Search results for “great lakes”

Gear test: Filson rugged twill compact rod case

Published in Uncategorized

Who wants to go fishing? Well, just grab the bag. It has everything we need in it. The rods are tucked safely inside. The reels in their cases. All of the flies in the outside pockets with the nippers, the floatant, the extra leaders are all there for quick and easy access. Don’t forget the…

New gear: Simms Tributary waders

Published in Uncategorized

Those of us with kids have all been there. Do we spend the money on quality waders for the young ones so the whole family can enjoy a day or a season on the water? Or do we go with a lesser-known brand, one we don’t trust, and kind of roll the dice? In a…

Casting into high winds

Published in Fishing, TROUT Magazine, Trout Tips, Video spotlight

Ugh. The wind. The bane of every fly caster. Well, not ever caster, obviously. But those of us who don’t often deal with the wind on a regular basis (read: those of us who might get to the bonefish flats but once every couple of years, for instance) can find the wind to be a…

How to fish a soft hackle

Published in Trout Tips, Fishing, Fly tying

I became a soft-hackle devotee about five years ago after a visit to Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Mont., on a fly-buying binge for a trip to the Firehole River. The shop’s proprietor–and fly fishing legend–Craig Mathews convinced me to give soft hackles a shot that blustery fall day, and I’ve been a believer…

New bill would clarify management, improve fishing in Colorado

Published in Conservation, Fishing, TROUT Magazine

Anglers should rejoice in the introduction of the CORE Act, particularly if they live or fish in Colorado’s iconic Gunnison Valley. The Curecanti portion of the Act, introduced by Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Joe Neguse, would establish permanent boundaries for the current National Recreation Area making management simpler and creating improved fishing access.   In 1965, Blue Mesa Dam was completed…

Catch-A-Lure can help retrieve tree-bound flies

Published in Community, Fishing, Gear reviews, TU Business

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a little suspicious of little plastic gizmos that look like they came from a late-night venture on some home shopping network. But sometimes you run on to a very simple idea that you wish you had invented yourself. Here’s one. It’s not expensive, and it’ll pay for itself in no time through reclaimed flies – yours or someone else’s. It’s called Catch-A-Lure, and it was invented by Dave Olexson, a lifelong angler from eastern Pennsylvania. I talked with Dave recently about this nifty piece of simple technology.

Colorado has a water plan; now let’s fully fund it.

Published in Conservation, Advocacy

Finalized in 2015, the Colorado Water Plan is backed by rural and urban water providers, agricultural producers, conservationists and recreationists, and those on both sides of the political aisle. It is described by its authors as “a road map to lead to a productive economy, vibrant and sustainable cities, productive agriculture, a strong environment and a robust recreation industry. It sets…

Greater Little Mountain: Doing it the right way

Published in Conservation, TROUT Magazine

A young pronghorn fawn attempts to avoid detection within the Greater Little Mountain Area in southwest Wyoming. Josh Duplechian/Trout Unlimited By Brett Prettyman “The Little Mountain area is considered by many to be the crown jewel for wildlife and recreation.” Former Wyoming Governor David Freudenthal Special places only stay that way if they are protected.…

TU opposes the Water Rights Protection Act (S.1230)

Published in Uncategorized

On July 26th, 2017, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining held a hearing to receive testimony on a number of legislative proposals, including S.1230, the Water Rights Protection Act.. Trout Unlimited’s letter of opposition is included below. 170725_TU_Ltr_S.ENR-PLFM-SubHrg_S.1230.pdf July 25, 2017 Re: TU Opposes the Water Rights Protection…

Voices from the River: I’m not fishing to catch a fish

Published in Voices from the river

By Natalie Stauffer-Olsen I recently enjoyed an intense discussion with a dear friend. I have known this thoughtful fellow since I was a teenager—his passion for science and research, and his encouragement, were influential in my decision to pursue a career in freshwater ecology. In this particular conversation, I found myself intently listening to his…

Voices from the River: A picture not taken

Published in Voices from the river

The sun sets on an epic day in the Uinta Mountains of northeastern Utah. Brett Prettyman/Trout Unlimited. By Brett Prettyman Years ago, when I was starting out as an outdoors newspaper reporter, the editor looked at my request for a photographer to go on a 40-mile backpacking trip for six days and laughed. “Take a…

A living legend and a fishing machine

Published in Conservation

By Chris Wood “Lefty said, ‘give it a try for a year. If it doesn’t work out, you can come back.’” That was in April 1973, and Paul Bruun, fishing guide, writer, and Wyoming raconteur, never looked back. He moved from Miami Beach to Jackson to write for the Jackson Hole Guide. Lefty Kreh’s counsel…

Lack of funding, not roadless rule, is bigger factor in Utah forest health

Published in Conservation

By Harv Forsgren Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune as an opinion piece in March of 2019. In Utah about half of our national forests — over 4 million acres — are designated as “inventoried roadless areas.” When a 2001 federal rule was being drafted to guide management of roadless…