TU Summer 2017

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A F F O R D A B L Y A W E S O M E

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THE JOURNAL OF COLDWATER FISHERIES CONSERVATION SUMMER 2017

30 l Watersheds The Exception that Proves the Rule BY CHRISTOPHER CAMUTO 32 l Blue Lines Seeking Bull. BY TOM REED 34 l Keeping Your Catch (To Benefit Certain Other Species) BY DAN GARREN 40 l You Can Go Home Again BY WALT GASSON 46 l Friend of the Wild: Scott Stouder BY SHAUNA STEPHENSON 52 l Where the (Really) Wild Things Are BY RENE HENERY

62 l Photo Gallery: Skagit BY JOSHUA DUPLECHIAN 56 l Voices from the River: Spirit in the Winds BY CHRISTIAN RICARDI

s 6 l From the CEO 8 l From the Editor 10 l Our Contributors 12 l Our Readers Write 14 l Pocket Water

epartment Brook trout and clean air; women in angling

D seminars; climate change survey; GRTU sets the bar; Apache trout; banning felt in Yellowstone; shops we like; “TU Tested” gear reviews. 79 l Actionline Willow planting in Colorado; cleaning up the Schuylkill; Stream Champ Chris Johnson; annual meeting notes, and more. 86 l Whitlock on the Upright Hair-Wing Dry 96 l Classics Carey Special. BY PAUL BRUUN

On the Cover: Davis Lake, high in the Cascade Lakes of central Oregon, by Arian Stevens MATT GUYMON MATT

Chairman of the Board National Leadership Council Jim Asselstine, TYLER HILL, PA. Representatives State Council Chairs Chairman of National Leadership Council Mick McCorcle, FAIRVIEW, TEXAS Chair ARIZONA, Steve La Falce Mick McCorcle ARKANSAS, John Sturgis President/Chief Executive Officer CALIFORNIA, Cindy Noble Chris Wood, WASHINGTON, D.C. Secretary Paul Doscher COLORADO, Marshall Pendergrass Secretary CONNECTICUT, Alicea Charamut ARIZONA Nancy Mackinnon, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT. , Joe Miller GEORGIA, Carl Riggs ARKANSAS, Bill Thorne IDAHO, Ed Northen Treasurer CALIFORNIA, Mary Tealdi ILLINOIS, Darwin Adams Terry Hyman, MCLEAN, VA. COLORADO, Mac Cunningham IOWA, James Kelehan Secretary of the National Leadership Council CONNECTICUT, Keith Ainsworth KENTUCKY, Lee Squires GEORGIA, Mack Martin Paul Doscher, WEARE, N.H. MAINE, Kathy Scott IDAHO, Chris Jones MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND, Mark Burton Legal Advisor ILLINOIS, Gerald Sapp MICHIGAN, Tom Quail David D. Armstrong, Esq., GREENVILLE, S.C. IOWA, Ryan Maas MID-ATLANTIC, Don Haynes KENTUCKY, Gene Slusher Trustees MINNESOTA, JP Little MAINE, Stephen Brooke MISSOURI (OZARK COUNCIL) Jeff Witten Bernard C. Bailey, BETHESDA, MD. MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND, Garry Crago MONTANA, Chris Schustrom John Braico, M.D., QUEENSBURY, N.Y. MICHIGAN, Robb Smith NEW HAMPSHIRE, Thomas Ives Sherry Brainerd, RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIF. MID-ATLANTIC, Noel Gollehon NEW JERSEY, Richard Thomas Charlie Breithaupt, CLAYTON, GA. MINNESOTA, John Hunt NEW MEXICO, Art Vollmer Stoney Burke, KETCHUM, IDAHO MISSOURI (OZARK COUNCIL) Michael Riley NEW YORK, Ron Urban Noel (Skip) Dunn, LEWISVILLE, N.C. MONTANA, Daniel Short NORTH CAROLINA, John Kies Bill Egan, JACKSON, WYO. NEW HAMPSHIRE, March McCubrey OHIO, Don Antrim Scott Hood, BROKEN ARROW, OKLA. NEW JERSEY, Kelly Buchta OKLAHOMA (INDIAN NATIONS COUNCIL) Patsy Ishiyama, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. NEW MEXICO, John Lopez Greg Mann Richard Johnson, WILMINGTON, N.C. NEW YORK, Scott Seidman OREGON, Terry Turner Howard Kern, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF. NORTH CAROLINA, Dale Klug PENNSYLVANIA, Charlie Charlesworth Henry Koltz, BROOKFIELD, WIS. OHIO, Vacant SOUTH CAROLINA, Paul McKee Walt Minnick, CHEVY CHASE, MD. OKLAHOMA (INDIAN NATIONS COUNCIL) TENNESSEE, Mike Bryant Trout Unlimited Board of TrusteesTrout Unlimited Board of Stephen Moss, LARCHMONT, N.Y. Phil Curtis TEXAS, Phil Dopson Dan Needham, WINNETKA, ILL. OREGON, David Moldal UTAH, Jeff Taniguchi James Nevels, PHILADELPHIA, PA. PENNSYLVANIA, Brian Wagner VERMONT, Clark Amadon Ken Olivier, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. SOUTH CAROLINA, Malcolm Leaphart VIRGINIA, Kevin Daniels Daniel Plummer, EAST BRANCH, N.Y. TENNESSEE, Steve Brown WASHINGTON, Rosendo Guerrero Kevin Reilly, SANTA FE, N.M. TEXAS, Mark Dillow WEST VIRGINIA, Lee Orr Thomas Stoddard, LONDON, ENGLAND UTAH, Kelly Marquart WISCONSIN, Linn Beck LYNNWOOD, WASH. Mark Taylor, VERMONT, Jared Carpenter COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MICH. WYOMING, Cole Sherard James Tolston III, VIRGINIA, Graham Simmerman WILMINGTON, N.C. Raiford Trask, WASHINGTON, Tim Gavin LIVINGSTON, MONT. Dan Vermillion, WEST VIRGINIA, Derek Edwards SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. Jim Walker, WISCONSIN, Kim McCarthy BOZEMAN, MONT. K.C. Walsh, WYOMING, Jim Broderick John Willis, CHICAGO, ILL.

Coldwater Conservation Fund Board of Directors 2017

President Mr. Brian Doyal, GLENCOE, ILL. Ken Olivier, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. Kirk Wortman, STAMFORD, CONN. Matthew Fremont-Smith, NEW YORK, N.Y. Edmond Opler, WILSON, WYO. Steven B. Gewirz, WASHINGTON, D.C. Brain Paavola, KEY WEST, FLA. Executive Committee Peter Hunt, PIEDMONT, CALI. Stewart Parker, SEATTLE, WASH. Phillip Belling, NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. Jim Jackson, HOUSTON, TEXAS John Redpath, NEW YORK, N.Y. Douglas Biederbeck, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Tony James, NEW YORK, N.Y. Steve Renehan, SUMMIT, N.J. Stephan Kiratsous, NEW YORK, N.Y. Jim Kelley, ATLANTA, GA. Andrew Roberts, REDDING, CONN. Jeffery Morgan, DARIEN, CONN. Cam MacMillan, BOULDER, COLO. Leigh Seippel, NEW YORK, N.Y. Directors Ivan Marcotte, CHARLOTTE, N.C. Robert Strawbridge, WILSON, WYO. Jeffrey Marshall, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. Margie Taylor, SHERIDAN, WYO. Bruce Allbright, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. Gregory McCrickard, TOWSON, MD. Daniel Zabrowski, POCONO PINES, PA. John Bell, TRYON, N.C. J. Thomas McMurray, JACKSON, WY. Stephen J. Zoukis, SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. R. Scott Blackley, LEESBURG, VA. Stephen Moss, LARCHMONT, N.Y. Stream Map USA

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TROUT SUMMER 2017 4

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From the President SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 60 • NUMBER 3 [ Chris Wood] EDITOR Kirk Deeter DEPUTY EDITOR Native and Wild: Rules of the River Samantha Carmichael Trout and salmon allow us broad discretion to “play in the fields of the EDITOR-AT-LARGE Lord” when it comes to conservation. Gravity works cheap, and never Erin Block Trout Unlimited takes a day off. Everything we do on the land is ultimately reflected by 1777 North Kent Street the health of our waters, and so we engage as advocates in issues as varied Suite 100 as hydropower to agriculture, forestry to climate change. Arlington, VA 22209 Ph: (703) 522-0200 At first glance, Trout Unlimited’s vision of ensuring that “robust Fax: (703) 284-9400 populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within [email protected]______their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home www.tu.org waters” seems to provide similar latitude. DESIGN grayHouse design Not exactly. Not all native fish are where they belong, and not all wild fish are beneficial. [email protected] A few years ago, I had a public disagreement with Douglas Thompson, a professor at DISPLAY ADVERTISING Connecticut College, over an opinion piece he ran in The New York Times describing how Tim Romano poor hatchery and stocking practices led him to give up trout fishing. In a snarky response, [email protected]______I wrote that Doug “waded in over his head” and that he should stop “carping at anglers” (303) 495-3967 because the real problems facing native trout were habitat loss and climate change. TROUT UNLIMITED’S MISSION: I was wrong. TU’s scientists pointed to introduced trout (whether recently stocked or a To conserve, legacy of earlier stocking), as well as climate change and habitat loss in our seminal “State protect and restore North of the Trout” report as major problems for native trout. America’s I am getting ready for the fan mail as I write this, but if you are fishing out West in bull coldwater fish- trout habitat and catch a beautiful brookie, whack the brookie where regulations permit. eries and their watersheds. Brook trout are native to the East and interbreed with threatened bull trout and outcompete cutthroat. If you are fishing in the Gila Trout wilderness, and come across a rainbow trout TROUT (ISSN 0041-3364) is in a recovery area for Gila trout, eat the rainbow for dinner. Introduced rainbows compete published four times a year in January, April, July and October and hybridize with native Gilas. by Trout Unlimited as a service Similarly, we should leverage the great relationships we have with state fish and wildlife to its members. Annual individual membership for U.S. residents agencies and help them reconsider stocking non-native fish on top of native trout (and is $35, $40US for residents of dealing with legacies of trout stocked long ago). The place for stocked fish is generally not Canada and $55US for residents of all other countries. TU offers 10 in the same waters occupied by reproducing populations of native trout. different membership categories. Here are a few rules of the river for conservation minded anglers: Join or renew online at www.tu.org. TU does occasionally make its 1. Know and celebrate your native trout and salmon. Take the opportunity to learn what mailing list available to like-minded fish are native to the waters you love to fish and how to identify them accurately. organizations. Please contact us at the address above if you would 2. Carefully and quickly release native fish such as brookies in the East; or cutthroat and like your name withheld. the many other native trout species in the West; or rainbows along the Pacific Rim. Postmaster send address 3. If you want to take a picture of a fish that you don’t plan to eat, do so quickly, and without changes to: TROUT Magazine taking it from the water. Trout Unlimited 1777 North Kent Street 4. Discourage your state agencies from stocking non-native trout in waters that possess Suite 100 native trout. Arlington, VA 22209 5. Carefully release wild fish from rivers where wild fish persist in the absence of natives or don’t pose a threat to natives such as the Henry’s Fork, Madison, Beaverkill, and the Savage. 6. Enjoy an occasional non-native wild or stocked trout and salmon for the table if you catch it in waters occupied by native trout such as rainbows in the South Fork of the Snake or salmon from The Great Lakes (regulations permitting, of course!). 7. Don’t be sanctimonious. Conservation is a long game. Patiently educating people about ______ways to protect wild and native trout fisheries creates a lot more converts than showing everyone else that you are pure and smart.

TROUT SUMMER 2017 6

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From the Editor [ Kirk Deeter] True Trophies As we built this issue around a theme of “wild and native” I got to thinking about “trophy” fish. Size is the natural benchmark for most anglers. How could it not be? “I caught a fish.” “Really? How BIG was it?” I mean, have you ever been asked, “Did it have its adipose fin?” Years ago, the plate was the proof. We’d rush over to grandpa’s cabin in the morning to see what he had in the refrigerator after fishing the previous evening’s hatch. Now, Facebook has replaced the fridge. I didn’t know that many two-foot brown trout lived in the world until Facebook came around. But the interesting thing is that I’m starting to consider those big fish less the “trophies” than I do the equally photogenic natives—especially the ones that fit in the palm of my hand. In truth, I’ve probably caught several dozen browns that weighed five pounds or more (I’m lucky… I travel a lot… and I like catching big browns). But I’ve only caught a few Gila trout. I’ve only caught a day’s worth of Bonneville cutthroats. I’ve never caught an Apache trout. A native brook trout on an eastern stream is special. In my mind, catching any native fish, touching it and returning it to the water is nothing short of sacred. There is no greater “trophy” to be had, in my mind, than the simple understanding that I have tricked eons of instinct, especially in a native’s place, and kept only the knowledge that that fish is still alive and swimming today. I hope you “like” that, and “share” that too… without pushing any buttons.

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Dr. Rene Henery is an Ecologist and Eco-geographer who holds a joint position as the California Science Director for Trout Unlimited, and part time Research Faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno. Rene completed his B.A. at Reed College in Portland Oregon and his Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis. Rene’s current work explores diversity and connectivity as pathways to resilient watersheds, ecosystems and human communities in the U.S. and abroad. Our Contributors Shauna Stephenson has worked in communications for Trout Unlimited for six years. Prior to that, she was an outdoor writer in Wyoming. She currently lives with her family in Pony, Montana.

Chris Ricardi resides in Maine where he works as an environmental scientist consultant and spends his spare time chasing trout and landlocked salmon on New England waters. His fishing obsession and love of wilderness adventure regularly send him across North America to cast lines into waters where fish can be found. He has written about his fishing exploits, fisheries management and conservation issues in popular magazines including Alaska, Outdoor Life and Sports Afield.

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Our Readers Write

Hi, there. “Dropper?” I think that is the fly the new TU book Trout Tips, which includes I consider myself a novice fly fisher. I that sinks? A dropper is the fly, how can tips from members throughout the country. The live near Phoenix, Ariz., so I have to the fly be tapered? If you mean a tapered beauty of the book is that it involves all types of travel a ways to find cold water fishing. line tied to the dropper you should say so. tips—from simple, familiar reminders, to more I maybe fish 2-3 times a year. I joined “Wind resistant.” What makes a fly wind detailed and technical advice. In other words, TU to support your conservation efforts resistant? How would I know what that there’s something for everyone, and readers are and perhaps learn some fishing tips. But looks like? free to take (or leave) whatever they want. Now, I after the material in the Spring issue I “Foam dries.” What? I guess it is some think you’re splitting hairs on some of this. Frankly, have less incentive to bother with the sort of dry fly. Is it made out of foam? if you have trouble connecting the dots between a magazine. I don’t tie flies but I know you can use “foam dry” and a dry fly made of foam material, You had a feature with some fishing bits of foam. I don’t have any flies that I don’t know what more I can do. For the record, tips. Many I was already familiar with.. have foam except maybe a grasshopper this magazine is for anyone who cares about rivers But some were frankly great examples of or ant. But a foam dry? What is that? and fish, regardless of their fishing prowess. –K.D. why some folks see fly fishers as elitists. [Lists other examples…] I am referring to the item at the bottom … my conclusion is this magazine is Also, for the record, Trout Tips was introduced of page 42, “The Taper is the Key to for experts and seriously experienced April 4, and is already in its third printing as one Presentation.” I understand that you fishers. And not for people like me. of the best-selling fly-fishing books on the market learn via practice. But there is so much Thanks for listening. now (thanks to all involved!). All the author royal- terminology I am not familiar with. Mike Mackowski ties go straight to TU, and TU will be featuring The first sentence: “Tapered dropper: this book as a premium in our summer Calendar When you use big, wind resistant foam Editor responds: We appreciate your being Campaign. That will be a great opportunity to pick dries (standard Western style) and long, a TU member Mike and are happy to listen. The up a copy (or a few) and support the organization lighter tippet droppers…” Whoa right story you reference was actually an excerpt from and its programs.

SEND LETTERS TO: Our Readers Write: TROUT UNLIMITED • 1777 N. Kent St., #100 • Arlington, VA 22209 • [email protected]______

RESTORING TROUTT AND THE AMERICAN ELM

Established in 1967, Elm Research “The partnership that TU has developed with ERI is Institute is a non- great because together we are restoring two native profit organization species – Eastern brookies and the American elm.” dedicated to restor- –Joe Norton, TU Upper Connecticut Home Rivers Initiative inging the American elm, aanativespeciesthath native species that has been decimated throughout its historical range due to Dutch elm disease. ERI organized a national movement to save the elm from extinction, and our research led to the development of a preventative injection for American elms as well as a disease-resistant tree named the American Liberty elm. American Liberty elms are available as 1-3ft trees, in lots of 25, for $2/tree plus shipping for any TU staff member or chapter engaged in stream restoration activities. Call ERI 1-800-367-3567 for more information or email [email protected]______

TROUT SUMMER 2017 12

13 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Pocket Water news bits and bytes

Brook Trout Like Clean Air, Too Through the 1980s, Virginia’s St. But there is concern that a recent Washington and Jefferson National Mary’s River was a mountain jewel, presidential executive order that takes Forest, was not expected to be per- anglers visiting from far and wide to aim at the Clean Power Plan may halt manent. fish pools teaming with wild brook, or even reverse progress on the St. “It’s a budget, like balancing a rainbow and brown trout as the creek Mary’s and other waters recovering checkbook,” says Dawn Kirk, fisheries tumbled through a rugged canyon in from acid deposition. biologist for the forest. “When the lime the Blue Ridge Range. The U.S. Forest Service began treat- is used up you have to replenish it.” In the 1990s, that changed. ing the St. Mary’s River in 1999, using But the gap between treatments is Wracked by acid rain, the creek’s pH a helicopter to dump 140 tons of growing, and that can be correlated to plummeted. The stream’s brown and ground limestone into the watershed improvements in air quality. rainbow trout disappeared. So did its that March. Monitoring of acid deposition in mayflies. Populations of relatively acid- The stream responded, with pH the Central Appalachians shows a tolerant native brook trout also cratered. numbers climbing, brook trout and marked decrease in the amount of pol- Liming treatment has helped turn insect life improving, and anglers lutants falling into the forest over the things around, a recovery aided by returning. past two decades. improvements in air quality that Liming, also being undertaken at “If you look at acid deposition, reduced acid deposition. several other streams in the George especially sulfates, it’s just a fraction of

TROUT SUMMER 2017 14

what it was,” Kirk says. “The air quality Wild and Native… is so much better.” Acid deposition levels started Angler Scientists to the Rescue decreasing after 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act were enacted to “Apathy is In the past decade, the Southwest’s three native trout address acid rain. species—Gila, Apache, and Rio Grande cutthroat— Since air quality has improved even Our Enemy.” have been devastated by the impacts of climate some acid-impacted streams that have –Chris Wood, TU CEO change, including warming water, mega-wildfires and not been treated with limestone are reduced stream flows. showing improvements in pH levels To better understand changing conditions, TU, in collaboration with the University of Arizona, will enlist student volunteers and TU chapter members and in fish populations. in 2017 to install temperature monitoring devices in native trout streams across Pat Harmon recently completed Arizona. his Masters thesis at James Madison TU senior scientist Jack Williams announced the “angler science” effort in April at University, studying pH levels at 13 the annual Southwest Native and Wild Conference in Phoenix. The collected data, he streams in Shenandoah National Park. said, will be used to guide restoration strategies for the rare Apache and Gila trout. The streams all showed improve- “We need better data on stream temperatures in areas of potential reintroduction ment, though those where geology for Gila trout,” Williams said. “We’re looking for things like which stream stretches limited natural buffering showed only are spring-fed or have cooler environments for trout habitat.” a moderate increases in pH. “Citizen science gives rank-and-file members the opportunity to take samples and monitor stream temperatures and become part of the solution,” TU CEO Chris “There is not a lot of buffering in Wood told the conference. “We know we can take concrete steps to combat the the first place,” Harmon said. “But impacts of climate change—and that gives hope and is hugely significant. Apathy now that acid deposition has been is our enemy.” reduced there is a slow recovery.” —By Randy Scholfield Experts worry that trend could turn around if acid deposition levels 100% 100% increase if Clean Air Act provisions Do you believe Based on what you have are weakened. 90% 90% climate change read or heard, which of the Kirk planned the first liming of the is real? following comes closest to your St. Mary’s cobbling together more than 84.60% 80% 80% (4,241 responses) views on climate change? $40,000 in grants, including finan- (4,248 responses) cial support from Trout Unlimited, to 70% pay for a helicopter to dump 140 tons 70% 60% of lime into the watershed. The next treatment, in 2005, cost 60% 50% more than $50,000. The most recent 50.42% treatment, in 2013, cost more than 50% 40% $100,000. Based on recent trends, Kirk 30% 40% thinks that another treatment of the 26.13% St. Mary’s watershed might not be 20% 22.22% needed until 2023 or 2024. 30% But if acid deposition levels begin 10% 1.22% increasing, that could change. The 20% 0% improvements in streams not being Climate Climate Climate Don’t know change change change is treated may also see a reverse in their 10% 10.23% is caused is just a part of a fortunes. by human natural natural activity cycle cycle but is “Recovery takes a long time,” 5.16% 0% intensified Harmon said. Yes No Don’t by human Know activity — By Mark Taylor

