes come to mind immediately—this is a necessary step in tying the fly. Above, Tim Flagler shares a great tip for crafting a tool that will do…
There are a lot of great things about working for Trout Unlimited. There are even more great things about working with TU Business members. But the best part is the people you get to know. The people who support conservation, the ones who go the extra mile in everything they do—they’re the ones who make…
Welcome to the first installment in a month-long focus on water in the West. Join us on a tour through the history of the West’s water systems and major rivers, as we navigate the challenges of drought and water-scarcity facing the region. We’ll also explore Trout Unlimited’s leadership in finding innovative solutions to long-standing problems.…