15 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Pocket Water

1886 issue of the St. John’s Herald: “I speak truly when I say it was the most enjoyable period of my life.” He recounted how he and his pals caught scads of Apache trout from the White River during a prolonged summer outing. The sport fishery was renowned. The Apache trout had become known to science a few years earlier in 1873, when it was collected by members of the U.S. Geographical Survey, though it was wrongly identified as a Colorado River cutthroat trout. Other scientists collected the yellow trout from the White Mountains from time to time, but it wasn’t until a century later in 1972 that the fish was properly recognized as a unique species and assigned its current scientific and common name. A year later it was placed on the endangered species list. That recent scientific description doesn’t mean that others had not already known that the trout was something significant. The White Mountain Blue Lines and Yellow Trout Apache Tribe was prescient, the first to conserve the fish, closing Apache trout The Apache trout has gone from anonymity to the state fish of Arizona streams to angling in the 1940s. By that Blue meandering lines on maps of east- remaining populations of a pretty trout time, the trout had been reduced to a ern Arizona tell a story about the shape found nowhere else but in streams that mere 30 miles of streams all within the of the land and the interactions people rim the White Mountains have with it. They symbolize the streams of Arizona. that vein off the White Mountains and The Apache trout is pour downhill to their inevitable junc- named for the people ture with something larger that may and the place that are sport another colorful name. intertwined with one The streams form patterns on the another. The yellow trout maps that please the eye. Their names ornamented with black enliven the imagination. There’s spots, white-tipped fins, no poverty of spirit in some of the and a raccoon-like eye labels: Hurricane, Moon, Sun, Stinky, mask lives naturally only Firebox, Paradise, Soldier, Crooked, in the headwaters of the Peasoup. Two silver rills that spill into White, Black, and Little Little Bonito Creek remain unnamed Colorado rivers near the OTTO AARON by map makers. And that has per- New Mexico border. confines of their Fort Apache Indian haps the greatest charm of all; it could The fish has been well known to Reservation. be that the artifices of mankind have anglers for some time. Local farmers Places everywhere have their scars, yet to reach this remote place on the and ranchers made forays into the high and the White Mountains were no Fort Apache Indian Reservation where country in summer to catch them. One exception. The loss of habitat from threatened Apache trout persist. All of correspondent, simply “J.H.” from excessive timbering and grazing and these waters harbor some of the last Show Low, Arizona, wrote in a July the introduction of non-native trout

TROUT SUMMER 2017 16

species were detrimental to the native They expend a great deal of energy Apache trout. Over-stocked cattle removing non-native brown trout and trampled stream banks and reduced brook trout from Apache trout waters. shrubs that would cool trout waters in They accomplish this with backpack- rout Unlimited CEO Chris their shade. Abusive land uses acceler- mounted electrofishing gear where the Wood spoke at the dedica- ated topsoil erosion into Apache trout unwanted fish are stunned and netted Ttion of a memorial to Art streams. High sedimentation dur- from high mountain streams. Neumann, a TU founder who ing the spring run-off affected trout A new technology known as envi- coined the phrase, “Take care of reproduction; fine sediments clogged ronmental DNA guides their work. Fish the fish and the fishing will take porous gravel beds where oxygen-rich shed skin cells and of course eliminate care of itself.” The dedication, water should percolate over incubating bodily waste in the water which contains appropriately, took place near the Apache trout eggs. To make matters the animal’s DNA. That DNA can be holy waters of the AuSable on the worse, non-native brown trout, brook detected in the water. Biologists from Saturday of the Michigan trout trout and rainbow trout were planted the FWCO and tribe collect stream opener. Thanks to all Michigan in Apache trout streams. All three spe- water from several sites over long reach- anglers who continue to carry cies out-compete the native fish for es. Water passes through a filter and the the torch. food and spaces to live, and rainbow filter analyzed by U.S. Forest Service’s trout hybridize with Apache trout. Rocky Mountain Research Station. Over the last 75 years, through the The lab results then specify which actions of the White Mountain Apache stream sections contain the unwanted Tribe, followed by work with the U.S. non-native trout. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Periodic population monitoring U.S. Forest Service, and Arizona Game continues, as does barrier monitor- and Fish Department, Apache trout ing. Where unwanted non-native populations have rallied. The future fishes occur downstream, constructed looks sunny for the species; it could be barriers keep them at bay below and the first sport fish to be recovered and the pure Apache trout populations removed from federal threatened or protected above. Constructed barriers endangered species protection. exist on 23 creeks. Conservation work continues. Conservation is a laborious affair, Cattle have been fenced out of select but nothing worthwhile ever comes Apache trout streams within the easy. “Make haste slowly,” the adage Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and goes; being deliberate delivers success. along streams within the Fort Apache Toward that end, the Apache trout Indian Reservation. Non-native sport lies within the Service’s Mogollon fishes are no longer stocked near Emphasis Area where it focuses con- Apache trout waters. Alchesay-Williams servation work. Creek National Fish Hatchery, located At present, Apache trout exist in on the reservation, continues to raise 28 populations and swim in 170 miles Apache trout for sport fishing. Apache of stream. The lot of Apache trout trout from the federal fisheries facil- has changed significantly over time. ity are stocked on the reservation and In what is really only a brief period, they are shared with the Arizona Game the species has transcended from ano- and Fish Department to be stocked nymity and mistaken identity since the in neighboring national forest waters. time of the happy letter-writer, J.H., Many streams are open to anglers. to the point when the White Mountain The Service’s Arizona Fish and Apache Tribe stepped up to protect Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) their trout. It’s now the official state fish biologists remain shin-deep in Apache of Arizona and a favorite for anglers. trout work, striving toward that goal —By Craig Springer of recovering the threatened species.

17 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Pocket Water

Gabettas wears rubber- soled wading boots, but sells both in his fly shop in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Felt and rubber are selling 50-50, but rubber is gaining traction. Two hours west of Jimmy’s is Picabo Angler. “We have to do It’s the shop near Sun everything we Valley, Idaho where outfit- can to prevent ter John Huber goes one step further. He doesn’t introduction into give customers a choice the park because anymore. He stopped once they’re here, selling felt in 2014. they’ll be here “Our living is depen- dent on the health of our forever.” ecosystem,” Huber says. “Why put that at risk if you can prevent with something as simple as switching the soles of your boot?” Jumping on the “Ban” Wagon For invasives, the reason for rub- Yellowstone considers dumping felt-soled wading boots berizing a fishing trip in the first place, the debate isn’t as simple as changing The iconic image of a fly fisher wading says Josh Prestin, Redington brand soles. Slipping rubber and gripping in Yellowstone National Park could manager. “Before that, felt was the way felt both attach to boots with laces. look different soon. That fisher won’t to go and time, energy and thought Those laced boots wrap around waders be wearing felt-soled wading boots. wasn’t put into rubber.” skirted in gravel guards. Higher up the Yellowstone is considering a felt ban. When invasive species invaded water- body, there’s a net dipping into home The change is open for public comment ways, rubber started sliding into rivers waters and far-from-home waters. The this spring. The ban would take effect because, in theory, it grabs less contami- invasive argument goes beyond soles. next season. nation than felt. But felt grips and rubber Yellowstone knows this, but still sees “We wouldn’t want to ban a boot style slips so the industry started producing the ban as a step in the right direction. if there wasn’t an alternative, but now cleats and spikes for rubber soles. Rubber “The threat of aquatic invasive spe- there are alternatives,” says Todd Koel, started sticking, and cies is never going Yellowstone National Park native fish selling, better. to go away,” Koel conservation program leader. “That’s “It took me a says. “We have to do why, as a part of bolstering our overall while to warm up everything we can to aquatic invasive species prevention in to it, but now I like prevent introduction Yellowstone, the park will probably be rubber better than into the park because going to a ban on felt soles in 2018.” felt,” says Jimmy once they’re here, Seven states already ban felt. Gabettas, Jimmy’s they’ll be here for- Maryland was first in 2011 then Alaska, All Seasons Angler ever.” Missouri, Nebraska, Rhode Island, owner. “Especially — By Kris Millgate. South Dakota and Vermont. Vermont Vibram rubber soles. Outdoor journalist Kris reversed its ban in summer 2016, but When you step out of Millgate is based in Idaho the other bans are still in effect. water onto mud or Falls, Idaho. See more of “Rubber gained popularity in 2008 grass, it’s better than her work at ______www.tight- to 2010 because of invasive species talk,” felt.” ______linemedia.com

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FINATIC FLY REEL — PREMIUM FLY FISHING PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA

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WOMEN

IN TU along with Jackie Kutzer, Secretary of the NLC DI workgroup and Jen Ripple. Highlights from Somerset: Seminars and presentations that ranged from destination trips, photography and gear; the Showcase Social with over 80 people in attendance; a meet & greet with industry representatives from Orvis & Patagonia; and, a Women’s Roundtable breakfast discussion “Sharing Our Passion With Others” sponsored by NJTU State Council. This annual tradition brought together over 45 people to share their success stories and ideas for future events and programs. Participants shared in conversation that ranged from industry experience to first time adventures. Others talked about the need to find some tranquility in the world as well as the competition of the sport. Jeff Yates, Vice-President of Volunteer Operations, attended along with Kelly E. Buchta, Vice Chair of the NLC DI Workgroup and NJTU Diversity Coordinator, Jen Ripple, and Jackie Kutzer. Overall, both Women’s Showcases brought up similar themes: network- ing, support structures of social media BRANDON MILLER BRANDON and newsletters to inform; and, the power of volunteering that extends beyond giving back and feeling good to Fly Fishing Shows Host Seminars for learning new things and sharing ideas Women Anglers with others. The widely-shared outcome: there are opportunities for us all In conjunction with the Fly Fishing posed to the group “How has fly fishing that present a chance to share passion, Shows in Denver and Somerset, each made a positive impact on your life?” increase awareness and promote the hosted a three-day event showcasing engendered stories that touched many mission of TU. women. We thank all those that came out of the participants. From Casting For —Kelly E. Buchta to support the event at each location and Recovery experi- hope to see more Women’s Showcases ences, to tales of at other shows. DUN Magazine Editor courage to go out Jen Ripple coordinated the showcases and explore, and this year and with gratitude, those that forging friend- attended enjoyed the events. ships, the stories of Highlights from Denver includ- impact were posi- ed a breakfast discussion on “The tive and energizing. Reflection Pool: Women in the Angling Joining in the talk Community” which offered commen- were the found- tary on how fly fishing has touched ers and leaders of

so many women’s lives. The question Sisters on the Fly, JEFFREY YATES

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– WALT’S – “REAL DEAL” R&M Welding of Wyoming or those of us who live here, it’s an inconvenient truth: Wyoming’s economy is prone SPOTLIGHT to boom and bust cycles. It’s a great place to live, a perfect place to raise a family and BY WALT GASSON Fan awesome place to fish. But the fact is that Wyoming rides the energy wave. Most recently, we’ve seen booms and busts in oil, gas, coal, and wind energy. It’s the Wyoming way, it’s what we do. The latest bust hit Wyoming a few years back, and we all felt it. Many people lost their jobs. Companies moved out. Families relocated, and communities suffered. One Wyoming energy services company, R&M Welding, was hard hit by the downturn in natural gas prices and was forced to close its eastern Wyoming shop. But in western Wyoming, R&M teamed up with conservation groups to weather the economic storm. Seedskadee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Muley Fanatic Foundation “The fence projects needed a way to protect important riparian areas and aspen stands for a few years to give helped keep the the woody plants a chance to grow and become established. They needed a way to protect sensitive riparian areas along a headwaters stream for pure Colorado River cutthroat. shop in Rock Springs The groups approached R&M Welding in Rock Springs with this fencing challenge: The fence had to be nearly maintenance free, no postholes, easily put up and taken down in open. Becoming a TU the field, and be 6 feet tall. They knew this was no small task, but they also knew R&M was Business member was the perfect partner. R&M immediately got to work and designed a bomb proof fence that has exceeded all expectations. Using old pipe donated from local oil and gas operators; an easy decision.” Breitburn Operating, Wexpro, Southland and Royalty Company. — Billy Black, general manager They may have created their own niche market. Conservation fencing has become an R&M Welding important product for R&M. They have built 18,700 linear feet of fence out of 770,440 feet of pipe. Word has got- ten out; a fence project from Oregon is in the works this winter. Moreover, it’s become a great example of cooperation between the energy services company and local conservation groups. Billy Black the general manager for R&M Welding said. “The fence projects helped keep the shop in Rock Springs open. Becoming a TU Business member was an easy decision.” Some may think this is an unlikely marriage, a company that relies on the oil and gas industry and conservation organizations. In Wyoming there is a saying….that “good fences make good neighbors”. That’s never been truer than it is in this case. As project leader Nick Walrath says, “We look forward to working with R&M for a long time to come. They’re the real deal.”

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THE BEST Peacock Bass ﬁshing on earth

THE RIO MARIÉ has been proven to have more trophy peacock bass than any other river in the Ama- zon. In fact, at least twice as many monster peacock bass as any other river in Brazil! But until the fall of 2014, the giant speckled and butterfly peacock bass of the Marié had seldom, if ever, seen a lure. Then, for the first time, the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renew- Now Join Trout Unlimited able Natural Resources joined with progressive native Indians to open in the headwaters of the the 500-mile long Marié River as Amazon Brazil’s first catch-and-release fishery This is your opportunity to ﬁsh with TU’s own editor, author, and all ‘round great guy, and dedicated every inch of the river Kirk Deeter, on his quest to add a trophy peacock bass to his bucket list and yours. as fly-fishing-only. In the three seasons since, incred- The Marié angling season begins in September and ends in early December. All-inclusive packages start each ible numbers of huge peacock bass week in Manaus with a scenic, non-stop, float plane flight above the Amazon rainforest to the remote headwaters of the Rio Marié. A huge portion of the package cost, float planes are the only sensible way to rendezvous with the have been landed, the most luxuri- on-the-move mothership, Untamed Amazon. This rare combination of space, mobility, and solitude ensures we can ous mothership in the Amazon has find good water conditions and great fishing every day of the season, regardless of water conditions. been added, travel logistics are re- Using swift, custom-crafted outboard skiffs, anglers taxi in pairs early each morning to their daily fishing beats fined, a superb guide staff has de- accompanied by one of the top teams of English-speaking, fly-savvy fishing experts in Latin America. veloped, and the river’s reputation L 7-day package September-November $7,325 for spectacular fly fishing has been Not included is a required $670 Marié Native Association trespass fee which supports the local tribal community. firmly established. This and all trips to the Marié are Make your plans now to join TU’s Kirk Deeter coordinated with The Fly Shop, their October 26 to November 2, 2017. exclusive United States representative. Email The Fly Shop® today and let us know Please contact us for reservations or more information you’re interested in joining his trip. on other dates that might [email protected]______better suit your schedule.

28.5 pound peacock record... The largest ever...on a fly Call us today for more info or reservations 800-669-3474 [email protected]. www.theflyshop.com

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Planning Your Future?

Including Trout Unlimited in your estate plans is one of the most simple ways to make a lasting impact for the resources and traditions you value. Visit tu.org/giftplanning to learn how to make TU a ben- eficiary of your will, trust, life insurance policy, or retirement plan. No amount is too small to better the future of trout, salmon and clean water. JOHN VANVLEET

For more information: [email protected] | tu.org/giftplanning | (703) 284-9421 JOSHUA DUPLECHIAN JOSHUA TROUT SUMMER 2017 24

SHOPS WE LIKE BY WALT GASSON

Sky Blue Outfitters lived in a neighboring state for a while, and a lifelong resident of the state. He sea trout and stripers off the Outer Banks of and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania knows these waters like no one else I know. North Carolina, and more. Rick placed 3rd in Iwas practically in our back yard. I loved That knowledge came in handy in the early the Orvis fly-tying contest in 2015. They were the place the first time I saw it. Dense timber, days, as SBO started running day trips and named as one of the top 90 guide services ridge and valley after ridge and valley, and packaged trips to Penns, Pine, Spring, Little in the U.S. by Field and Stream magazine in in the bottom of every valley—a stream or Juniata, Big Fishing Creek, Bald Eagle, Slate, 2016. Nick became an Orvis Endorsed Fly- a river. There were rivers with names that Cedar and Little Pine Creek—just to name a Fishing Guide this spring. Their reputation is came right out of the pages of American his- few. Rick was happy, the clients were happy outstanding, and you never know what they’re tory—the Allegheny, the Susquehanna, the and the business grew. going to be up to next! Delaware and the Schuylkill. There were rivers As it grew, Nick Raftas and Taylor Helbig But don’t take my word for it. Go. Give that I wasn’t real sure how to pronounce— came on to support and expand the business, Pennsylvania a shot. Fish for trout, fish for like the Youghiogheny. And there were fish bringing 35 years of additional experience in smallmouth, fish for carp—but whatever you —there were even trout! fly fishing these great waters. Their expertise do, fish with SBO. TU is proud to have Sky viI wish I had known Rick Nyles back then. made things even better, and SBO established Blue Outfitters as a Gold Level TU Business I wish I had known about Sky Blue Outfitters. itself as a leading guide service in PA. They member. SBO is one of the most experienced and branched out into fishing for bass, comprehensive fly-fishing guide services in pike and muskies. When carp fish- Sky Blue Outfitters Pennsylvania. Rick started guiding in 1999 ing became a thing, they began Rick Nyles and started SBO in 2002. It was a great offering fly-fishing guide service to Fleetwood, PA 19522 move. Rick has fished for over forty years target the “poor man’s bonefish”. (610) 987-0073 all over PA and all over the USA. Like all the They began to lead trips farther [email protected] guides at SBO, Rick is a Pennsylvania native afield—trout in Montana…redfish, www.skyblueoutfitters.com BUSINESS GOLD LEVEL

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TU TESTED Cabela’s Chest and Waistt PacPackk PRODUCT $29.99 and $39.99; cabelas.com REVIEWS REVIEWED BY BILL THORNE Fly-fishing gear, like everything else, is constantly BY TU ANGLERS, affected by trends and fashion. For years flflyy fishers were identified by their big floppy hats andd FOR TU ANGLERS their smartly adorned vest. Every gad- get under the sun had a place in a vest pocket, or attached to the vest’s exterior. Sometime in the last ten years, however, vests began being replaced by waist, chest or sling packs. Even waders are now designed with a built in chest pack true minimalists can use to haul all they need Smartwool PhD except maybe lunch and a rain coat. The smartly styled Cabela’s chest pack (earth brown with orange accents) Light Crew Socks that I reviewed is a pack any minimalist would be proud to use. It is designed $21.95; ______smartwhool.com.com with just enough space for a medium-sized fly box, spare leaders, a pack of REVIEWED BY KELLY BUCHTA indicators, and a cell phone. In addition, it features multiple attachment points on its exterior for nippers, floatant holder and a small fly patch to dry The Smartwool PhD Light Crew delicate dries and midges. socks are a class act. Though socks The matching waist pack is also smartly styled and not overdone. It has just might not be an important part of enough room inside for essentials with appropriately sized pouches for fly boxes one’s wardrobe, these socks provide leaders tippet and floatant. As with the chest pack, the exterior is well designed style, comfort and practicability all with a quick entry zippered pouch on top and with diagonal attachment strips in one. The seamless toe and sleek on both sides of the front. These compartments were perfect for holding often fit are styled to a fit without adding used tools such as nippers and forceps. Water bottle pouches sit on both ends. bulk in the heel or toe area. Two of favorite design features are the pack’s waist belt (which can be tucked They have a mesh panel across inside a hidden compartment, allowing the pack to be used as a sling pack), the top foot area which provides and its two bottom loop straps (which provide storage of a light rain jacket). ventilation for long hikes or week- Both of these packs are intelligently designed and reasonably priced, fea- end adventures. In addition, the turing just enough room for everything an angler needs without the bulk and socks’ padded heel and toe area offer weight of many other packs. cushioned support for all day wear and tear and include light compres- sion in the arch area, a comfortable added bonus. The Indastructawool fabric stood up throughgh severalseveral ouout-t- ings andd I ffoundound my feet to bebe warm andand cozy, andd thankfullythankfully not hot and sweaty. TThesehese socks madede wadingwading a treat and are a wortworthyhy aadditionddition for any aangler…theyngler…they are an A+.

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YETI Rambler 1-Gallon Jug $130; yeti.com

REVIEWED BY KIRK DEETER

It’s hard to keep up with all the new widgets for keeping stuff cool (or hot) YETI is cranking out these days, but this one really caught my eye, and it’s probably already my favorite of anything YETI has ever made. A simple one-gallon jug, but it has amazing temperature-holding power. I filled it with ice and sent my son off to his high school baseball game. Five days later, after riding around on the back seat of his car, what was left inside was still a slushy mix of ice and water. I take it on my drift boat, and I don’t need to carry any more little plastic bottles, and I don’t need to stick my water supply on ice in a cooler (so I can carry a smaller cooler, and balance my boat better). It isn’t cheap, but it works better than advertised. I’d buy this for the eco-friendliness factor alone, as I am strong behind the “Kick Plastic” effort. One other neat thing to mention: You can unscrew the cap to fill it (naturally) but to drink (or pour) right from it, you can also unscrew a small spout, and the cap for that sits on a special magnetic holder, which is pretty slick. This is a really smart, effective product that anglers will love.

Capital Sportsman Hemingway Fishing Shirt GerberGerber US Assist US30V KnifeKnife $39.00; capitalsporstman.com REVIEWED BY BILL THORNE $119.00; gerbergear.com REVIEWED BY JON CHRISTIANSEN The Ocean Blue Hemingway shirt is a classic fishing shirt. It Any time a trout fisher heads into the woods for a couple of days or loads comes in 100% cotton poplin for gear into a raft for an extended float, you need two things in addition fishing comfort on the boat, and is styl- stuff. You need a multi-tool and a good knife. I’ve had a Gerber multi-tool ish enough for post-fishing cock- for many years and it has been completely reliable. I’ve carried a small pocket tails. Two button, bellowed pockets expand knife in the strap of my sling pack, but it’s been replaced by the new Gerber well, and easily accommodated fly boxes. US Assist US30V assisted opening knife. It has a three inch blade of SV30 This shirt was clearly designed by fisher- steel, which the people who know about these things say is near the top of the men, for fishermen. It has all the features line for hardness and ability to keep an edge. The handle is glass-filled nylon, one looks for in a top brand technical shirt. which contributes to lighter weight without affecting balance. Wood tone button placket, rear hook and The spring assist opening is facilitated by thumb studs on both sides of the loop cape back with polyester mesh for blade and the ball bearing guts in the frame cause the blade to fly out to lock ventilation, utility loop sunshade collar, roll position I don’t expect to use this knife as a weapon (unless, of course, I have up sleeve tabs and adjustable cuffs on the to rescue Deeter from another bar fight), but in normal every day use, single long sleeve model. This greatg shirt comes hand opening is a nice feature. The knife also features a spring steel clip with in three colors and a widewide a wide opening, so one can easily clip the knife into a pocket or vest. For size selection (S-3XL).L). additional safety, there is a bolt lock, which when activated, prevents the knife I have a closet full off from being opened or closed. fishing shirts but myy You can buy a much cheaper knife than this one, which comes a tad “Hemingway” has under a hundred bucks, but I expect that one of my grandkids will be using become one of my this knife someday and it will likely look and feel like it does now. favorites.

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TU TESTED

Orvis Tacky Deluxe Fly Box $35.00; orvis.com

REVIEWED BY SCOTT CRIQUI

Minimalist. Alpine-style. Ultra-light. to withstand the rigors of repeatedly Many anglers today subscribe to the less removing and replacing flies. is more mindset, and I am no different. Chasing brookies and browns Keeping with that theme, the Orvis around local spring creeks, this box Tacky Deluxe fly box fits seamlessly helped me stow my flies and tools with my efforts to ditch my vest, pack, in just the pockets of my wad- and sling. ers. Slim enough to slide into I loved the design and simplicity of a shirt pocket, yet large enough Tacky boxes when they first arrived at to carry a solid assortment of my local fly shop, and Orvis has taken nymphs, dries and streamers, the the classic version to a higher level. The Tacky Deluxe box allowed me to store In short, whether you classic gray coloring is timelessly stylish, two boxes of worth of flies in one place. embrace a minimalist approach to your and the magnetic closure is simple and This versatility allows for an entire water time on the water, or simply appreciate effective. Most impressive are the box’s column’s worth of flies to be kept in one a high-quality, sleek design, the Orvis silicone mats which hold flies excep- handy location; perfect for a quick and Tacky fly box is a must have. tionally well, and are durable enough simple weekend trout adventure.

FisheWear Leggings $110.00; fishewear.com

REVIEWED BY BEVERLY SMITH

When I first moved out west 12 years ago, a friend of mine stuck a bumper sticker on my car that read, “I ski in jeans!” That car proudly displayed that sticker along with my old South Carolina plates and my complete lack of understanding for how to dress appropriately for sports in the Rocky Mountains. Same could have been said of my fishing attire under waders—often jeans bunched into my wool socks. As a result, when I saw that a company had just recently launched with the goal of creating comfortable, functioning clothing for women anglers, I was quick to grab a pair of leggings. FisheWear has a number of different patterns available—from funky arctic char to groovy grayling—that you certainly aren’t going to find in your typical athletic department store. I’ve been pleased with the quick-drying, breathable and—yes—fashionable leggings for getting me on the water in style this spring.

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Beautiful, remote rivers and streams with wild trout are not that far away...

The 066—Guadalupe River chapter (GRTU) has committed ongoing support for the TU Tomorrow Fund, a newly created opportunity that will benefit TU’s Headwaters Youth Program. GRTU’s annual $10,000 donation will serve as match for other TU councils and chapters who want to show similar commitment to getting the next generation involved in TU’s important conservation mission. Funds will sustain TU Headwaters staff’s efforts to develop new and strengthen exist- LAND OF ENCHANTMENT GUIDES ing programs and projects designed to involve The Best Fly Fishing in Northern young people from kindergarten through New Mexico and Southern Colorado college with TU—programs like the Youth Offering day trips and all inclusive, multi-day packages. Exclusive access to over 21 miles Leadership Council, the TU Teen Summit, of private water. Please give us a call or and the TU Costa 5 Rivers college network. GRTU’s Council Chair go to our website for more information. Phil Dopson emphasized there is a critical need for the TU Tomorrow (505) 629-5688 Fund, adding: “There is no more important business of TU than www.loeflyfishing.com educating our youth.” When the 522—Rabun chapter contributed $1,000 to the Headwaters program earlier this year, GRTU’s TU Tomorrow Fund matched it. Help us not leave this money on the table and ensure it is put towards the next generation. To find out more about how your chapter or council contribution to the Headwaters Youth Program can be doubled, contact Headwaters Director Franklin Tate [email protected]

Notice of Annual Meeting ______Sat., Sept. 30, 2017 9:00 a.m. The Hotel Roanoke Roanoke, Virginia

Notice is hereby given to the members of Trout Unlimited, a Michigan non-profit corporation, that, pursuant to the provisions of the bylaws, the 58th Annual Meeting of members will be held to elect trustees and to take up any other business that comes up properly before the meeting. Members can obtain the 2017 proxy at tu.org/annualmeeting or through the mail by calling (703) 522-0200.

Full Event Details On Wed., Sept. 27, local TU members will host fishing trips in the Roanoke area. On Thurs., Sept. 28 staff and volunteers will feature a tour of TU’s restoration and other conservation work around in the region, and host a special film showing that evening. On Fri., Sept. 29 the National Leadership Council will host its 15th annual meeting, with workshops open to all TU members in the morning and a business meeting in the afternoon. That evening will feature our annual awards banquet. Sat., Sept. 30., will feature a State of TU presentation by TU’s senior leaders, the Annual Meeting of members, as well as additional workshops and presentations. That evening’s fun- draising banquet will benefit the Virginia Council of TU.

For an agenda and registration information, see www.tu.org/annualmeeting.

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Watersheds [ by Christopher Camuto]

The Exception that Proves the Rule

ODD THE WAY ANGLING NEVER FAILS US. Unless we are some kind of angling wisdom of that fishing decade. Nothing We may be crashing at work or wob- professional, fishing is the exception, not else would have served the angling and bling along an uncertain career path, the rule of our lives. Of course many of non-angling aspects of my life as well. As but in the nearest good river fish rise out us do a tour of duty living as if life was the acerbic Scot W.C. Stewart put it in of difficult lies to prove our self-worth about angling. I spent a feckless decade his 1857 The Practical Angler, “If, however, every time we show up. On the river, in my 30s fishing as much as I could, on the one hand, angling is looked upon we can’t miss. We shed our clumsiness at giving myself over to the obsessive illu- with little favour by an unenlightened the riverbank, wade effortlessly, observe sion that one could fish one’s way through multitude, on the other hand, there is with patience, cast well and a cocky fly life. Having an aversion to crowds and no amusement which those who practice we tied at the end of a frustrating day famous waters, my venture was pretty it become so much attached… Angling, turns a discriminating fish. For one small-timey. I devoured the streams of when once embarked in by any person of long, delicious moment, we are treated the Blue Ridge Mountains and assayed soul and brains, becomes a passion, and to the lively weight of getting everything nearly every watershed in the southern like other passions will grow and feed right. Yeah. Fishing well doesn’t change Appalachians before I was done, and upon the smallest possible encourage- anything, of course, but the muscle traveled as far as Russia and Oregon ment.” As the title of Stewart’s worthy memory of a good outing carries over, following angling as a way of life. All old book suggests, this is not a Romantic suggesting we muddle forward in our that fishing—all those days and nights idea, it is a practical one. non-river life. on all those rivers—served other goals, As Izaak Walton discovered centuries Or we may be ripping it up in the of course, but I didn’t quite know that ago, angling works whether we need it world, life suspiciously turning our then. Rivers and trout worked on me because we need to take something seri- way, the gods dropping rewards at our without comment or complaint, work- ously—to put a sense of definable purpose feet at every corner. But we’re getting ing patiently with whatever conscious back in our lives—or as a careless diver- stuffed on our home water, trout refusing our shining, successful selves with all sorts of devious lessons in humil- Somehow angling can just as easily be a way to focus as ity. We’re incompetent hacks a way to relax, or perhaps it is a way of connecting those on familiar water. Or we make a trip to good, distant two needs, revealing their interdependency. water but the trout don’t know golden boy—or golden girl—has arrived and are unimpressed and subconscious ambitions I brought sion—to get away from the seriousness life with our efforts while others casually to them. can dole out in heavy doses. (And Walton, clean up all around us. Angling failure, Once I understood what all the of course, lived in troubled times.) too, has its role in keeping us moving fishing was about, I could fish much Somehow angling can just as easily be a along with a little more wisdom that we less with equal pleasure and get back to way to focus as a way to relax, or perhaps otherwise would have had. the demands of life. Memories of that it is a way of connecting those two needs, The odd thing is, whatever happens obsessive decade settled into sedimentary revealing their interdependency. When on the river works, the outcome of any deposits rich with fossil memories, we need to work at it, the demands of angling will find a place in our lives, a valuable resource to quarry. Those angling are there—being serious about rivers being both a tangible embodiment years lead me to other obsessions, each good gear, knowing the value of prepara- and a mirror of the way things are—in a 10-year affair (which seems to be my tion, getting to good water at the right nature, in the world, in us. limit) firmly rooted in the feckless time. There is the hidden athleticism ARIAN STEVENS

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of wading and casting, the fitness and patience they require. Mostly there is the deeply satisfying challenge of finding and enticing wild trout to a fly on a long and light enough tippet. That staring at a stretch of river and that staring into ranks of well-tied flies in a fly box—that can be a moment of satisfying pressure or a total release from pressure. Hard to say whether when fishing seriously we are drawn further into the seriousness of life or are released from it long before we release any trout. Angling—and trout fishing especially—seems to fit the case whatever the case may be. As an angler, I resent the popular view of fishing as a folksy, sentimental diversion—the freckled kid with the cane pole, the old man with the floppy hat. Such Norman Rockwell depictions have not been to the point for a long time, if they ever were. And angling as source of poetic reverie has also been misconceived—much maudlin sentimentality has been penned about fishing but strong poetry has also come from some anglers’ days on rivers. Think of James Dickey or Ted Hughes or Jim Harrison. Angling in our time has become an existential assertion, a form of engagement and self-definition, a simultaneous enlargement of knowledge and imagination. Whether we fish seriously or not, often or not, angling has become for many a creative space where some things about life are understood—in miniature or in essence—as they are nowhere else. That’s why we’re in the river, or thinking about getting back there when we have the time. It never fails. Wit’s End Wolftree Farm

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BLUE LINES

walk a river of stone. Spellbound. It clacks at my eyes and being able to see all the way across the riffles to the tread, crunches under weight. But it is not the sound far bank. Seeing the blue depth of the deepest holes where of rock beneath muscle and bone that enamors. Not sunlight dances in shafts like beams coming through an old the auditory. barn door. Being able to see a salmon fly land on the water INor is it forest or mountain or crackling blue sky. 20 yards away. Being able to see prey. I imagine a fish up It is the river. It is the river that expands iris, narrows from somewhere far downstream, a big fish. A fish spangled pupil. There is nothing else. No woods, no hills, no sky. like the river, a fish of stone. Only stone river. I cannot look away. In this dense land of larch and fir, a man of the sagebrush Colors. Blues. Greens. Aqua. Reds. Maroon. White. ocean feels a bit squeezed in. As if the forest itself is one of Magnified and clarified. Enhanced. Popped. Some rocks those humans who has no space bubble, a close-talker up on shaped like hearts. Some as big as a crew cab four-by-four. you with his halitosis. A space invader. But this is forest, not Some small enough to rattle in a shaken palm. All dazzling. human. It is just thick and the far horizon is a near hill, so I Water is the lens through which I see this rainbow world, walk this cobble and boulder and I cannot take my eyes away. as if a polarizing filter has been placed over everything. I The creator did not make rivers like this in sagebrush country. imagine dunking my head into this rock river, imagine the There is a fly rod in my hand, a 7-weight 9 ½ feet in ice-cream ache of that coldness, imagine opening my trout length. It balances right, a good big arbor reel spun up with

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Water magnifies. Subtracting, say two-x power, he was every bit of three feet in length, head to tail. Perhaps 20 feet out and 10 feet deep in the blue-black. He did not move for anything. Not the big whitefish every bit of 20 inches that swam in his wake like a bicyclist in the Tour. Not the hapless four-inch cutthroat dangerously within range of gullet. Not the bigger trout or even some of his own kind. Or any of my streamers. Venus appeared and gathered more company and the sky went black. Venus: love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity. And victory. In the morning, he was gone. So I walked. That day. Every day. Nights I dream of deep space and clear water and a large unknown out there that makes me sit up in my sleeping bag. Afraid or perhaps just startled. I walk the river in summer morning fleece and I cast blindly but mostly, I just walk. Upstream and down and back again. Balance on obelisks that tribute a mountain shedding away to ocean. I sit on big boulders and switch out. Colors and sizes. Going from big to small and then back again. Casting the big uglies with a clumsiness that decries my fancy equipment. Doing much better with the smaller ones, the little rabbit fur sculpins. Sometimes, I see a fish colored like stones from the river out in the deep water. See the white-edge first. As a pre-dawn deer materializes from tail to rump to wither to antler in growing light, so is a fish born from fin edge to BY TOM REED belly to tooth to dorsal. That white is not twig or fragment or sand. It is char. MATT GUYMON MATT He was colored like the river, all blues and reds and greens and blacks. Fins edged white. sinking line. Strung to a leader with a thick tippet and tied Sometimes, when my fingers long to touch the smooth to a streamer, the barb smashed flat, but sharp enough to slickness of scales shaped by mountain water, I switch to big draw blood from an inquisitive clumsy finger. fat dry flies and catch a good Westslope. Touch it briefly, as In the mornings, I am out on this river, coffeed up, stomach if I have touched a bird in flight without changing its path. acrid from pre-breakfast caffeine and steam coming off the But mostly, I walk my cobblestone road and sometimes I river. The cup. There is a deep hole across from camp where cast. Once, I felt a tug. the river bends and folds and the current, if I could see it, This is my drug. somersaults all over itself on its way to the Pacific. In this depth, on the first night, miles back in, I saw my stone fish. Tom Reed is the author of several books. He works for TU from his ranch He was colored like the river, all blues and reds and greens outside Pony, Mont. and blacks. Fins edged white.

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Keeping Catch YOUR : A Benefit to Certain One of the greatest aspects of fishing is the freedom to make your own choices. These choices often directly affect your per- Trout sonal level of fishing success and satisfaction. Whether choosing a place to fish or fly pattern, your options matter! If you choose wisely, you might just land a fish, and that invariably leads to another choice—possibly the Species? most important and potentially difficult one for the modern day angler. Should the trout be released, or are there other conservation alterna- BY DAN GARREN tives to consider? For decades, many anglers have defaulted to catch and Regional Fisheries Manager, release as the best, if not only, option of preserving the quality of our Idaho Department of Fish and Game fisheries. But in some cases, releasing a wild trout is not the best way to Upper Snake Regional Office conserve our valuable coldwater resources, and that may actually run counter to the conservation needs on specific waters. Although catch and release is not specifically defined, it is the practice of letting fish go after they’re landed… in a manner that minimizes mortality, to conserve a valuable and finite resource. The century-old concept has origins in Europe, where it was used to prevent overharvest of fish. In the U.S., the discussion of catch and release started as early as the 1930s, when esteemed fly angler and conservationist Lee Wulff was credited with saying, “Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once.” Michigan was the first state to implement catch and release rules back in the 1950s, although proponents of the concept had been discussing the strategy for a couple decades prior. During the first half of the 20th century, fishing was viewed primarily as a means of obtaining protein (fish were food, foremost). With limited free time, many anglers focused on local waters, but as the U.S. developed economically and citizens had more mobility, angling effort increased across the country. Increased effort combined with a “harvest” mindset put new stresses on resources that were once lightly fished. Anglers and biologists recognized that fish populations could decline if harvest numbers continued to increase.

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For trout in particular, this realiza- streams. Rather, fisheries management polluting their genetic purity. Of note, tion resulted in more restrictive fishing and conservation efforts now often the offspring from these pairings are rules, including widespread use of catch focus on restoring degraded habitat, fertile, and can continue to dilute the and release regulations. At the time dealing with a changing environment cutthroat gene pool. these rules were being implemented, and managing a legacy of introduced In the early 1990s, rainbow trout were many trout fisheries were already being fish species. just five percent of the South Fork’s trout supported by hatchery trout. Hatchery In some systems, large scale habitat population while cutthroat made up 85 production constraints and costs meant alterations (think dam creation, flow percent, with brown trout comprising hatchery trout were a finite resource, alteration and warming water tempera- the remaining 10 percent. That ratio which limited the amount of harvest tures) have changed physical character- has slowly shifted, and both cutthroat that could be sustained with stocking istics of natural systems. These changes and rainbows are now found in equal programs. The combination of the static then favor “new” fish species, which abundance. Without intervention, biolo- availability of hatchery trout combined establish wild or feral populations and gists expect this ratio to shift even more, with mounting pressure on wild trout compete with native fish or with histori- with rainbow ultimately outcompeting cally dominant species that once thrived cutthroat. in these waters. The root issues affecting The Idaho Department of Fish and our fisheries are perhaps more complex Game prioritizes cutthroat trout in the than in the past, making the solutions South Fork, and actively manages this necessary to remedy the issues equally issue by working with water managers complex, and varied by river. In some to shape flows to benefit cutthroat, and cases, one of the best conservation tools by operating weirs to ensure tributary available to managers may be selective spawners have rainbow-free spawning harvest—a concept where anglers target a refuges. While these actions are ben- certain species or size of fish for removal eficial, they aren’t enough to ensure to help meet conservation goals. cutthroat remain the dominant species The future of conservation requires in the South Fork. To meet this goal, cooperative efforts between anglers rainbow trout abundance has to be and managers. The South Fork Snake substantially reduced, and reductions River in eastern Idaho is an example of will have to occur annually. a river in need of angler participation in Enter anglers as an important partner conservation. The South Fork is home to in the conservation strategy. Angling one of the strongest populations of native rules have allowed unlimited rainbow JAMES NELSON JAMES

set the stage for catch In some cases, one of the best conservation and release to become tools available to managers may be ingrained in the mod- selective ern angling ethic. harvest—a concept where anglers target Today’s anglers embrace the concept a certain species or size of fish for removal with nearly religious zeal, believing it is the to help meet conservation goals. best practice to help ensure the future of our fisheries. Yellowstone cutthroat trout remaining trout harvest since 2005, but recent creel Looking back through time, catch and across their diminished range, and also surveys show that relatively few anglers release certainly filled a biologically supports a burgeoning population of are taking advantage of the opportunity. necessary management need. anglers from across the country. While Anglers handle well over half of the But times have changed for many wild the South Fork fishery is impacted by rainbow trout in the South Fork each trout waters in the U.S. Today’s most flow management and irrigation with- year, but release around 70 percent of pressing conservation need is rarely a drawals, the biggest threat to cutthroat these fish. As such, anglers can reduce reduction of harvest, particularly for comes from introduced rainbow trout rainbow populations substantially if trout, and particularly in rivers and that crossbreed with cutthroat, thereby more practiced conservation-minded

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selective harvest. Contrary to what some result in further declines in rainbows Today’s fisheries management programs anglers might think, the quality of the and replacement by brown trout. are built on the accumulated research fishery would not be degraded by rain- Since neither species in question is and knowledge of the past several bow harvest, as research has shown that native, the decision on which species decades, and techniques and manage- cutthroat will fill in the void at a better thrives will largely be left in the hands ment practices have been refined and than 1:1 ratio. This means the river could of anglers, with little intervention from improved over the past 40 years. Our support slightly higher overall densi- fisheries managers. Who wins and who knowledge of how populations react to ties of trout (native trout to boot), with a species thought to be more willing to rise to a dry fly, if the total catch Mandatory kill rules are symptomatic and release mentality can of both the reluctance of anglers to be thoughtfully set aside in the interest of conservation. voluntarily remove fish, and the critical The issue of selective harvest is not entirely limited need to have those same anglers actively to debates about native vs. nonnative species either, as participate in management. highlighted on the nearby Henrys Fork. Many fly anglers know the loses in this interaction will depend on change (including the effects of increased famed river as a mecca for self-sustaining how anglers choose to engage on the levels of harvest) has greatly increased. (or wild) populations of rainbow trout, Henrys Fork. As a profession, managers recognize the which were first stocked in the late 1800s. In neighboring Yellowstone National critical need to keep healthy, vibrant fish Starting in the 1980s, brown trout (also Park, fisheries biologists have imple- populations in our rivers and streams. stocked) began to make an appearance mented some aggressive pro-native Jeopardizing those populations with in the lower half of the river, from Mesa trout fishing rules in recent years. improper management techniques is Falls downstream. From the 1980s to the Recognizing the reluctance of anglers rare, and oversight from other fisheries early 2000s, brown trout made up five to voluntarily harvest trout, managers professionals serves as a safety mecha- percent of the trout abundance, with in the park have applied a mandatory nism, ensuring management actions are rainbows making up the remaining kill for rainbow, brook, brown and lake appropriate for given waters. 95 percent. trout (all nonnative species in the Park) Granted, conservation needs are not Over the past decade, brown trout in designated Native Trout Conservation easily addressed by a single philosophy or have been steadily increasing at the rate Areas to help meet management and action, and the wholesale implementation of one to two percent annually. While conservation goals. Mandatory kill rules of catch and release may be counter- that return rate would be considered low are symptomatic of both the reluctance productive to the conservation needs of for an investment account, it’s resulted of anglers to voluntarily remove fish, some specific waters. Catch and release in a steady increase of brown trout. and the critical need to have those same has been and will always be a valuable Depending on the specific section of anglers actively participate in manage- fisheries management tool, particularly river, brown trout now make up 25 to ment. Managers across the country when applied thoughtfully. But with the 35 percent of the trout population. This recognize that without anglers applying challenges facing some fisheries today, increasing trend in brown trout has been lethal pressure to select segments of our selective harvest will be vital in determin- observed in the South Fork Snake and fish populations, meaningful change to ing what species maintain dominance into Silver Creek as well. It’s certainly worth those resources will either be incredibly the future. As such, it will be crucial for noting that the increase in brown trout expensive, or outright unachievable. anglers to engage in alternate conservation in the Henrys Fork is not in addition to Adoption of selective harvest appears strategies, and embrace a new conservation the rainbows that have been there for to be mired in concerns that increased paradigm that includes selective harvest decades—it has been at the expense of harvest will deplete fish populations, if we are to ensure that the species we those rainbows. This is a situation where ruin the fishing experience and ulti- collectively prioritize persist in healthy the choices anglers make after catching mately return us to decades past, where numbers for future anglers. a trout may help determine the fate of overharvest degraded our resources. The future of how our fisheries will a fishery. Harvesting brown trout may These concerns often directly conflict look depends heavily on the conservation help slow or even reverse the trend, while with direction produced from today’s actions anglers choose to engage in when continuing a no-harvest practice may science-based management programs. fishing our shared waters. PAUL VECSEI/ENGBRETSON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY VECSEI/ENGBRETSON UNDERWATER PAUL 39 TROUT SUMMER 2017

JIM KLUG Yellowstone backcountry

GO HOME AGAIN YOU CAN s 48 Backcountry Adventuret rned to Natal to Find Water The Ultimate Lower 48 Backcountry Adventure to Find ] Yellowstone Cutthroats Returned to Natal[ BY WALT Waters GASSON

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here are images seared forever in my memory. Pictures going back six decades come to me unannounced, like the unexpected sight of an old friend. So will it be with first cutthroat I saw on the upper Yellowstone. The light was almost gone as we rode the trail on the north side of the river just above Hawk’s Rest. We spooked the fish from under an overhanging bank, and it shot diagonally upstream in water just deep enough to hide it. No sound, not even a whisper in the summer twilight. And then, in less time than it takes to tell the story, the fish was gone and darkness closed softly around us as we rode into camp behind Dave Hettinger.

Dave runs Dave Hettinger Outfitting themselves in their last best place. They I’m not absolutely certain Dave in Pavillion, Wyo., and he’s a TU fished, they hunted and they became as ever sat—on the sidelines or anywhere Business member. I’d never met him— steeped in the magic as anyone born to else—once he started the “Save the sort of an amazing thing in a state like the Absaroka high country. He became Yellowstone Cutthroat Project”. I’m ours that’s best described as “a small involved with TU’s East Yellowstone not sure he ever slept. It became his town with really long streets.” He called Chapter in Cody, and became a driving passion. He and his chapter raised over me one bitter winter day and told me force in their work. “I liked the conser- how much he appreciated the work that vation ethic of the group, the trying to TU was doing at Yellowstone Lake. give back to the resource,” he said. “They He said he had an admiration for TU weren’t just takers. They were givers. They because of what he’d been seeing from wanted to make things better.” his backcountry camp in the Teton In an eerie turn of fate, lake trout Wilderness. He offered to take one of came to Yellowstone Lake in about 1988 us in there so we could witness this as well. No one knows precisely how, but miracle first hand. It was a princely at least one illegal introduction of these offer—no matter what route you take, a fish is thought to have taken place in packtrip into Yellowstone Meadows is the late 1980s. Maybe someone thought a big affair. It’s the farthest point from they’d be great additions to the park’s a road in the Lower 48—the wildest fishing scene. It’s been my experience in country in Wyoming. There was only 40+ years as a conservation professional one person for this job, and it wasn’t that nearly all of our most egregious sins me… it was Dave Sweet. against wild things and wild places come Dave Sweet is the indomitable force under the heading of “…it seemed like a behind TU’s work at Yellowstone Lake. good idea at the time.” For the last 40 years, his life and the So it was with the genesis of this fate of Yellowstone cutthroats in their deep-water, top-of- the- namesake water have been intertwined. food-chain predator. Originally from Illinois, Sweet first They went through the came to the Yellowstone country in the cutthroat population in 1970s—the heyday of cutthroats in these Yellowstone Lake like waters. You could stand at Fishing Bridge wildfire. By 2007, there and see them by the thousands below. were alarm bells ringing You could catch them from horseback for fisheries manag- at Yellowstone Meadows. He was living ers—lake trout were well in Colorado at the time, but made the on the way to eradicating pilgrimage to Yellowstone National Yellowstone cutthroats in Park to fish for these fabled natives. He the lake. Efforts to reduce was instantly captivated, not just by the lake trout numbers were fish, but also by their keystone place in beginning. Sweet says, the ecosystem. The wild country and “It was very personal to the wild fish entranced him, and in me because I had a long PHOTO / ALAMY STOCK IMAGES TETRA 1988 Dave and his family relocated. history with those fish,” he said. “I just They bought a guest ranch just outside couldn’t sit on the sidelines and let that the park’s east entrance and immersed decline happen.” Yellowstone Lake. Above: Lake trout TROUT SUMMER 2017 (Salvelinus namaycush) 42 CHRIS BOSWELL / PHOTO ALAMY STOCK

$1 million over the next few years to help commercial fishermen from the upper first major cutthroat spawning runs in reduce lake trout in Yellowstone Lake. Midwest to harvest hundreds of thou- years. Naturally, he was excited. It was Other partners included the Greater sands of lake trout in gill nets. They put an opportunity to document first-hand Yellowstone Coalition, the National transmitters in lake trout and receivers the beginnings of the recovery of these Parks Conservation Association, and in the lake to locate spawning areas with cutthroats. But like many retirees, he’s TU chapters and councils across the the goal of killing eggs and young fish. busier now than he was when he had a country. Their work included getting It took a lot of work, but in 2014 they day job. And when I contacted him about the message out, bucking the criticism began to see real results. Lake trout Hettinger’s offer, he couldn’t make the as the lake trout population continued numbers began to decline, and cutthroat dates available. He could go earlier… no to grow unchecked. In time, their work numbers were up. And recently, there good, because we couldn’t get through grew more sophisticated, working with were rumors of spawning runs in the the snowdrifts in the high country. the National Park Service, Yellowstone Yellowstone River above the lake. He could go later… no good, because Park Foundation and United States I called Dave immediately to tell him the fish would be done spawning and Geological Service researchers to find about Hettinger’s offer to take one of us move back into the lake. Someone else techniques that worked. They contracted into the upper Yellowstone to see the would have to go. With a crushing load

It’s been my experience in 40+ years as a conservation professional that nearly all of our most egregious sins wild things and wild places come under the heading against of “...it seemed like a good idea at the time.” It’s been my experience in 40+ years as a

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Yellowstone cutthroat ( ) TROUT SUMMEROncorhynchus 2017 clarki bouvieri 44

of regret and an overwhelming sense of them wet. Then, as a friend says, since leading a string of mules. Then Bob self-sacrifice, I volunteered… they belong to the river, we returned with another string of mules, then me And so it was that I came with Dave them unharmed. Big, strong, healthy and finally Nate riding drag. We were Hettinger and his two packers, Bob fish – the males showing the bright red the same people who had ridden in on and Nate, to ride the 30 miles from sidewalls of spawning time – in big, Monday, I guess. But I think we were the Turpin Meadows trailhead north strong, healthy water. Just before we quit different, too. As we rode through of Jackson into Yellowstone Meadows at sundown, I took some private time the headwaters of the nation’s longest in late June 2016. As darkness closed in the willows to thank God for this undammed river, as we fished for the around us, we ate a very late and very place and these fish. It was a crowning survivors of an ecological disaster and the hasty dinner and simply threw our cots moment in a day I will never forget. progenitors of a new age for Yellowstone and sleeping bags out on the ground and The next two days were the same. cutthroats, I think slept the sleep of straight-upstraight up exhaustionexhaustion.. Rise in the cool,cool, green dawn to I tthrewhrew a packpack tarp over mymy bagbag to kkeepeep thethe sousoundnd of off the dew, and thought “If griz-griz- zlyzly bbearsears

AsA we rode through the headwaters of the nation’s longest undammed river, as we fished for the survivors of an ecological disaster and the progenitors of a new age for Yellowstone cutthroats, I think we were changed. horsehorse bbells.ells. Eat mmyy had invented the burrito, weight in Dave’s this is what one would look like.” I was backcountry cui- too tired to care. sine. Then fish. Still, to an angler, every day dawns Sandhill cranes with new possibilities. Awaking to find in the trail. Elk myself not inside a bear, I set about in the willows. putting as much of a Dave Hettinger Bear tracks on backcountry breakfast inside me as I the sandbar. Bald could. I could offer that tired old line eagle roost tree. about the effect of long hours in the The thought of saddle and fresh air reigniting my jaded a grizzly around appetite, but the fact is that even if I had the next bend, just eaten an entire moose, I would still coupled with the eat three helpings of Dave’s eggs and comforting weight sausage and fried potatoes. I would ride of bear spray on my 30 miles for a breakfast like that, even if wader belt and the there were no fish waiting for me. But sincere hope that I we were changed. there were. Oh, there were... would never have They say that you can’t fish a river in It took almost no time at all to find to use it. The timeless thrill of a good the same place twice—that the second them. That’s not to say that they were mountain horse between my knees. time the river has changed and so have there by the thousands. But they were We fished the river and caught fish. you. I hope that’s true. I hope that there. For the first time in years, they We fished the tributaries and caught when my grandchildren ride into the were there. Every pool held a pair or fish. We wallowed like bull elk in the Yellowstone decades from now, that maybe a small pod of adult cutthroats – sheer wild beauty of it all. And we slept they can catch the descendants of the spawners, the survivors of the lake trout deep as the stars turned above us and Yellowstone cutthroats that I caught. holocaust and the ancestors of future the dews of creation lie still upon the And when they do, I hope they too generations of Yellowstone cutthroats. Yellowstone. thank God for the wonder of it all. We caught them gently, brought them We rode out the way we rode in. Maybe we all should. to hand as quickly as possible and kept Single file, with Dave at the point

PHOTOS BY JIM KLUG BY PHOTOS 45 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Friend of the Wild: SCOTT STOUDER STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHAUNA STEPHENSON he dinging of the seat belt alarm is insistent. Loud and metallic. T It’s been dinging all day. “Scott.” Scott is oblivious. He’s on a roll, talking about the landscape in front of us, telling this story or that, heading down one rabbit trail and then another and then another before bringing seemingly disparate pieces back to one clean and crystallized point, a point that most might have made by just saying “No,” or “Oh, yesterday.” This a Stouder speciality. “Scott.” Holly, his wife and partner in adventure—because there is no way to describe Holly without using the word adventure—sits in the back with Buddy, a sweet little black and tan dog. Buddy is curled up in the middle of the backseat, his glossy feathered tail neatly curled beneath him. He tilts one perfectly round tan eyebrow to Holly as if to say “Mom. He’s doing it again.” Outside, the Clearwater River rolls by August-dried grasses, yellow mixing with brown mixing with green. And then the cold froth of the river as it cuts through this winding corridor that is lined with giant vertical timber. Scott Stouder with with Holly and dog Buddy. Scott was instrumental in overcoming Cars pass. The dinging continues. political hurdles and bringing a diverse set of stakeholders to the table to develop But Scott can’t hear it. Too many Idaho’s Roadless Rule that protected more than nine million acres of public lands. days running a chainsaw. Shooting a rifle. Living a loud and crazy-full life. “SCOTT!”

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Legendary is word we use too liberally part of speech, capable of being both “Everything that was wild became these days. And just ask Scott. Words shorthand and punctuation, judgment unwild. [I didn’t] fully realize the impact matter. But the stories about Scott and resignation in one neatly nasal blurt. on the things I love.” Stouder and his evolving relationship “What the hell’s a hashtag?” he snorts. Scott does not use the term “wild” with this world sure flirt with the edges “And how do you get one? Do you just theoretically. It’s not a state of mind, of that definition. get stamped with one?” or a frame of reference. It’s a tangible There’s the time he spent in the Holly ignores him. thing for him, earned and explored. woods, logging old growth on the Outside, the sun has topped the In the early ‘90s Scott left the timber west coast of Oregon. High climbing, ridge in the east and spills down into business and started building a life as an chainsawing. The time he had a midlife the canyon off their porch. They are outdoor writer. He started advocating for career change and decided to leave the surrounded by a landscape they helped the places he loved. It was through his family business to become a starving protect. Yards, literally, from where writing that he came to TU in the early outdoor writer. The time he untied his they sit is the boundary of the Rapid horse from a tree, only to have it come River Inventoried Roadless Area, a place crashing down seconds later. Then the now apart from the pervasive change time he had a second midlife career that scrolls in the reflection of Scott’s change when he came to work for TU black-rimmed readers. and spent a decade and a half protect- Tens of thousands of acres of that will ing millions of acres of wild lands. The remain as they are: Wild, open, free. time he got whiskey drunk in Reno and I heard once that rivers do not carve locked himself out of his hotel room in great masterpieces because of their power nothing but his underpants. or speed. It is not power which made the This guy? This guy might be crazy. steep canyons that dot Scott’s memories. It Yeah... crazy like a fox. was not force. It was time and persistence. The moving of matter, grain by grain. here’s a fire blazing in the stove. This landscape is Scott’s masterpiece. TWood is split—perfectly uniform— And like the river, the lifetime it took and stacked between two pieces of him to arrive at this place was not put polished granite that are cut to mimic together through force. It came, piece the skyline of the Seven Devils. Those by piece. mountains turn pink before fading to early-morning blue on the horizon. s a child, Scott was logging before Game mounts hang sparingly from A he was old enough to tie his shoes. the walls. Scott’s caribou. Holly’s caribou. It was part of how he was raised. His A mule deer. An elk. A mountain goat. grandfather, his father, his brothers: The two sit quietly by the fire, scroll- all loggers. ing through their phones. After leaving the Marines, Scott “Things are changing so rapidly in started his own logging business. this world,” he says. While his father made his living with He talks about a social media training cross-cut saws, he made it with large session he and Holly went to at a recent chainsaws, specializing in big trees in rendezvous. steep environments. It was dangerous “What was that thing they were talk- work. But honest. Stouder has been a leading ing about?” he asks. “Mammogram? Even still, there was something about advocate for overcoming No... that’s not right…” it that nagged at Scott. entrenched mistrust between historically opposed groups and “Instagram,” Holly says. “I can’t point to an epiphany,” he building strong partnerships “Instagram.” says. “I didn’t wake up and say I’ll be through collaboration. He says He lets out a snort. an environmentalist.” true collaboration means fully In recent years, Scott has taken to He started seeing the impact of understanding, embracing and advocating for another’s replacing phrases like “Can you believe timber harvest and road building. position as way to understand that?” or “Here’s something ironic,” The things that he took for granted and implement the best with this single porcine utterance. growing up hunting and fishing were solution to a problem. This, it turns out, is a highly versatile disappearing.

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2000s, taking on the task of organiz- providing critical habitat for fish and he’d call up colleagues and ask, “What ing hunters in support of the roadless wildlife. are we doing?” Historically, sportsmen rule, which would ultimately be one But no sooner than the rule went and women had not been prominent of the greatest pieces of land and water into place, as is the habit, a new voices in the fight for public lands. So protection for sportsmen and women. administration came in and started organizing them to advocate for their mucking about, seeking to allow states hunting and fishing in a challenging n 2001, President Clinton’s Roadless to develop their own plans for roadless political landscape? There wasn’t really IRule protected 58 million acres of area protection. a roadmap for that. inventoried roadless areas across the For Scott the prospect of each state “It’s like we were in a sealed room country. Roadless areas were, and coming up with their own plan to with no light. We heard things bumping remain to this day, some of the best manage these wild areas was over- around outside. But we had no sense of tracts of undeveloped public land left, whelming. He says there were times direction. Well, except gravity.”

Roadless areas are critical for the health of fish and wildlife populations. For instance, in Idaho 74 percent of Chinook salmon habitat is located within roadless areas, and 74 percent of the remaining steelhead habitat (which is greatly diminished) is located in roadless areas.

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As a small staff came on board to the 2001 rule, which was at the time unless you experience it. You have to work on public lands, known then as being strung out in the courts. be out on wild land to know it.” TU’s Public Lands Initiative, now the Taking that cue from gravity, he and Nearly 10 years after they started, Sportsmen’s Conservation Project, Holly, who was working for Backcountry the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Scott turned his attention to Idaho, Hunters and Anglers at the time, put announced it would uphold a rule his home and a place he felt he could people firmly on the ground, packing, protecting more than nine millions make a difference. hiking, touring through these places acres of lands in the state of Idaho. In He, and many others, began to push they had come to love. the end, it was one of only two states Idaho to develop their own rule—a “You can’t love something unless to develop state-based plans. rule that was as good or better than you know it. And you can’t know it “When it first started, we couldn’t

“You can’t love something unless you know it. And you can’t know it unless you experience it. You have to be out on wild land to know it.”—Scott Stouder

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So this is where they start. On the ground. And they’ve formed a new group. They call themselves “Friends of the Rapid River.” For Scott and Holly, I suspect this extension of profession is not something they thought long and hard about, weighing the lure of retirement on one side and the added burden of respon- sibility on the other. Instead, I suspect it was something that came as naturally as the landscape they look out onto each morning. Years ago, before TU, before the roadless rule, before becoming a solid have predicted that this protection figure in the conservation arena, Scott status would be this strong and this wrote a piece called “Open Space.” well supported by the diverse groups in “As a species we evolved with the freedom to the states,” he said at the time. “Once move uninhibited across the earth. However we’ve you’ve focused on conflict, that’s all you traded moccasins for work boots and plowed the see. If you can unfocus on the conflict hunting-gathering life of our ancestors beneath and focus on the solutions, then you generations of urban lifestyles. Mountain ranges, start to make progress.” deserts and rivers have been condensed to section Since those early days the SCP has lines, reservoirs and property boundaries. But grown from a couple of guys calling even though our social technology and demands each other up saying “what do we do?” of population have outdistanced our evolution to a multi-state staff of conservation we still need the spiritual nourishment—the professionals, protecting tens of mil- freedom—of open land.” lions of acres of public land. While we still struggle to explain And in 2016, after looking around our need for wildness and scramble to and finding peace with their work, freeze “what’s left” in time and rule, Scott and Holly retired. even as time has so drastically changed what “what’s left,” means, there are some f you look across the valley there’s the connections that are far more simple. Ivague indentation of a road. A timber In this world, there are symbiotic sale. Well, the modern version. relationships whose benefit spread far “We used to call it logging. Now beyond the connection of two entities. they call it treatment. Don’t say harvest Wind works on land. Water wears away Historically, sportsmen and timber. Say reduce fuel loads. It’s not a rock. Those connections ripple outward, women were not prominent voices in the ﬁ ght for public chainsaw. It’s a handheld power tool.” touching all those who bear witness to land protection. “Starting But Scott and Holly worry about the the waves. with the hire of Scott Stouder, impact to the local elk population that Such is the case for Scott Stouder TU changed that and gave use the area for thermal cover. They and the wild places in this world. It is an effective and prominent voice for hunters and anglers worry that the awkward management no understatement to say Scott Stouder on public land issues,” says boundaries (three different national would not be the same without the wild. Chris Wood, CEO of Trout forests in three different districts) in More important, the wild would not Unlimited. such a small area means someone is be the same without him. going to drop the ball.

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y the time we climbed out of the jet boat into the steel gray water, tion are mediocre anglers by almost all my toes had started to go numb in my wading boots and I was happy to accounts. Despite having fished my whole be moving. Ganzo gestured toward a location several meters off the right life, I am no exception to this pattern, bank where a side channel trickled over colorful gravels into the main perpetually outgunned by other TU staff stem. I nodded and made an ugly, if functional, cast. My fly, patterned after a who spend more of their time on the river squirrel and colored with some pink and blue flair, skipped once before landing and fishing, and less in the lab or windowless splashed against the water surface as the current swung it around. Without warning, conference rooms where the future of the water beneath it boiled, my eye caught a faint glint of red and the fly submerged. our fish populations and the landscapes Adrenalin coursing, I tugged overzealously on the line and my fly rocketed out of necessary to ensure their persistence are the water back towards my face. Ganzo’s expression twisted into a grimace. I made negotiated in the abstract and encumbered another cast and ducked as the heavy fly whistled by my head, its tarpon-sized hook space of policy and bureaucracy. Now, as a narrowly missing my ear. He walked over, careful not to splash as he entered the group of fish scientists we found ourselves river, lifted the rod from my hands and demonstrated, easily sending the huge fly in a remote part of Mongolia with both half way across the river with my 10-foot 7-weight. “You need more practice,” he said, our science and conservation mission as if that wasn’t obvious. hinging, in part, on the effectiveness of our angling skills. I had come to Mongolia along with six But the Eg was in a remote location; Mongolia’s Eg River traverses the other salmonid ecologists as part an ongo- its fish assemblage was entirely native, Khövsgöl and Bulgan provinces of ing effort spearheaded by the University of and its Taimen population was already northern Mongolia. It is the only outflow Nevada Reno and the National Geographic compromised from a recent spike in of Lake Khövsgöl, and a tributary of the Society to study the fish fauna of the Eg poaching. The Taimen of the Eg were Selenge River that terminates in Lake River. The trip was planned as a nine-day now protected and the focus of a growing Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the field work blitz with a primary goal of conservation movement. As a result, our world. In 2005, scientists including Drs. collecting data on the largest and most mythical member of the Eg’s fish community, The trip was planned as a nine-day field work blitz the Siberian “River Shark,” the Taimen (Hucho taimne). with a primary goal of collecting data on the largest and most In addition to the exotic destination, an enigmatic mythical member of the Eg’s fish community, the Siberian species and the increas- ingly rare opportunity for “River Shark,” the Taimen (Hucho taimne). extended field work with colleagues, our mission to Mongolia came with an especially appeal- standard quiver of fish sampling tools was Sudeep Chandra and Zeb Hogan now at ing caveat: fishing. reduced to one instrument: the single the University of Nevada Reno (UNR), At home in California’s Central Valley barbless hook. established a scientific partnership landscape, fish monitoring programs One of the great lessons I have learned with nongovernmental organizations employ a diverse suite of tools including a in my career is that being a fish scientist (the Mongolian Taimen Conservation variety of lethal and non-lethal nets, traps does not make you a great fisherman. Fund and its American counterpart and trawls, not to mention underwater Some of the most devoted and effective The Tributary Fund) and private fly- photography, video and even sonar. scientists in the world of salmon conserva- fishing tour operators (Sweeterwater

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Travel and Mongolian River Outfitters) life history and behavior of the Taimen mammals and even good-sized birds. to conserve Taimen and the unique living in the river began to emerge. As research and destination fishing shaman-Buddhist cultures of Mongolia. Taimen and its related salmonid advanced conservation of the Eg and its Mongolia was undergoing a dramatic cousins (H. hucho and H. perryi) extend fish fauna, it also created new avenues change as it transitioned from Soviet from eastern Europe to the far reaches for the local rural communities, most influence to an emerging democracy, of northwestern Siberia and Japan. Some of whom were herders, deeply connected and the scientists and conservation are anadromous while others are adflu- to the landscape and river that sup- partners understood the changes that vial. The Taimen in the Eg are resident, ported their livestock and livelihoods. could occur as a result of the natural reaching lengths in excess of 60 inches. Ganzo was among those who immersed resource development of its mineral rich The fish tend to stay local with migra- himself in these new opportunities. landscape. Around the same time that tion limited to 23 kilometers, but some Bright eyed, enthusiastic and rich with Sudeep and Zeb began their research on individuals have been recorded moving regional knowledge, he began working the Eg’s Taimen population, Sweetwater as much as 120 kilometers. with the UNR research program as a Travel established a lodge downstream Given the size of the species and their field technician and guide shortly after from where Zeb and Sudeep would base expansive ranges, it likely comes as no its inception. Now, almost a decade their Mongolian field operations. After surprise that Taimen are also voracious later, he is a competent field biologist, 10 years of research and collaboration predators seeking large prey. Also called a skilled angler and a fishing guide for between Sweetwater, UNR and the the “river wolf” for reasons that include Sweetwater—a case study in the way the National Geographic Society, the Eg had their sometimes hunting in packs, the river and its fish fauna continue to be become a prized fly-fishing destination, Taimen’s prey ranges from other fish both an economic and cultural resource and a new body of information on the (including their own kind) to terrestrial for the Mongolian people.

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mining of copper, coal, molybdenum, The looming prospect of a severe and tin, tungsten and gold account for a large potentially irreparable impact to the wild part of the nation’s industrial production, Eg and the charismatic fish we had come to itself a near third of the national GDP. study gave the trip an ominous undertone Advances in mining technology and a that dampened our excitement about the rapid rise in global interest in Mongolia adventure—would this end up being an has expanded the pace and scale of min- effort to catalog a vanishing population? ing operations, leveling entire mountain As our trip and research began to tops and driving rapid change in the unfold, the disconnect between the expe- landscape. Also problematic is that the rience of a wild river, the awe-inspiring energy production necessary to fuel this Taimen and the looming potential growing industry has not progressed for significant harm to both took on a and adapted at a commensurate rate. As poignant melancholy that bridged the a result, a new dam has been proposed realm of the scientific and of the personal. to power the mines surrounding the city We learned about the family histories of of Erdenet, which lies adjacent to the Eg Ganzo and some of the other Mongolian The proposal to dam the Eg bared a guides and support staff, their history in disquieting resemblance to some of the the region and the central role the river most problematic dam projects from held in their sense of home and place. California’s history. The valley where the Their dedication to its conservation dam is proposed is broad and low gradi- wasn’t just personal, it was communal, ent, foretelling a vast shallow reservoir intertwined with the well-being of other with a low head that would likely only local communities and the health of the generate limited power. Additionally, the vast floodplains where they grazed their Eg moves a massive amount of sediment livestock and erected their seasonal homes each spring during the melt and runoff before moving to new pastures. The river period, hinting at a likely near-term loss was the life-blood of the seasonal cycles in reservoir capacity, diminished power generation potential and the likely need to build additional dams to make up the difference. Finally, there is the prospect of a massive concrete barrier bisecting Many of the rivers that vascularize the range of the Taimen, inhibiting the vast Mongolian steppe remain wild gene flow between populations isolated and free-flowing, unconfined by dams on either side. For our California-based or levees. The Eg is no exception. For research team, the picture couldn’t help river ecologists working primarily in but evoke the gold rush and reclamation California’s heavily altered and managed eras in our state’s past, the massive Central Shasta Dam, California The proposal to dam the Eg bared a disquieting resemblance to some of the most problematic dam projects from California’s history. landscape, the site was captivating—a Valley Dam complex and the decimation of one of the world’s oldest and most living river. of salmon, steelhead and other migratory well established nomadic cultures still Unfortunately, Mongolia’s wild fish populations that ensued as a result. in existence. In a sense, conservation landscape is not immune to the human This analogue was animated further by of the river protected a way of life and, pressures under which California’s rivers rumors of preliminary discussions about imbedded in that, the history of a people. have already succumbed. Though still the possibility of mitigating the impacts While all fish ecologists are not great dominated by agriculture, Mongolia also of the Eg’s proposed dam with a Taimen anglers, I have yet to meet one who does has extensive mineral deposits, and the hatchery. not have a deep passion for fish, rivers

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and natural places, often sown during among our group had been successful, The strike was so aggressive that it sent my profound childhood experiences of wil- fishing had been slow overall with only heart racing, though it missed the fly by derness. As days on the Eg passed and my about 26 total Taimen caught, and of feet, soaking it in a wave as it disappeared. fishing skills improved with practice (and those only a handful large enough to host I stepped slowly upstream and cast again, from necessity), my own nature began to our Radio Tags. We still had more than knowing that my chances of another rise reveal itself, resurrected from beneath my half of our tags left and we were running from the same fish were slim. The cast was internal shifted baselines. Wading the Eg, out of time. In addition, we were nearing on point; the fly skated slowly… nothing. its clear cold waters swirling by my legs, the end of the fishable season. I took another small step and cast again… my standard inner chatter: California At breakfast, the feel of the group jig… jig… jig… then just as the swing water politics, challenging land use had shifted; an awareness of the need reached its end, CRASH! This time the policies, questions about how to bring for a new level of focus hung in the air, deep red tail came fully extended from science to bear on the restoration of our unspoken but palpable. the water as the fish took the fly under heavily managed watersheds, gave way to A few hours later I was again alone in its jaws. I strip set and instantly it ran the memories of my first fish caught on a in the Eg, thick white flakes whirling towards me. A southpaw fishing with a fly, a golden trout in the upper reaches of around me. On the far bank, spindrift right-handed rod, I stripped line in by King’s Canyon National Park. Moments raced along a gravel bar and an eagle hand to keep tension before switching from my summers in graduate school of a species I didn’t recognize stood hands and smacking the reel repeatedly to living and working at a field station in perched on a stump, its feathers puffed take up the slack as our guides had taught the Sacramento River headwaters came to their maximum against the cold. In me. The rod craned over as the fish bolted rushing back, along with the feeling of the distance I could just make out the back out into the current. It rolled and science not as an end, but an inroad to silhouette of our empty jet boat anchored thrashed, giving me another glimpse of its a deeper connection with the landscape a quarter mile or so downstream, and subtle color through snowflakes, but did and waters of my home state. beyond it almost lost from view in the not spit the hook. Then it ran, peeling off

The looming prospect of a severe and potentially irreparable impact to the wild Eg and the charismatic fish we had come to study gave the trip an ominous undertone that dampened our excitement about the adventure—would this end up being an effort to catalog a vanishing population? COURTESY OF SWEETWATER TRAVEL OF SWEETWATER COURTESY

With three days of field work left, I snow, Sudeep was casting a spay rod near line. It was then that I remembered how woke early to an unusual chill in the a pool tail-out. Slowly, I worked my way far away the boat and net were. I yelled normally sweltering confines of the felt along a deep run. Though some of us “FISH ON!” over the sound of the river Yurt or “Ger.” After loading the wood- had switched to streamers, I had opted to and wind, through the hush of the snow. stove I poked my head out the door to see continue fishing on the surface, having At last I saw Sudeep’s silhouette turn; that the first snow of the year had fallen finally cultivated some technique and then another silhouette joined him and overnight. The yellow birch on the far loathe to forgo the drama of the take on the two shapes moved toward the boat. bank was now shrouded in white and the a dry. I worked systematically, skating my Alarmed by my yelling the eagle took sprig of wild Mongolian hemp growing fly, jigging it slowly as it swung. I hadn’t flight just as the fish turned again and out from underneath the doormat was raised or seen a fish all morning. headed back toward me. I reeled as fast covered in frost. Though beautiful, the About midway through the run, I was as I could. Somewhere, seemingly far off, new snow didn’t bode well for our work. ripped from my hypnosis as a pewter side I could hear the sound of the jetboat, the While some of the more skilled anglers and red tail shattered the water surface. boat crossing the water, boots on gravel

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running up the bank toward me. But all of it seemed miles away. I was transfixed. The fish kept changing direction, running back and forth, I managed line and slowly backed towards the bank trying to avoid getting tangled in the shoreline vegetation. I breathed hard. I didn’t blink. All I saw was my craning rod and the water surface where the line entered; all I felt was the fish on the other end and our precarious connection. By the time Ganzo entered my field of vision with the net, I had worked the fish closer in and we caught a glimpse of it. “It’s Taimen!!” he exclaimed, with an unmistakable, if slight, tone of surprise. At the sight of him, the fish turned abruptly, but before it could run again Ganzo leapt forward and extended the net into its path, at last—success! As quickly as we could, we readied the holding tank with the anesthetic and pre- pared to work up the fish. We took out the tags and surgery kit, as well as a measuring board we had fashioned out of a split log. It measured 37 Inches; nowhere near the biggest fish caught, but plenty large to tag. Once anesthetized, I kept the fish stable while Ganzo performed the surgery. I have performed quite a few surgeries to implement transmitters over the years in species including bull trout, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon and white sturgeon, but

Once the fish awoke, we gently returned it to the Eg, adorned with a new antenna, to begin sharing its story with us digitally.

have never been as fast and efficient at it as component of this difference is unique supporting role had finally succumb to our Ganzo. When completed, while the fish facial spotting that salmonids carry with requests that they join the angling effort was still under the anesthesia, we weighed them throughout their adult lives. Once and were now leading a coordinated push it and photographed its head in profile at the fish awoke, we gently returned it to to maximize the data-set in our remain- close range. This last step was to support the Eg, adorned with a new antenna, to ing time. We worked the river as a pack, new technology that allows facial recogni- begin sharing its story with us digitally. positioning ourselves to maximize area, tion of salmonids based on their spotting For the remainder of our trip, we covering water, strategizing, supporting patterns. That this is possible sometimes continued progressing along this trajectory. each other. Our last day, we collectively comes as a shock to people who think of The team had gelled and our productivity landed eight Taimen. Four of these were fish of a given species as all looking fairly reflected it. The U.S. based science staff large enough to radio tag, exhausting similar. In fact, after years staring at them, had all lifted our fishing games and our our tag supply—mission accomplished. I would argue that they look as different conversion rate on the fish we rose skyrock- On the boat ride back to camp the clouds from one another as humans do, and a eted. Our guides, accustomed to playing a broke, exposing blue sky and distant white

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qM qMqM Previous Page | Contents |Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qMqM Qmags THE WORLD’S NEWSSTAND® qM qMqM Previous Page | Contents |Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qMqM Qmags THE WORLD’S NEWSSTAND® PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWEETWATER TRAVEL OF SWEETWATER COURTESY PHOTOS mountain tops. Light from a low angle sun mining to move the reflection they spilled from the cloud break and cast the forward while provide us about our river banks in golden tones. One of our preserving the own history, condi- American guides, having just assisted in river and its fish tion and potential. his first surgery, commented that it might community for In Mongolia and have been his all-time favorite day from a Mongolia and its the world’s other career spent on rivers. Smiles and nods people. Still, it remaining wild reflected back similar sentiments from may be that the data we collected will prove places, that reflection may preserve aspects around the jet boat. the chronicles of another salmonid popu- of human nature and culture maintained Plans to Dam the Eg continue to lation gnashed in the teeth of industry. through time, continuing to inspire and advance. With support from TU and At the outset of the trip, that prognosis support new generations. In California, the other organizations in our research might have felt terminal. But back in my experience of the Eg lives in me as a team, Sudeep and Zeb are stepping up California’s altered landscape the picture reminder of who I am, of what’s possible UNR’s efforts to bring increased funding feels less bleak. Collectively, however for our world and of how it looks and feels and awareness to the resource poised for slowly, we are learning about the value of when fish conservation and management impact, as well as to a range of alterna- our rivers and fish not only as resources leaves the conference room, puts on tive energy approaches that could allow to be managed and conserved, but for waders and returns to the river.

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Washington’s Skagit sees a return of sacred steelhead. Photo essay by Joshua Duplechian

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The River of Hope. That is what Washington’s mighty Skagit River is to anglers who love wild steelhead. Fewer than 3,000 wild steelhead returned to the Skagit in 2009, two years after they were protected under the Endangered Species Act. But the good news is that, since 2013, roughly 9,000 wild steelhead have returned to Skagit—numbers not seen since the 80s. In a future issue of TROUT we will dive deeper into the Skagit and its legendary wild steelhead, with a focus on TU’s efforts to secure a long-term commitment to manage the river without hatchery steelhead, and to open a catch-and-release sport fishery, which has not existed for almost a decade. If done right, the Skagit would be a model for how to both conserve wild steelhead and provide sustainable sport-fishing opportunity in our modern age. Stay tuned. –Rob Masonis

To view the new video “Signs of Life” on the Skagit, produced by The Flyfish Journal with the support of Patagonia and in creative collaboration with Trout Unlimited, please visit www.tu.org/blog-posts/video-spotlight-signs-of-life.

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Spirit in the Winds

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By Christian Ricardi iking and fishing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range had long been on my list of things to do. When I first opened up a map of this wilderness, I was amazed at the expanse of land and water. Blue lines, circles and ovals were spread like a collage through green forests and contours of rock and talus. Although it could take a lifetime to hike and fish all this Hwater, I was thrilled to finally have about two weeks. I had recruited my two sons, Aaron and Jesse, who had grown up in New England, and this would be their first chance to backpack a Rocky Mountain wilderness, catch cutthroat trout, and maybe see a grizzly bear. Joining us would be Uncle John. Decades ago, John had worked as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander. He led classes across the Winds teaching wilderness survival, hiking, rock climbing and mountaineering, seeking out low-use areas and catching fish. He still has stacks of USGS topographic maps covered with pencil notes depicting cutoff trails, camp locations and fishing experiences from his courses. We spent hours looking at the maps trying to decipher the old script and figuring out where we might go. Lying within the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton national forests, the Wind River Range mountains protrude like a massive peninsula southeastward from the Rocky Mountain mainstem into the Wyoming high plains. Jagged peaks form the Continental Divide through the three contiguous wilderness areas including the Popo Agie, Fitzpatrick and Bridger. Thousands of lakes and ponds, and rivers draining remote mountain valleys, provide infinite options for fishing ventures. Except for trails etched into the ground by packhorses and hiking boots, these mountains still look much the same as when native Shoshone and Crow were there setting teepees in meadows, hunting deer and elk, and praying to the Great Spirit who watched over the majestic landscape. Excluding Grand Teton, the 20 highest mountains in Wyoming are in the Winds. John talked regularly about the explorer Finis Mitchell who spent his life hiking and climbing in the range. In his book, Wind River Trails, Mitchell describes routes up hundreds of peaks, and we looked forward to standing on the summit of at least one of them during our trip. But it was the lure of remote backcountry, spectacular scenery and trout finning in mountain lakes that drew us there. Watersheds filled with wild trout are what make this place so fantastic. Wild, yes, but not necessarily indigenous. Prior to the 20th century, most of the high elevation watersheds and lakes were void of fish. No shadows cruising the shorelines, no circles in the evening light and no spawning migrations into sandy inlets. But that changed during a colossal trout transplanting event that swept this part of the West during the past century. In 1907, cutthroat were first carried into the Bridger Wilderness and stocked into North Fork Lake. Over the next few decades, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Game & Fish and eager volunteers carried trout in buckets and horse packs into many watersheds. Finis Mitchell is alleged to have released over two million trout into 300 lakes. The itinerant fish included west coast rainbows, brook trout and European brown trout from eastern states hatcheries, golden trout from California, lake trout from the Great Lakes and Canada and even grayling which likely came from Alaska or Canada. The origins of many of these fish stocks are no longer known; lineage is vague. And there’s a menagerie of cutthroat subspecies including the Yellowstone, Colorado River and Snake River. Although not originally found in the high lakes, these fish are

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the indigenous trout of the region. The pepper spray, fishing rods, maps and Colorado or Yellowstone. Others had Yellowstone are native to Yellowstone other requisites. Although hiring horse smaller spots spread throughout like a River headwaters, the Bighorn River and packers to carry gear is common practice Snake River. Some were silver with a light Wind River, which flows east from the in the Winds, we chose to carry it on our red lateral band. Which cut? Cut-bows? Winds. Colorado River cutthroats are backs, every item assessed, every pound At that moment, it didn’t really matter. I native to the Green River, which drains vetted. Of most importance was the fly looked around at the mountains, saw my the west slope. Snake River cutthroats box: a concoction of big and small dries, sons playing fish, felt the alpine breeze were imported from nearby waters to emergers, nymphs and wets in different and knew we were in the Winds. the north. Yellowstone and Snake River colors, shapes and sizes, which we hoped We had planned to cross the divide and are now the most common cutthroats contained some fish magic. The weight travel another 10 miles, but my feet turned in this wilderness. In some drainages, of the fly box was fully justified. against me. Facing the threat of infection cutthroat subspecies have interbred, and After two days and about 15 miles, we far from the trailhead, we changed plans. they carry evolutionary markers from set a base camp within striking range of a We scanned the maps for new destina- multiple watersheds in their genes. In canyon with an abandoned trail leading tions. We detoured to North Fork Lake, others, cutthroats have shared redds with to unnamed lakes that we would target. the site of the first cutthroat stocking, We were close. The gray granite walls and caught their prodigy. Two days later of the Divide where the cirque lakes lay we ascended a steep ravine which opened were within view of our campsite. John to a panorama of meadows, lakes and and I decided to investigate access to the rock towers. We knew nothing about the canyon. The boys chose to stay and fish a fishing, but the setting was magnificent. nearby lake. When we returned, they were We fished several lakes that evening and celebrating catching their first cutthroats caught all the nine- to 12-inch brookies fully documented on smart phone videos. we could stand. As they fried that evening, The next day, above treeline, in tur- we stashed our rods and schemed hiking quoise lakes tucked in mountain rock, we routes up a big pinnacle that towered found more fish. I made my first cast in above our campsite. Which cut? Cut-bows? At that moment, it BARRY AND CATHY BECK AND CATHY BARRY rainbows and goldens. Fishermen refer to didn’t really matter. I looked around at the these hybrids as cut-bows or cut-goldens. mountains, saw my sons playing fish, felt the Brook trout are everywhere. (John says he has caught them in puddles.) Some lakes alpine breeze, and knew we were in the Winds. harbor healthy populations, but in others there is over-population. Regulations an outlet. The brown beadhead nymph By the time the sun broke the horizon allow anglers to keep 16 brookies per sank for a moment, and when retrieved, the next morning, we were traversing day, so many end up in frying pans. Pure I saw a bronze shape appear, follow and a rocky ridge high above the valley. We goldens are the “holy grail” of the Winds. turn away. They were there. I searched looked down on hundreds of trout rising Guides and writers gladly talk brookies the fly box for a different offering. The in the ponds we had fished the day before. and cutthroat, but intelligence on the large deer hair dry floated for a minute I no longer felt any guilt for taking 10 for elusive golden is classified. Secret golden and then disappeared in a swirl of yellow dinner. Still, Aaron lamented that he did lairs are sacred. Recently, however, the and fins. As we moved to the drop-offs not have his rod for just a couple casts into Lander and Pinedale WG&F offices made we could see targets swimming the the swirling mass. Three hours later on lists of lakes with goldens, and some are shoreline. Cast the big brown in their the summit, we gazed north and south listed in wilderness pamphlets. But within path and watch them take. John and the along the Continental Divide and a huge the enigmatic glacier carved basins and boys were catching them too. Aaron got expanse of the Wind River Wilderness. unnamed lakes of the Winds, there are so excited he fell partway into the lake Looking down on this stunning view many more to be discovered. when playing one. Jesse was keeping of forest, meadow, blue water and earth After pouring over maps and getting count and reported back, “Number 12, rising out of the plains into the sky was some advice from local fishing contacts, Dad.” These cutthroat showed a lot of heavenly. It was easy to understand why we chose a route. At the trailhead, we color variation. All had the red slash the Shoshone believed that a Great Spirit assembled gear: tent, sleeping bags, stoves under their gills. Some were yellow with was here in these mountains. and fuel, bear-resistant food canisters, big spots stacked toward the tail like a

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ActionlineNews from the Field How I Came to TU Troy Young bonds with sons who brought him to TU. 80

Willow Planting in the Fraser Flats Fifty volunteers harvest and replant trees. 81

Stream Champion Chris Johnson. 82

Augusta Creek Beaver Dam Removed Kalamazoo Valley Chapter opens up several acres of creek. 83

TU Annual Meeting Roanoke, Va. Sept 27-30. 84

Tools & Tips Top five volunteer jobs, Protecting wild and native trout with angler science. 84

HOW I CAME TO TU: Troy Young

his story starts approximately 11 years ago. I come home from work daydreaming younger, having just lost the largest fish I of bass fishing. One of my sons meets me at the door, “Hey, Dad, look. I tied a ever hooked on a fly rod. You can’t rush Mother Nature. I sat on a nearby rock to Tfly.” A piece of pipe cleaner tied to a fish hook with some of Mom’s sewing thread. contemplate how cruel she could be when Ironically a longtime fishing buddy mentioned that TU was sponsoring a beginner’s fly-tying you don’t play right, and how blessed we class. It is the middle of winter and there is not much to do but keep the fire going and drill are when it all comes together. holes in ice to catch fish, so we decided to take the class. I have met a lot of “outdoorsmen” The last day we loaded up and decided to fish a bit before heading home. We hit a over the years, on the water and in the woods, but none have come close to showing the few spots but inside I just wanted to go back kindness and generosity that the fly-fishing community has shown my son. Encouraging him. to “the spot.” The boys yielded to the old man and the hunt was on. No one home in Moving forward a few years, we learned weekend fishing trip to Pittsburg. The first the area. Tie on a different fly, and another that TU was sponsoring a fly-fishing camp in few days we saw more fish than we had in and another. Going back in the rolodex of Pittsburg, N.H. My son, now a young teen- the past, landing some fingerling salmon my mind I recall something Tom mentioned ager, wanted to go. He had to write an essay and brookies. A ton of fun but, human at one of the TU classes. “If nothing’s work- on why he would like to attend camp and get nature being what it is, I was looking for ing throw something they have never seen.” letters of recommendation. Needless to say it something bigger. On a bend in the First Into the fly box I go and tie on the small- was a very happy day when my son received Connecticut River with a little ripple to est, ugliest thing that has never been in the his acceptance letter from TU. At camp the the water, my oldest hooked into his first water before. A rise. kids learned about the fish, plant life and salmon and the largest of the weekend, so A good drift, good line management, creatures both in and around the water, as far. The three of us fishing the same area the turn, the rise. It was as if it was all in well as how to take care of our waters. He he landed his salmon, a quick photo and a slow motion, with the flow of the river. Then learned fly-tying skills to “match the hatch,” clean release, “That’s what it’s all about” the salmon started jumping, and diving. casting skills and boot and gear cleaning. I thought to myself. Moving upstream He cleared the water at least four times. He also made some friends and helped out through the woods, I spied a little pool I wasn’t counting anymore. Not this time. around the camp. Four days after dropping that looked promising. My boys are just Both my boys assist “the old man” in land- off my son I picked up a new kid who was now down river when he hit. “It’s a big one,” I ing his 22-inch salmon, my largest to date. educating me and his siblings on fly fishing say. Somehow after six or seven jumps and Thank you to my boys for graduating and conservation. “Dad we really should try dives, I get the fish close enough to shore to school, taking the time to fish with the old and come up here and fish again.” get it into my son’s waiting net. I was taking man, and thank you to Tom and George Fast forward a few years, and what better the photo before the fish was even landed. and TU for setting the foundation blocks way to celebrate my sons’ high school and Fish in the net, one flip, fish out of the net for making this “fish story” possible. Please college graduations than to go on a long and gone. At this point I am not getting any keep up the great work.

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Willow Planting in the Fraser Flats COLORADO

On a recent May morning, 50 volunteers from Grand County and the Front Range of Colorado gathered to harvest and replant willows along nearly a mile of the Fraser River. For years, there was wrangling and outright hostility among water users of the river, with TU fighting Denver Water over its diversion plan to take additional water to the Front Range. But in 2014, TU helped broker an agreement coined Learning by Doing, which pledged the parties to work together to protect and restore the watershed of the Upper Colorado River. After years of coordina- tion and planning, the Fraser Flats Habitat Project, the first boots-on-the-ground project of LBD, took place in May when volunteers planted willows along the Fraser River. The project was conducted in conjunction with the Colorado Headwaters Chapter of TU. The willows will help stabilize the stream bank, provide shade and offer sustainable trout habitat. The project will also open public access to roughly a half-mile of the Fraser for fishing opportunities. “The Fraser Flats project is what the Stream Cleanup Makes Big Impact Fraser Valley has been waiting for,” said Anna Drexler-Dreis, Board member of on Schuylkill the local TU chapter and Vegetation PENNSYLVANIA Coordinator for the project, “Thanks to Learning by Doing and east and west slopes committed to working together we have the he New Philadelphia Habitat Project took place Sept. 10-13, 2016, on the opportunity to get out there and heal the Schuylkill River in Schuylkill County Pa. Fraser River. “ T This was a very unique project as it encompassed several organizations In the fall of 2017 the Headwaters working together on a stretch of stream that was laced with AMD from the local Chapter will conduct the final stage of the anthracite mines as well as raw sewage just a few years ago. project—constructing an instream chan- Schuylkill County TU, Schuylkill Headwaters Association, Schuylkill Conservation nel on the same stretch of river, which will District, Borough of New Philadelphia, Blythe Water Authority and Blythe Township provide faster flow rates and lower tem- all participated in the project. Phil Thomas, TU Habitat Project Coordinator along peratures as well as holding pools for trout with Wayne Lehman from SCD designed the project in March 2016. It entailed during low flow periods. constructing 17 deflectors and two log framed cross vane devices requiring 72 While LBD is still in the fledgling state, logs ranging from 10 feet to 25 feet and over 400 tons of stone along 1,200 feet the groundbreaking program will lead to of stream. more projects like the Fraser Flats, which will The project was funded partially from a $5,000 Embrace-A-Stream grant conserve and restore the Upper Colorado from TU along with funds raised by the chapter. Most of the equipment used was watershed while working with stakehold- donated by the township and borough. ers that rely on the West’s most precious resource.

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STREAM CHAMPION Chris Johnson GUADALUPE CHAPTER IN TEXAS

hris Johnson’s film, Texas. “Rios—which cur- Unspoken, sets out to inspire rently occupy only 10 preservation for the “trout percent of their origi- Cthat won the West.” nal range—represent the There are many reasons why Chris closest native trout we can Johnson seeks out a typically small fish get to from Texas. That in hard-to-reach places. Partly it is is, if we want to travel spiritual, since locating Rio Grande to Colorado or New Cutthroat Trout involves hiking to Mexico.” high elevation streams nestled within Johnson, points out pristine, alpine wilderness. that, contrary to com- Mostly it is because he thinks the mon belief, there is not world would be richer for restoring a single native brown, one of the only trout species native to rainbow or brook trout this neck of the woods. located within this “My favorite fish on the earth is declining fish’s two-state the Rio Grande Cutthroat—it is THE range. He notes habitat fish of the South,” says Johnson, who loss and the introduction of non- That is why he and Nathan Brown, owns and operates the only fly-fishing native species as primary reasons for a friend and employee at Living Waters shop in his hometown of Round Rock, the Rio’s decline. Fly Fishing, set out to produce a video

Donate to Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout through TU: gifts.tumembership.org/rio-grande-cutthroat

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Favorite Fly: Johnson’s Fluff Beast (Personal Creation). Favorite Place(s) to Fish: Texas Hill Country, New Mexico and Colorado. Most Memorable Fish: The last one that got away! aimed at raising awareness and support for protecting Rio Grande Cutthroat trout. All proceeds from the video, Augusta Creek Beaver Dam Removed Unspoken, are directed toward conserving MICHIGAN the species. In addition to inspiring anglers around the country, the heartfelt video n a Saturday, late in October, a small crew from the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter TU removed a major portion of a beaver dam on the Augusta led to a partnership with TU, since the OCreek that was impounding several acres of riparian and agricultural organization is already on the ground land along the creek. Augusta Creek is classified as a marginal coldwater conserving habitats key to Rio Grande stream, i.e. often too hot in summer months to support coldwater spe- Cutthroat survival. cies. There were several good reasons to remove the dam: reports of dead “Usually, only fish biologists like fish in the pond above the dam, accumulation of black silt in shallow water myself are aware of these issues and that raises water temperature and decreased streambank vegetation, all working in remote places to address potentially contributing to the increase in water temperature. The dam also prevented migration of fish to spawning grounds. The Resource Committee them,” says Kevin Terry, TU’s project of KVCTU has started to evaluate the geomorphic damage done by the dam coordinator in the Rio Grande Basin. and to develop plans for any required restoration work. “Chris’s film brings the perilous situation surrounding Rio Grande Cutthroat trout to life for many beyond the scientific community; it illustrates why the fish is special and how we might help existing populations survive and maybe even thrive.” Johnson also hopes that Unspoken will remind anglers of the passion and quest for adventure that attracted them to the sport in the first place. It appears to be working. “Feedback on the film has been phenomenal,” he says. “People are getting fired up. They want to go and find the fish and, we hope, support its protection.” When asked about a sequel, Johnson says that more cutthroat installments are likely, adding, “The prettiest places Got Big News from Your Chapter? We want to hear about it. are where you are the most non-native The Actionline section of TROUT provides a perfect forum for exchanging information thing out there—the type of places where and sharing successes. Do you remember your first TU project? The first TU member who you find the Rios. I want to find more reached out and connected fishing to conservation? How did you come to TU? Let us know. Email Samantha Carmichael at [email protected] with a short tale of 200 words or less. places like that.” Photos are welcome (digital images are preferred).

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By Jeff Yates [Director of Volunteer Operations ]

oin fellow conservationists, anglers and TU members and TU Annual volunteers from across the country as the beauty of fall rolls through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Roanoke, Va., for our 2017 Annual Meeting on Sept. 27-30. JTU’s Annual Meeting brings together hundreds of our most dedicated members, volunteers, supporters and staff to Meeting celebrate all we have accomplished in the past year and commit ourselves to the important conservation work ahead. It is an inspirational weekend full of fishing, conservation tours and training, important workshops, sessions and business Roanoke, Va. meetings, and a host of evening social activities that connect members from across the country who share their passion for trout and cold, clean water. Sept. 27-30 Spend a week learning from and talking with some of TU’s top staff, scientists and active volunteer leaders. See first-hand Community, Conservation, how our mission is brought to life in Virginia and across the U.S. Share ideas and tips on protecting your home waters and Fishing… and Much More! enjoy presentations on important conservation topics such as advances in conservation and river restoration tactics, engag- ing the public in angler science to protect local streams, educating the next generation of river stewards and much more. Details and registration at The annual State of TU presentation by Chris Wood, www.tu.org/annualmeeting President & CEO, is an inspiring and educational look at how your support drives our mission forward each year and is not to be missed! Open to all members—and your friends—the 2017 Annual Meeting is a great way to celebrate our mission, improve your conservation knowledge, accelerate your ability to help your favorite, local trout waters and to build relationships with incredible people who share your passion for fishing and conservation. Learn more about the 2017 Annual Meeting and register today online at www.tu.org/annualmeeting.

Volunteer Award Nominations Due by July 15 This past year, TU volunteers contributed more than 725,000 hours to our conservation and education work in their local chapters and councils. Honoring that commit ment, and recognizing the outstanding achievements of members and partners that embody the val ues and mission of TU is an important part of our Annual Meeting. Be sure to nominate your local conservation heroes before the July 15 deadline. The nomination form and award descriptions are online at at www.tu.org/awards

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calendar All web conference trainings are held at 8 p.m. EST. Register online at www.tu.org/training July 12: Training—New Chapter & Council Leader Top 5 Volunteer Jobs in Your Orientation July 15: Annual Meeting Awards Nomination Local TU Chapter Deadline

ave you ever thought about stepping up to volunteer for TU, July 15: Annual Meeting Early Bird Registration but worried that you wouldn’t have the time or didn’t know Deadline Henough about conservation or fishing to help out? Well Sept. 10: Annual Meeting Hotel Block Reservation your local TU chapter is likely looking for passionate people like Deadline you right now to help bring our mission to life in your community. Sept. 27-30: 2017 Annual Meeting: Roanoke, Va. Check out this list of five fun, easy volunteer jobs that every local chapter needs filled and then find your local chapter online at www.____ Oct. 18: Training—Annual Financial Report and IRS Reporting tu.org/chaptersearch______and step up to make a difference! Nov. 6-12: Embrace-A-Stream Challenge Online The Grillmaster: Love the smell of Competition smoke and cooking meat? Offer to serve up the best burgers and bratwurst around Nov. 15: Deadline for All Chapters / Councils to File Annual Financial Reports to make your chapter’s next outing or tree planting project a fun, social affair! Feb. 15: Deadline for All Chapters / Councils to File IRS Form 990, Form 990EZ or Form 990N The Meet & Greeter: Do you have the gift of gab? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Step up to help your chapter make sure all new members and guests feel welcome when they walk in the door, Protecting Wild & Native or that your chapter is represented with a booth at community fairs and festivals. By sharing your beaming smile and hearty handshake Trout with Angler Science you’ll help attract and engage more people who can help! ne of TU’s greatest strengths is the grassroots The Fishing Buddy: TU chapters have new members and army of anglers and advocates we can mobi- anglers joining all the time. Many of them are new to the area or Olize to stand up, speak up and take action to haven’t built that network of fishing friends. Additionally, over half of protect the wild and native trout in their backyard our chapters are actively running programs to engage local military and across the country. families through angling. If you like fishing, a lot, and don’t mind In this rapidly changing world, perhaps nothing the company, ask your chapter to make you one of the official “fish- is more valuable to protecting the rivers and trout we ing buddies” to take new anglers, veterans and others out on local cherish than strong science to drive conservation in streams so they can fall in love with the rivers you care about and a strategic and effective fashion. decide to help protect them too! Our Angler Science tools and resources—found online at www.tu.org/angler______science—make it easy The Lone Ranger: Don’t have time on weekends? Tied up dur- for our 400+ chapters and councils, and their ing chapter events? You can be a one-person world-saver and help mem bers, to conduct important monitoring and TU by offering up your time to the chapter to handle important tasks other hands-on activities to identify problems, raise like cutting invasive vines, planting native trees and shrubs along the alarm and bring to bear conservation or advo- the river, hanging posters and flyers around town, emptying line cacy solutions based on the data they’ve collected. recycling stations and more on a schedule that fits your busy life but From simple, web-based projects such as Trout makes life better for the trout! Blitz or Rivers Calendar, to cutting edge research The Torch Passer: The work your chapter does to save local such as Environmental DNA, the tools online make streams never ends and will only be successful if the next generation it easy to bring Angler Science to your local stream. learns to love trout and rivers as much as you. If your heart is filled What’s more, these activities are an incredible at the sound of kids laughing, splashing and squealing with delight, way to recruit and engage the community at large consider becoming a volunteer at chapter youth events to light the to come out and invest in taking care of the river— fire of conservation in the next generation! whether they fish or not.

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Art of Angling [ By Dave Whitlock]

The Upright Hair-Wing Dry Fly

THE CLASSIC “UPRIGHT HAIR-WING trout. These flies soon became some of there are plenty of horizontal barbs to dry fly” is a heavily-dressed, floating fly the most productive dry flies for fast- hold the fly at the surface, even in rough that suggests a mayfly dun or spinner. flowing western rivers. water. The thick, stiff hair of the tail also It was originated in 1930 by Lee Wulff, A list of these Wulff-Bailey inspired helps the fly float to a certain extent. mainly to fish the northeastern U.S. flies includes: White Wulff, Royal Wulff, Regularly treating these patterns with and Canadian fast-flowing, freestone Black Wulff, Grizzly Wulff, Blonde paste fly floatant and false casting a time rivers, such as the Esopus, Au Sable Wulff, Ausable Wulff and Brown Wulff. or two to shake some of the water off and the Salmon. In the 87 years since Although all of these Wulff patterns were also significantly improves flotation. Lee Lee’s hair-wing dry fly innovation, the not necessarily tied to be imitations of favored guard hairs from white-tailed design has become universally popular specific mayfly duns and spinners, several deer for most of his patterns. However, and easily qualifies as one of our true are often used during mayfly hatches when white wings are required calf tail classic trout flies. with good results, especially the Grey, is often used. Moose and elk hair can be Lee wanted a fly that would float well White and Grizzly Wulffs. Other tiers and hold up to the heavy use of multiple have since created more Wulff design pat- trout catches per day. He chose coarse terns, good examples being the Humpy Upright Hair Wing Dry Flies guard-hair from the tail of the white- and Mike Lawson’s Green Drake Wulff. Top to bottom, left to right tailed deer to make the two thick and Lee was a constantly innovating Row 1: Top, side and front views of Lee bushy upright wings and tail. Prior to throughout his life. Trout, steelhead, Wulff’s hair-wing dry flies Lee’s Hair-Wings, most dry flies were tied landlocked and anadromous Atlantic Row 2: Original three Wulff hair-wing using feathers for wings. This material salmon, bass and sunfish are all very patterns tied by Lee without a vice choice was so unique that it began an attracted to what Lee called his “meaty Grey Wulff entire new series of dry flies that are both flies.” Many Atlantic salmon fly fish- Royal Wulff classics and still popular today. Two cock ers use Royal Wulffs and White Wulffs White Wulff hackles and hair dubbing for a thick body exclusively when dry fly fishing for Row 3: Dan Baily’s commercially tied completed his design. Lee’s experiences Atlantic salmon. Lee’s own ties of his versions of Wulff hair-wings with his first design—the Grey Wulff— Wulffs appear somewhat shaggy, with Royal Wulf came in the spring of 1930 while fly irregular wings tails and hackle barbs. White Wulff fishing with his friend Dan Bailey. The This may be because Lee tied them Grizzly Wulff river was the Esopus and the results were without a vise. I once watched Lee tie a Grey Wulff dramatic—with Lee and Dan frequently size #20 Royal Wulff with just his fingers Row 4: AuSable Wulff landing over 50 trout a day on one fly! to hold the miniscule hook! The Wulffs Over the following decades, Lee that were tied at Dan Bailey’s shop looked Black Wulff Carolina Wulff and Dan continued to expand on Lee’s much more formal and symmetrical. I’ve Blue Wulff incredibly productive hair-wing flies and illustrated both ‘looks’ in the fly plate. Adams Wulff Dan insisted on calling them “Wulffs.” As I’ve mentioned in other articles In 1938, Dan moved to Livingston, of this TROUT magazine series, stiff Row 5: Four spin-off hair-wings: Mont., and began a fly-tying business. cock-hackle collar barbs that extend Messinger’s Irresistible There, he significantly expanded the horizontally to the hook shank help a Humpy Wulff pattern choices to take the best dry fly to sit or float in the surface film, Lawson’s Green Drake advantage of these special dry flies on while the barbs that extend up and down H&L Variant the big, high-gradient western rivers of the hook shank do very little to help Row 6: Lee Wulff’s Atlantic salmon flies: that were heavily populated with lots floatation. Because the Wulffs are usu- White Wulff of large, unselective (at that time) wild ally tied with one or two long hackles, Royal Wulff

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8787 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Classic LeLeeee Wulff UpUprightprighght Hair WinWingg Dry Fly

Wings Front View

Top View Side View

Hackle Wings and tail constructed of Bucktail hair. Body constructed of fur dubbing. Tail Body Hackle—stiff cock neck or saddle hackles.

used as good wing and tail substitutes as classic patterns I remembered an amus- from seven feet down and engulfed that well as the tail guard hairs of most game ing experience. I wanted desperately to fly as if she had waited all day for the animals such as fox, mink, raccoon, learn how to tie the Wulff patterns that opportunity! I didn’t recover from the squirrel and otter. looked like the nicely tied Dan Baily Wulff shock quite fast enough to deal with this It may be that the question of “what productions. I got the opportunity in 1961 magnificent 20-pounder, and it soon in the world does this imitate?” is asked to talk with Dan and Dan’s shop manager broke me off at the end of a 10-foot leap. more about the extremely popular Royal Red Monical about the source of the Lee knew dry fly salmon fishing! Wulff than any other trout fly. The answer uniquely marked bucktail wings and tails. Lee Wulff was one of my most cher- seems to be that it imitates nothing natu- They handed me a white-tailed deer tail. ished mentors, role models and friends. ral, but it can easily be seen by trout, as I didn’t believe them until Red showed His image and contributions in our sport well as fly fishers who then can mend and me how they aligned all the bucktail tips. will live forever. I urge you to read the track it much better than dry flies that Suddenly the hair took on the completely reference materials that I’ve listed below are a challenge to follow on the water. neat look that I was after. to get a truly amazing picture of this very When tied in sizes #10-16, it is an ideal While recalling my experiences with special, one-of-a-kind man. Besides his “searching fly” for trout. Sizes #8-4 are Lee I remembered a great example of classic flies, he taught something that excellent for salmon, steelhead and bass. Lee’s awesome knowledge of catching it was almost unheard of at the time. I know quite a few experienced fly fishers Atlantic salmon on dry flies. At a fly- His belief was that a wild, adult trout or who use Royal Wulffs almost any time fishing show in New York, I told him salmon is a treasure that is too valuable they dry-fly fish, even during hatches, that I was going to the Gaspe Peninsula to catch and kill because they represent with good enough results to satisfy them. to fish salmon on the St. John. He the distillation of hundreds or thousands As with most successful fly designs, handed me a yellow and olive, molded of their kin’s top gene pool for all future other tiers modify the Wulff designs, plastic and bucktail stonefly and told survival success. Not only was he 100 materials and color schemes in order me it would work for me there. I was percent right in his belief, but he set the to have flies more specific for their pleased. But I have to admit I wasn’t very stage for one of the most important ethics situations. Some classic examples are impressed with how it looked. Later, on of fly fishing: catch and release. the Humpy, Irresistible, H&L Variant, the St. John, I cast for two hours over a I highly recommend that you read Lawson’s Standard Green Drake and very large, fresh-run female. She rose to about Lee’s lifetime story in these books: Irresistible Wulff. I’ve added these varia- several of my dry flies but simply nosed The Founding Flies by Mike Valla tions or spinoffs to the color plate included or tailed them. In desperation I tied on Lee Wulff on Flies by Lee Wulff here. As I was practicing my pen and Lee’s stonefly. On my first cast over this The Compleat Lee Wulff by Lee Wulff pencil techniques to reproduce these beautiful salmon, she rose vertically up

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CLASSIFIEDS

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89 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Support Trout Unlimited’s Business Members

Imus Wilkinson Investment Fish First! Upcountry Web Services Management Leo Siren Dustin Rocksvold Trout Unlimited Business members Eb Wilkinson Berkeley, CA 94707 Pioneer, CA, 95666 Tucson, AZ 85718 (510) 526-1937 (209) 295-7551 are TU ambassadors in protecting, (520) 777-1911 [email protected] [email protected]______restoring, reconnecting and sustaining [email protected] www.fishfirst.com www.upcountrywebservices.com North America’s coldwater fisheries. www.imuswilkinson.com The Fly Shop Lees Ferry Anglers Michael Caranci COLORADO To become a TU Business member Terry and Wendy Gunn Redding, CA 96002 Andes Drifters contact Walt Gasson at (307) 630-7398 Marble Canyon, AZ 86036 (530) 222-3555 Kevin Landon or [email protected]. (800) 962-9755 [email protected]______Denver, CO 80247 [email protected]______www.theflyshop.com (720) 425-6270 www.leesferry.com [email protected] BUSINESS Outfitters Guides Lodges Hatch Outdoors Orvis Retail Store–Phoenix Andrew Dickinson www.andesdrifters.com Fishing Manager Vista, CA 92081 AnglHer Phoenix, AZ 85016 (760) 734-4343 Kelli Jackson (602) 626-7558 (866) 634-4343 Lakewood, CO 80228 www.orvis.com [email protected]______(720) 625-2538 ALASKA Crystal Creek Lodge Painter Creek Lodge www.hatchoutdoors.com Dan Michels Jon Kent [email protected] Adventure Denali/Fish Denali Oxbow Ecological Engineering, www.josephfamilyvineyards.com King Salmon, AK 99613 Pilot Point, AK 99649 www.anglher.com Kirk Martakis LLC (907) 357-3153 (907) 248-1303 Little River Inn Cantwell, AK 99729-0127 George Cathey www.crystalcreeklodge.com [email protected]______Mel McKinney GOLD LEVEL (907) 768-2620 Flagstaff, AZ 86005 [email protected] www.paintercreeklodge.com Little River, CA 95456 ii Angler’s Covey [email protected]______(928) 266-6192 (707) 937-5942 David Leinweber www.fishdenali.com Denali Fly Fishing Guides Pride of Bristol Bay [email protected] [email protected]______Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Rick McMahan Matthew Luck www. oxbow-eco-eng.com www.littleriverinn.com (800) 753-4746 Alaska Alpine Adventures Cantwell, AK 99729 Ketchum, ID 83340 [email protected] Peace Surplus, Inc. Lost Coast Outfitters Dan Oberlatz (907) 768-1127 (208) 720-4226 www.anglerscovey.com Anchorage, AK 99518 [email protected][email protected]______Flagstaff, AZ 86001 George Revel (907) 301-9997 www.denalifishing.com www.prideofbristolbay.com (888) 779-4521 San Francisco, CA 94901 Angling Trade Magazine [email protected] [email protected] (415) 483-2278 Tim Romano EPIC Angling & Adventure, Rainbow King Lodge www.alaskaalpineadventures.com www.peacesurplus.com [email protected] Boulder, CO 80304 LLC Iliamna, AK 99606 www.lostcoastoutfitters.com (303) 495-3967 Alaskan Angling Adventures Rus Schwausch 800-458-6539 Sisters on the Fly tim@anglingt______rade.com Matt Heron Fly Fishing LLC. Alaska Peninsula, AK [email protected]______Maurrie Sussman www.anglingtrade.com Mike Adams (512) 656-2736 www.rainbowking.com Phoenix, AZ 85028 Matt Heron Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (602) 908-0680 Truckee, CA 96161 Ascent Fly Fishing [email protected] Royal Coachman Lodge (907) 595-3336 [email protected]______(518) 225-6587 Peter Stitcher www.epicanglingadventure.com Pat Vermillion [email protected] [email protected]______Littleton, CO 80128 Dillingham, AK 99576 www.sistersonthefly.com www.AlaskanAnglingAdventures.com Expeditions Alaska www.mattheronflyfishing.com (720)580-9558 Carl Donohue (406) 222-0624 ARKANSAS [email protected]______Alaska Fly Fishing Goods MindShift Gear Anchorage, AK 99507 info@______royalcoachmanlodge.com Gene Sutton www.ascentflyfishing.com Bradley Elfers Ashley’s River Retreat (770) 952-4549 www.royalcoachmanlodge.com Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Juneau, AK 99801 Full Circle Properties AvidMax www.expeditionsalaska.com/contact. Tidal Vision (855) 757-2727 (907) 586-1550 Cotter, AR 72626 Cory Anderson html Juneau, AK 99802 [email protected][email protected] __ (870) 425-2840 Centennial, CO 80112 www.expeditionsalaska.com (907) 988-8888 www.mindshiftgear.com www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com www.ashleysriverretreat.com (866) 454-5523 ______Fishology Alaska [email protected] Mountain Hardware and Sports [email protected]______Alaska River Adventures Mark Wackler www.tidalvisionusa.com Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher Bran Nylund www.avidmax.com George Heim Soldotna, AK 99669 Tikchik Narrows Lodge Steve Dally Truckee, CA 96160 Cooper Landing, AK 99572 Black Canyon Anglers (907) 394-8378 Bud Hodson Cotter, AR 72626 (530) 587-4844 (888) 836-9027 [email protected] Derek Kehmeier [email protected] Anchorage, AK 99522 (870) 435-6166 [email protected] www.mountainhardwareandsports. Austin, CO 81410 www.akfishology.com (907) 243-8450 [email protected]______www.alaskariveradventures.com www.theozarkflyfisher.com com__ (970) 835-5050 [email protected][email protected]______Grizzly Skins of Alaska North Coast Solar GOLD LEVEL Rochelle Harrison and www.tikchiklodge.com McLellan's Fly Shop www.blackcanyonanglers.com Fayetteville, AR 72703 Brian Hines ii Alaska Sportsman's Bear Phil Shoemaker Wilderness Place Lodge (479) 251-7037 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 Blessing Enterprises Trail Lodge King Salmon, AK 99613 Jason Rockvam/Cory Wendt (707) 575-3999 Gregory Blessing Nanci Morris Lyon [email protected] (907) 376-2234 Anchorage, AK 99519 www.mcflyshop.com [email protected]______Colorado Springs, CO 80904 King Salmon, AK 99613 [email protected] (877) 753-3474 www.ncsr.com (719) 337-5084 Lodge: (907) 246-2327 www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com [email protected]______Pet Champion www.troubleblessing.com Cell: (907) 469-0622 www.wildernessplacelodge.com Pet Products Off the Hook Fly Fishing [email protected] Kulik Lodge Bentonville, AR 72712 Mike and Carrie Copithorne Broadmoor Fly Fishing Camp www.fishasl.com/naknek/ Chaad McBride Women’s Flyfishing (479) 254-8445 Napa, CA 94559 Anchorage, AK 99502 Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf (707) 287-2939 Scott Tarrant Alaska’s Bearclaw Lodge (907) 243-5448 Anchorage, AK 99524 Shawnee/Supreme Boats carrie@offthehookf______lyfishing.com Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Rob Fuentes (800) 544-0551 (907) 274-7113 Rob Williams www.offthehookflyfishing.com (719) 476-6800 Dillingham, AK 99576 Mountain Home, AR 72654 [email protected] [email protected]______Reverse Hackle Tenkara [email protected]______(907) 843-1605 www.kuliklodge.com www.womensflyfishing.net (870) 507-0902 Michael Willis www.broadmoor.com/flyfishingcamp [email protected] [email protected] Elk Grove, CA 95759 www.bearclawlodge.com Lakeview Outfitters ARIZONA www.supremeboats.com Colorado River Outfitters Philip Hilbruner [email protected]______AZFISHBOOK Paul Killino Classic Casting Adventures Cooper Landing, AK 99572 White River Trout Lodge Paul’s Pipes John Dossigan Bond, CO 80423 Tad Kisaka (907) 440-4338 Jo Anna Smith Paul Menard (970) 653-3474 Sitka, AK 99835 [email protected] Phoenix, AZ 85022 Cotter, AR 72626 Los Gatos, CA 95033 (623) 229-8335 paul@colo______radoriveroutfitters.net (907) 738-2737 www.lakeviewoutfitters.com (870) 430-5229 [email protected]______www.coloradoriveroutfitters.net [email protected][email protected] [email protected]______www.paulspipes.com www.flyfishsitka.com Mossy’s Fly Shop www.azfishbook.org www.whiteriverlodge.com Confluence Casting Mike Brown Rise Up River Trips Cole Wealth Management Jack Bombardier Coastal Alaska Adventures Anchorage, AK 99515 CALIFORNIA Monica Stark Eagle County, CO 81637 Keegan McCarthy (907) 770-2666 Martin T. Cole Placerville, CA 95667 American River Resort (970) 524-1440 Douglas, AK 99824 [email protected]______Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (530) 957-9148 (480) 275-6354 Tom Van Noord [email protected] (907) 723-3006 www.mossysflyshop.com [email protected]______www.confluencecasting.com [email protected] (480) 205-7435 Coloma, CA 95613 riseuprivertrips.com www.coastalalaskaadventures.com Naknek River Camp mcole@col______ewealth.com (530) 622-6700 Crystal Fly Shop Jim Johnson www.colewealth.com www.americanriverresort.com Rodney Strong Vineyards David Johnson Copper River Lodge King Salmon, AK 99613 Kim Sayre Carbondale, CO 81623 Pat Vermillion Dossigan Digital LLC Bix Restaurant and Supper Club (907) 439-2895 Healdsburg, CA 95448-9523 (970) 963-5741 Iliamna, AK 99606 John Doss Douglas Biederbeck [email protected] (800) 678-4763 [email protected] (406) 222-0624 Phoenix, AZ 85022 San Francisco, CA 94133 www.naknekrivercamp.com www.rodneystrong.com www.crystalflyshop.com [email protected] (623) 229-8335 (415) 433-6300 No See Um Lodge [email protected]______www.copperriverlodge.com [email protected]______The Trout Spot GOLD LEVEL John Holman www.dossigan.net www.bixrestaurant.com Corsetti’s Guide Service King Salmon, AK 99613 Richard Desrosiers Jr. ii Cutthroat Anglers Kenai River Fishing (907) 232-0729 Fly Fish Arizona and Beyond Elm Company Arnold, CA 95223 Jim Buckler Brett Wiley Perry Corsetti [email protected]______(209) 795-4540 Silverthorne, CO 80498 Soldotna, AK 99669 www.noseeumlodge.com Cinda Howard Los Angeles, CA 90031 (800) 822-7129 (970) 262-2878 (907) 395-7034 Springerville, AZ 85938-1216 (323) 221-9202 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (480) 217-5089 [email protected]______www.thetroutspot.com www.fishcolorado.com www.myKenaiRiverGuide.com [email protected]______www.elmcompany.com www.flyfisharizona.com

TROUT SUMMER 2017 90

Denver Fly Shop OneFish Engineering, LLC Steel City Anglers FLORIDA GOLD LEVEL INDIANA Ross Guillen Suzanne Huhta Ben Wurster ii Unicoi Outfitters Walton Rods Denver, CO 80222 Fort Collins, CO 80521 Pueblo, CO 81003 A Fishing Guide Steve Friedman John Cross Brad Smith (303) 736-9320 (970) 237-0739 (719) 778-3059 Islamorada, FL 33036 Helen, GA 30545 Westfield, IN 46062 [email protected] [email protected] ben@s______teelcityanglers.com ______(305) 393-3474 (706) 878-3083 (317) 644-9912 www.denverflyshop.com www.onefishengineering.com www.steelcityanglers.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Drifter Fly Fishing Over and Out Tenkara USA www.afishingguide.com www.unicoioutfitters.com www.waltonrods.com Mike DelliVeneri Daniel W. Galhardo Michael Kopp Costa IDAHO Denver, CO 80220 Lakewood, CO 80215 Boulder, CO 80305 IOWA (303) 319-8830 (888) 483-6527 Peter Vandergrift (303) 884-0130 North 40 Fly Shop Des Moines Embassy Club [email protected] [email protected] Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Dillon Given [email protected] (386) 274-4000 Michael LaValle www.overandoutusa.com www.tenkarausa.com Ponderay, ID 83852 www.drifterflyfishing.com (800) 447-3700 Des Moines, IA 50309 Palace Hotel Telluride Outside www.costadelmar.com (208) 255-5757 (515) 245-3766 Duranglers Flies & Supplies [email protected] John Flick and Tom Knopick Fred Klein John Duncan [email protected] Salida, CO 81201 Telluride, CO 81435 Dream Sporting Trips www.north40.com Durango, CO 81301 Tristram Allen www.embassyclub.com (970) 385-4081 (719) 207-4175 (970) 728-3895 Far and Away Adventures [email protected] Sarasota, FL 34232 [email protected] [email protected] Middle Fork – Salmon River Wilderness Lite LLC www.SalidaPalaceHotel.com www.tellurideoutside.com (941) 677-2264 Phillip Hayes www. duranglers.com [email protected]______Sun Valley, ID 83353 (208) 726-8888 Maurice, IA 51036 Dvorak Fishing and Rafting Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout GOLD LEVEL www.dreamsportingtrips.com Richard Johnson [email protected][email protected]______Expeditions ii Trout’s Fly Fishing Southwick Associates www.wildernesslitefloattubes.com Woodland Park, CO 80866 Tucker Ladd www.far-away.com Bill Dvorak (719) 687-8690 Rob Southwick Nathrop, CO 81236 Denver, CO 80218 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 Henry’s Fork Lodge KANSAS [email protected] Island Park, ID 83429 (719) 539-6851 (303) 733-1434 (904) 277-9765 ARC Fishing www.rainbowfallsmt.com (208) 558-7953 (800) 824-3795 [email protected] [email protected] Dayne Glass & Travis Thompson [email protected] [email protected] Rancho Del Rio www.troutsflyfishing.com www.southwickassociates.com Lenexa, KS 66285 Jeff Gibson www.henrysforklodge.com www.dvorakexpeditions.com Two Dot Consulting, LLC (844) ARC-FISH Bond, CO 80425 GEORGIA The Lodge at Palisades Creek Fishpond, Inc. (970) 653-4431 Todd Spivey [email protected] Alpharetta Outfitters Ben Kurtz [email protected] Denver, CO 80211 www.arcfishing.com Denver, CO 80223-1346 (720) 556-7781 Jeff Wright Justin Hays www.ranchodelrio.com Alpharetta, GA 30009 K & K Flyfishers (303) 534-3474 [email protected]______Irwin, ID 83428 Kevin Kurz ______benkurtz@fishpondusa Reeder Creek Ranch www.2dotconsulting.com (678) 672-0027 (866) 393-1613 Paul Bruchez [email protected] Overland Park, KS 66212 www.fishpondusa.com Umpqua [email protected] (913) 341-8118 Kremmling , CO 80459 www.alpharettaoutfitters.com www.tlapc.com Freestone Aquatics, Inc. (970) 531-2008 Kristen Witham (800) 795-8118 Clint Packo [email protected]______Louisville, CO 80027 GOLD LEVEL New Phase Inc. [email protected] Littleton, CO 80127 www.reedercreek.com (303) 567-6696 ii Atlanta Fly Fishing School Daniel Stark www.kkflyfisher.com (303) 807-7805 [email protected]______Mack Martin Shelley, ID 83274 [email protected] Rep Your Water www.umpqua.com Cumming, GA 30040 (208) 523-2565 MAINE ______Garrison Doctor www.freestoneaquatics.com Upslope Brewing (770) 889-5638 (800) 245-6752 Appalachian Mountain Club Lafayette, CO 80026 dan@n______ewphaseinc.com Front Range Anglers (720) 883-4645 Henry Wood [email protected]______Maine Wilderness Lodges www.atlantaflyfishingschool.com www.newphaseinc.com Greg Gaskin Steve McLaughlin [email protected]______Boulder, CO 80301 Boulder, CO 80302 www.repyourwater.com (303) 396-1898 Pride of Bristol Bay Greenville, ME 04441 [email protected]______Escape to Blue Ridge LLC, Matthew Luck (207) 695-0392 (303) 494-1375 RIGS Fly Shop and Guide Blue Ridge, GA [email protected]______www.upslopebrewing.com Ketchum, ID 83340 [email protected]______Service Pamela Miracle www.frontrangeanglers.com Vail Valley Anglers (208) 720-4226 www.outdoors.org Timothy Patterson Alpharetta, GA 30023 [email protected]______Full Circle Fishing Ridgway, CO 81432 Patrick Perry (866) 618-2521 HMH Vises Edwards, CO 81632 www.prideofbristolbay.com Chris Pezel (970) 626-4460 (706) 413-5321 Jon Larrabee [email protected] (970) 926-0900 Quadrant Consulting Biddeford, ME 04005 New Castle, CO 81647 ______(877) 926-0900 [email protected]______(303) 717-4289 www.fishrigs.com www.EscapetoBlueRidge.com Steve Sweet T: (207) 729-5200 [email protected][email protected]______Boise, ID 83705 F: (207) 729-5292 Ripple Creek Lodge www.vailvalleyanglers.com Fly Fish Blue Ridge (208) 342-0091 [email protected] www.fullcirclefishing.com Dan and Kerri Schwartz Western Anglers Gene Rutkowski [email protected] www.hmhvises.com Meeker, CO 81641 The High Lonesome Ranch Ned Mayers Cherry Log, GA 30522 (970) 878-4725 www.quadrant.cc Eldredge Bros Fly Shop & Grand Junction, CO 81501 (706) 455-5640 [email protected]______Tight Line Media Guide Service Scott Stewart/Scott Bystol (970) 244-8658 [email protected] www.ripplecreeklodge.com Kris Millgate Jim Bernstein DeBeque, CO 81630 info@______westernanglers.com www.flyfishblueridge.com (970) 283-9420 Idaho Falls, ID 83405-0242 Cape Neddick York, ME 03902 Rocky Mountain Rod Shop www.westernanglers.com NPDES Stormwater Training (877) 427-9345 [email protected]______Kent Hoff (208) 709-0309 Willowfly Anglers Institute [email protected] www.thehighlonesomeranch.com Lakewood, CO 80214 [email protected]______Three Rivers Resort T Luke Owen www.tightlinemedia.com www.eldredgeflyshop.com Irwin Guides (720) 689-1059 Almont, CO 81210 Buford, GA 30518 John Bocchino [email protected] (505) 577-9625 TroutHunter Kittery Trading Post (888) 761-3474 Derek Sturdevant Crested Butte, CO 81224 www.rockymountainrodshop.com [email protected]. [email protected]______Rich Paini ______Kittery, ME (970) 349-5430 SaraBella Fishing www.willowflyanglers.com www.npdestraining.com Island Park, ID 83429 (603) 334-1157 [email protected] April Archer (208) 558-9900 Wolf Waste Removal Pickle Barrel Café and (888) 587-6246 www.elevenexperience.com Denver, CO 80220 [email protected]______Jeff Black Sports Pub [email protected] (303) 908-1933 www.trouthunt.com ______JP Fly Fishing Specialties Fort Morgan, CO 80701 Bob Jaworski www.kitterytradingpost.com James Pushchak info@sa______rabellafishing.com (970) 483-5299 Milledgeville, GA 31061 Waterworks-Lamson (719) 275-7637 www.sarabellafishing.com [email protected]______(478) 452-1960 Ryan Harrison L.L.Bean Inc. Chris McCormick Canon City, CO, 81212 St. Peter’s Fly Shop – www.wolfwaste.com [email protected] Hailey, ID 83333 ______Freeport, ME 04033-0002 [email protected] Old Town www.picklebarrelcafe.com (208) 726-1513 Yampa Valley Anglers (207) 865-4761 www.jpflyfish.com Ft. Collins, CO 80524 [email protected]______Ryan Herbert Reel Em In Guide Service www.waterworks-lamson.com www.llbean.com (970) 498-8968 Yampa, CO 80483 James Bradley Alan Kube Fine Bamboo [email protected]______Red River Camps Fly Rods (970) 819-4376 Ellijay, GA 30536 GOLD LEVEL www.stpetes.com [email protected]______(706) 273-0764 Jen Brophy-Price Alan Kube ii WorldCast Anglers Portage, ME 04768 www.yampavalleyanglers.com [email protected] Mike Dawkins Denver, CO 80223 St. Peter’s Fly Shop – (207) 554-0420 www.reeleminguideservice.com Victor, ID 83455 (303) 378-2365 South [email protected]______CONNECTICUT (800) 654-0676 [email protected]______Ft. Collins, CO 80524 River Through Atlanta Guide www.redrivercamps.com J. Stockard Fly Fishing [email protected]______www.lastexitgoods.com (970) 498-8968 Service [email protected] Kent, CT 06757 Chris Scalley www.worldcastanglers.com Western Maine Guide Service North Fork Ranch www.stpetes.com (877) 359-8946 Roswell, GA 30075 Bob Harkins [email protected] ILLINOIS Dean and Karen May Scott Fly Rods ______(770) 650-8630 Bethel, ME 04217 www.jsflyfishing.com (207) 357-9592 Shawnee, CO 80475 Montrose, CO 81401-6302 [email protected]______Mossy Oak Pursuit Energy [email protected]______(303) 838-9873 (970) 249-3180 DISTRICT OF www.riverthroughatlanta.com Beverage Co. (800) 843-7895 [email protected] Peter Fowler www.westernmaineguideservice.com COLUMBIA Southern Highroads Outfitters [email protected]______www.scottflyrod.com Lake Zurich, IL 60047 MARYLAND www.northforkranch.com The Angling Report (303) 885-5080 Steamboat Flyfisher David Hulsey Odell Brewing Company John Spillane Mike Lyons [email protected]______GOLD LEVEL Washington, DC 20007 Blairsville, GA 30512 www.mossyoakpursuitenergy.com Karla Baise Steamboat Springs, CO (706) 781-1414 ii Beaver Creek Fly Shop Ft. Collins, CO 80524 (970) 879-6552 (202) 770-9942 James Harris [email protected] [email protected] Whitetail Fly Tieing Supplies (970) 498-9070 [email protected] Hagerstown, MD 21740 www.anglingreport.com www.southernhighroadsoutfitters.com Nancy Richardson [email protected]______www.steamboatflyfisher.com Geneva, Il 60134 (301) 393-9090 www.odellbrewing.com (630) 402-0423 [email protected][email protected]______www.beavercreekflyshop.com www.whitetailflytieing.com

91 TROUT SUMMER 2017

Support Trout Unlimited’s Business Members

Ecotone, Inc. MICHIGAN Beartooth Capital ERA Landmark Real Estate Lithia Toyota Missoula Parade Rest Guest Ranch Curt Hall Lauren Cummings Bozeman, MT 59715 Jeremy Nelson Marge Wanner RiverMade Forest Hill, MD 21050 Bozeman, MT 59715-4695 (406) 586-1321 Missoula, MT 59804 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 Luke and Brett McGreaham (410) 420-2600 (406) 551-4073 [email protected]______(406) 532-1300 (406) 646-7217 Traverse City, MI 49684 [email protected][email protected]______www.eralandmark.com [email protected] [email protected] (231) 357-4589 www.ecotoneinc.com www.beartoothcap.com www.lithiatoyotamissoula.com www.paraderestranch.com [email protected]______Fay Ranches GOLD LEVEL www.rivermade.us Beartooth Flyfishing Julie Hilley Lone Peak Outfitters PRO Outfitters Dan and Nancy Delekta Bozeman, MT 59715 Bryce Connery Brandon Boedecker ii Great Feathers Steve Lynch Wealth Cameron, MT 59720 (406) 586-4001 Bozeman, MT 59771 Helena, MT 59624 Mike Watriss Management (406) 682-7525 [email protected] (406) 599-9158 (406) 442-5489 Sparks, MD 21152 Stephen Lynch [email protected] www.fayranches.com [email protected][email protected]______(410) 472-6799 Albuquerque, NM, 87110 www.beartoothflyfishing.com www.lonepeakoutfitters.com www.prooutfitters.com [email protected] (888) 881-7526 Flint Creek Outdoors www.greatfeathers.com [email protected] Big Hole Lodge Matthew Churchman Long Outfitting The Ranch at Rock Creek Philipsburg, MT59858 Savage River Lodge www.stevelynchwealth.com Craig Fellin Matthew A. Long Patrick Little Wise River, MT 59762 (406) 859-9500 Livingston, MT 59047 Philipsburg, MT 59858 Mike Dreisbach U.P. Fly Angler (406) 832-3252 [email protected] (406) 222-6775 (406) 859-6027 Frostburg, MD 21532 Randy Berndt [email protected] www.flintcreekcoutdoors.com [email protected] (877) 786-1545 (301) 689-3200 Trout Creek, MI 49967 www.bigholelodge.com www.longoutfitting.com [email protected][email protected] (715) 570-5438 Four Rivers Fishing Company www.theranchatrockcreek.com www.savageriverlodge.com [email protected]______Big Sky Western Bank Chris Knott and Seth McLean Madison Valley Ranch, LLC Twin Bridges, MT 59754 Savage River Outfitters www.upflyangler.com Jim Ness Kaitlin Groundwater & The Resort at Paws Up Bozeman, MT 58715 (406) 684-5651 Manu Redmond Mindy Marcum Mike Evans Wolfe Outfitters (406) 556-3850 [email protected] Ennis, MT 59729 Greenough, MT 59823 Swanton, MD 21561 Capt. Ben Wolfe [email protected] www.4riversmontana.com (800) 891-6158 (406) 244-5200 (703) 517-1040 Beulah, MI 49617 www.bigskybank.com [email protected] (877) 580-6343 [email protected] (231) 883-4265 Gallatin River Guides www.madisonvalleyranch.com [email protected]______www.savageriveroutfitters.com (877) 442-4294 Patrick Straub GOLD LEVEL www.pawsup.com Waterwisp Flies www.wolfeoutfitters.com ii Blackfoot River Big Sky, MT 59716 Missoula River Lodge (406) 995-2290 Joe Cummings Jim Greene [email protected] Outfitters, Inc. The River’s Edge Chevy Chase, MD 20815 [email protected] Missoula, MT 59808 Dan Lohmiller MINNESOTA John Herzer and Terri Raugland www.montanaflyfishing.com (800) 462-2935 Missoula, MT 59808 (877) 327-7878 Bozeman, MT 59715 [email protected] Namebini (406) 542-7411 Gallatin River Lodge [email protected] (406) 586-5373 www.montanaflyfishingguide.com ______www.waterwisp.com Carl Haensel [email protected]______Steve Gamble [email protected] Duluth, MN 55804 www.blackfootriver.com Bozeman, MT 59718 Missoulian Angler www.theriversedge.com MASSACHUSETTS (218) 525-2381 (888) 387-0148 The Bozeman Angler Fly Shop Russell Parks The River’s Edge West [email protected] [email protected] Cheeky Fishing ______Rod and Pam King Missoula, MT 59801 Dan Lohmiller Ted Upton www.namebini.com www.grlodge.com (406) 728-7766 Bozeman, MT 59718 Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 284-2401 Arlington, MA 02476 Rose Creek Anglers (800) 886-9111 Skip Gibson [email protected] (339) 707-3017 Rich Femling Bozeman, MT 59718 www.missoulianangler.com [email protected][email protected] www.theriversedge.com [email protected]______Roseville, MN 55113 www.bozemanangler.com (406) 223-118 0 Missouri River Ranch, Inc. www.cheekyfishing.com (763) 807-5878 [email protected]______Chip Anderson Riverside Anglers, Inc. Bozeman Reel Alice Owsley Deerfield Fly Shop [email protected]______Glacier Anglers Craig, MT 59648 www.rose-creek.com Dan Rice MT Outfitter #9435 Mike Didonna (406) 548-2858 Darwon Stoneman (406) 235-4116 ______West Yellowstone, MT 59758 South Deerfield, MA 01373 Solid Rock Masonry Bozeman, MT West Glacier, MT 59936 [email protected] www.missouririverranch.com (406) 640-1698 (413) 397-3665 Eric Moshier [email protected]______(406) 888-5454 [email protected] [email protected]______Duluth, MN 55803 www.bozemanreel.com [email protected]______Montana Angler Fly Fishing www.riversideanglers.com www.deerfieldflyshop.com (218) 343-2978 www.glacieranglers.net Brian McGeehan Brook Fishing Equipment Ruby Springs Lodge DeRosa Environmental [email protected]______Green Anchors Bozeman, MT 59718 www.solidrockmasonry.com Bozeman, MT 59718 Alder, MT 59710 Consulting Inc. (406) 570-7037 Mike Storms (406) 522-9854 business (406) (406) 842-5250 (406) 570-0453 cell Michael DeRosa [email protected] Hamilton, MT 59840 [email protected]______MISSOURI ______Rowley, MA 01969 www.BrookFishingEquipment.com (406) 821-4758 [email protected] www.rubyspringslodge.com 978-356-5408 Extant Publishing [email protected] www.montanaangler.com ______Simms [email protected]______Landon Weidenman Budget Host Parkway Motel www.green-anchors.com Vanessa Haines Montana Cutthroat Guide Diane Bristol www.derosaenvironmental.com St. Louis, MO 63108 Service, LLC (408) 674-9804 Livingston, MT 59047 Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop Bozeman, MT 59718 High Hook Oregon Wines Chris Stroup Outfitter #20,187 [email protected]______(406) 222-3840 Brendan Bannigan (406)585-3557 T. Mark Seymour Missoula, MT 59808 www.extantpublishing.com [email protected]______Missoula, MT 59802 [email protected] Leverett, MA 01054 www.budgethostparkway.com (406) 721-8996 (406) 370-8146 www.simmsfishing.com 413-218-0638 Silver Guides Fly Rod [email protected] (800) 297-8996 Sportsman and Ski Haus [email protected]______Company Cardinal Distributing [email protected] www.mtcutthroat.com Bernie Wright Keith Dunn Joe Rudolph www.fishhookvineyards.com www.grizzlyhackle.com Montana Fishing Outfitters Kalispell, MT 59901 Eureka, MO 63025 Bozeman, MT 59718 Krag Silversmith (406) 586-0241 Healing Waters Lodge (406) 755-6484 (314) 306-1658 [email protected] Wendy K. O’Neil [email protected]______Mike and Laura Geary Pat Straub and Garrett Munson Stockbridge, MA 01262 www.facebook.com/ Helena, MT 59601 www.sportsmanskihaus.com ______SilverGuidesFlyRods www.cardinaldistributing.com Twin Bridges, MT 59754 (413) 446-4788 (406) 684-5960 (406) 431-5089 [email protected]______Casting for Recovery, Inc. Spotted Bear Ranch [email protected][email protected][email protected] Tara McCreedy www.kragsilversmith.com Whitney Milhoan www.hwlodge.com www.montanafishingoutfitters.com Bigfork, MT 59911 MONTANA Bozeman, MT 59715 Overwatch Outpost Hubley, Phillips and Williams Montana Fly Company (406) 270-5235 A Lazy H Outfitters (406) 624-6583 [email protected] Charles Ricko www.castingforrecovery.org PLLP Jake Chutz Charlemont, MA 01339 Joseph Haas Columbia Falls, MT 59912 www.spottedbearfishing.com Choteau, MT 59422 info@c______astingforrecovery.org Kevin Hubley (413) 339-8800 Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 892-9112 Stillwater Anglers Fly Shop (800) 893-1155 Catch Fly Fishing (413) 339-8801 (fax) (406) 586-0281 [email protected] and Outfitters [email protected] Joshua Abel [email protected][email protected] www.montanafly.com Chris Fleck www.alazyhpacktrips.com Billings, Montana 59102 ______www.overwatch-outpost.com www.hpwcpas.com Columbus, MT 59109 (424) 262-2824 Montana River Lodge Postfly Absaroka Beartooth Ray Baier (855) 785-5987 [email protected] Lakestream Fly Shop [email protected] Brian Runnals Outfitters, Inc. Missoula, MT 59872 ______Cameron S. Mayo www.catchflyfish.com Justin Lawrence www.stillwateranglersmt.com Boston, MA 02210 Whitefish, MT (406) 207-0673 Big Timber, MT 59011 Claire Kleese Design, LLC (888) 310-3357 (406) 862-1298 [email protected] Stockman Bank (406) 579-3866 Claire Kleese [email protected] www.lakestream.com www.montanariverlodge.com Jim Drummond [email protected] Bozeman, MT 59715 Bozeman, MT 59718 www.postflybox.com [email protected] www.aboadventures.com (406) 370-9130 ______Montana Troutfitters (406) 556-4100 Vedavoo Justin King Angler’s Roost [email protected] GOLD LEVEL [email protected]______Scott Hunter www.clairekleeseartworks.com Bozeman, MT 59715 www.stockmanbank.com Lancaster, MA 01523 John Cawley ii Linehan Outfitting (406) 587-4707 (307) 399-0780 Hamilton, MT 59840 CrossCurrents Fly Shop Company [email protected]______Studio Pandora (406) 363-1268 Tim Linehan Karahan Balli [email protected] Chris Strainer www.troutfitters.com www.vedavoo.com [email protected] Craig, MT 59648 Troy, MT 59935 Missoula, MT 59802 www.anglersroost-montana.com/ (406) 235-3433 (800) 596-0034 Montana Trout Stalkers (406) 549-5100 The Wooden Fly Joe Dilschneider (877) 549-5101 Angler's West Flyfishing [email protected] [email protected] Bart Estes www.crosscurrents.com www.fishmontana.com Ennis, MT 59729 info@studiopando______ra.com Easthampton, MA 01027 Outfitters (406) 581-5150 www.studiopandora.com Matson Rogers Lion Head Ranch [email protected] (413) 588-1125 Dan Bailey Fly Shop Sunrise Pack Station [email protected]______Emigrant, MT 59027 John Bailey McLeod, MT www.montanatrout.com (406) 333-4401 [email protected] Shane McClaflin www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoodenFly Livingston, MT 59047 Belgrade, MT 59714 [email protected] (406) 222-1673 www.montanaflyfishers.com (406) 388-2236 [email protected] [email protected]______www.dan-bailey.com www.sunrisepackstation.com TROUT SUMMER 2017 92

Sweetwater Fly Shop NEW JERSEY Cortland Line Company, Inc. Davidson River Outfitters The Rogue Angler Innovative Reel Technologies, Ltd. Dan Gigone Cortland, NY 13045 Kevin Howell Mark Koenig Brian J. Lengel Livingston, MT 59047 GBW Insurance (607) 756-2851 Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 Eugene, OR 97402 Pine Grove, PA 17965 Glenn Tippy (406) 222-9393 [email protected]______(828) 877-4181 (800) 949-5163 (570) 915-1500 Cranford, NJ 07016 [email protected]______www.cortlandline.com (888) 861-0111 [email protected][email protected]______www.sweetwaterflyshop.com (800) 548-2329 Dette Trout Flies [email protected] www.therogueangler.com www.irtreels.com [email protected] www.davidsonflyfishing.com Sweetwater Travel Company www.insctrs.com Roscoe, NY 12776 Royal Treatment Fly Fishing The Lodge at Glendorn (607) 498-4991 Due South Outfitters Joel La Follette Shane Appleby Dan, Jeff & Pat Vermillion Ramsey Outdoor [email protected] Patrick Sessoms West Linn, OR 97068 Bradford, PA 16701 Livingston, MT 59047 Marty Brennan www.detteflies.com Boone, NC 28607 (503) 850-4397 (814) 362-6511 (888) 347-4286 Succasunna, NJ 07876 (828) 355-9109 [email protected][email protected] [email protected]______(973) 584-7798 Douglas Outdoors John Boyle [email protected]______www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com www.glendorn.com www.sweetwatertravel.com [email protected]______www.duesouthoutfitters.com www.ramseyoutdoor.com Phoenix, NY 13135 Sawyer Paddles and Oars The Lodge at Woodloch TicketPrinting.com (315) 695-2000 Flymen Fishing Company Zac Kauffman Josh Heath Lance Trebesch GOLD LEVEL [email protected]______Martin Bawden Gold Hill, OR 97525 Hawley, PA 18428 Bozeman, MT 59715 ii Shannon’s Fly and www.douglasoutdoors.com Brevard, NC 28712 (541) 535-3606 (800) 966-3562 (888) 771-0809 Tackle Shop Fisher Guiding (704) 846-2634 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jim Holland [email protected] www.paddlesandoars.com www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com www.ticketprinting.com Edward Hill Califon, NJ 07830 (434) 989-8341 www. flymenfishingcompany.com Soul River Runs Deep The Nature Inn at Bald (908) 832-5736 Triple-M-Outfitters Brooklyn, NY 11238 Hunter Banks Company Chad Brown Eagle [email protected]______Mark Faroni [email protected]______Frank Smith Portland, OR 97217 Cody Wolfe Dixon, MT 59831 www.shannonsflytackle.com www.fisherguiding.com Asheville, NC 28801 (503) 954-7625 (406) 246-3249 Howard, PA 16841 Tightline Productions (828) 252-3005 [email protected]______(814) 625-2879 [email protected] Fish Lake Run Outfitters and Tim and Joan Flagler ______www.triplemoutfitters.com Guide Service [email protected] www.soulriverrunsddep.com [email protected]______Califon, NJ 07830 www.hunterbanks.com www.natureinnatbaldeagle.com TroutChasers Lodge and Fly Daren Niemi Stillwater Fly Shop (908) 832-6677 Dewittville, NY 14728 Jesse Brown’s Outdoors Paul Collinsworth Fishing Outfitters GOLD LEVEL info@tightlin______evideo.com (330) 240-0086 Sunriver, OR 97707 Jason and Julie Fleury Bill Bartee ii Sky Blue Outfitters www.tightlinevideo.com [email protected] (541) 598-7322 Bozeman, MT 59718 Charlotte, NC 28210 Rick Nyles www.fishlakerun.com [email protected]______(406) 763-9049 (704) 556-0020 Fleetwood, PA 19522 NEW MEXICO [email protected] www.stillwaterflyshop.com [email protected] Groudas Art (610) 987-0073 www.jessebrowns.com ______www.montanatroutchasers.com Cow Creek Ranch Nick and Nancy Groudas Watershed Fly Shop [email protected] Islip, NY 11751 Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions Troy Haselip www.skyblueoutfitters.com Trout On The Fly Mike and Lanier Hartnagle Nate Stevane Raton, NM 87552 (631) 942-1406 Will Lillard Corvallis, OR 97330 Walsky Investment Management Outfitter #8533 (505) 757-2107 [email protected] Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 (541) 207-3790 Craig Hafer Butte, MT 59701 [email protected]______www.groudasart.com (828) 577-8204 [email protected]______Wyomissing, PA 19610 (406) 580-7370 www.cowcreekranch.com North Flats Guiding [email protected] www.watershedflyshop.com (610) 670-6918 [email protected] Captain David Blinken www.lillardflyfishing.com [email protected] www.montanatroutonthefly.com High Country Anglers PENNSYLVANIA Doc Thompson East Hampton, NY 10028 Nantahala River Lodge www.walsky.com Trout Scapes River (917) 975-0912 Mickey and Annette Youmans Aquatic Resource Restoration Northern New Mexico Lee Irwin Wild for Salmon Restoration, LLC (575)376-9220 [email protected] Topton, NC 28781 Steve Kurian Brian Cowden www.northflats.com (912) 596-4360 Seven Valleys, PA 17360 [email protected]______(717) 428-9368 Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Bozeman, MT 59715 www.flyfishnewmexico.com Orvis Retail Store–Buffalo (800) 470-4718 (570) 387-0550 (201) 230-3383 [email protected][email protected]______Land of Enchantment Adam Cook www.arrc1.com [email protected] [email protected]______Williamsville, NY 14221 www.nantahalariverlodge.net www.wildforsalmon.com www.troutscapes.com Guides Arnot Sportsmen’s Assoc., Inc Noah Parker (480) 905-1400 OHIO Wild Trout Outfitters [email protected] Ron Signor SOUTH CAROLINA Velarde, NM 87582 Alert Stamping &Mfg. Company Arnot, PA 16911 J.D. Bingman (505) 629-5688 www.orvis.com/buffalo Free Fly Apparel Outfitter #614 Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (570) 638-2985 [email protected]______Orvis Retail Store–Rochester Tanner Sutton Big Sky, MT (440) 232-5020 [email protected] Charleston, SC 29492 (406) 995-2975 www.loeflyfishing.com Jim Wallace [email protected] Rochester, NY 14618 Catch-A-Lure (406) 848-1730 [email protected] Steve Lynch Wealth www.alertstamping.com AGD Innovations LLC [email protected]______www.wildtroutoutfitters.com Management (585) 586-3956 [email protected]______Tall Man Outfitters Easton, PA 18042 www.freeflyapparel.com Yellow Dog Flyfishing Stephen Lynch (610) 462-4491 Albuquerque, NM 87110 www.orvis.com/rochester Graham Stokes Hardy/Pure Fishing Adventures, LLC Gambier, OH 43022 [email protected] Columbia, SC 20203 Bozeman, MT 59715-4630 (505) 881-7526 River Bay Outfitters www.catchalure.com [email protected] Paul McCain (740) 501-3180 www.hardyfishing.com (406) 585-8667 [email protected] Cross Current Guide Service [email protected]______www.stevelynchwealth.com Oceanside, NY 11572 Hook + Gaff Watch Co. (516) 415-7748 www.tallmanoutfitters.com and Outfitters Michael Sims www.yellowdogflyfishing.com The Reel Life Joe Demalderis Nick Streit [email protected]______Tight Lines Jewelry West Columbia, SC 29171 NEVADA www.riverbayoutfitters.com Renee Schatzley Gall Starlight, PA 18461 (803) 542-3086 Santa Fe, NM 87501 (914) 475-6779 Nevada Cattlemen’s (866) 804-7335 Tailwater Lodge Toledo, OH 43606 [email protected]______(419) 535-8888 [email protected]______www.hookandgaff.com Association [email protected] Chris Tucciarone www.crosscurrentguideservice.com Stephanie Licht www.thereellife.com Altmar, NY 13302 [email protected] Orvis Retail Store–Greenville Elko, NV 89803 (315) 298-3434 www.tightlinesjewelry.com FishUSA, America's Tackle Shop Mark White (775) 738-9214 GOLD LEVEL [email protected]______Time Timer, LLC Fairview, PA, 16415 Greenville, SC 29601 [email protected] ii Taos Fly Shop www.tailwaterlodge.com David Rogers (800) 922-1219 (864) 240-4284 www.nevadacattlemen.org Nick Streit Cincinnati, OH 45243 [email protected][email protected]______Taos, NM 87571 Trout Haven www.FishUSA.com Patagonia Andrew Trelease (877) 771-8463 www.orvis.com (575) 751-1312 [email protected]______The Fly Crate Reno, NV 89523 [email protected] Oneonta, NY 13820 Southern Fried Cotton (775) 746-6878 (607) 643-1415 www.timetimer.com Nathaniel Treichler Chris Bandy www.taosflyshop.com Northampton, PA 18067 (800) 523-9597 [email protected]______OREGON Clemson, SC, 29633 www.patagonia.com Vermejo Park Ranch www.trouthavenguide.com (484) 838-9981 (864) 653-0947 James Reidy BlackStrap Industries, Inc. [email protected] [email protected]______Raton, NM 87740 Zero Limit Adventures Abe Shehadeh www.theflycrate.com NEW HAMPSHIRE Michael D. De Rosa www.southernfriedcotton.com (575) 445-3097 Bend, OR 97702 Flyway Excavating, Inc. CastaFly Outdoors [email protected] Webster, NY 14580 (541) 213-2500 Tradd’s Flies Will Schmitt 585-766-2421 Bradford Clubb Tradd Little www.vermejoparkranch.com [email protected] Lilitz, PA 17543 Lebanon, NH 03766 [email protected]______www.bsbrand.com Greenville, SC (802) 922-0029 Watershed Artisans www.zerolimitadventures (717) 560-0731 [email protected][email protected]______Craig Sponholtz GOLD LEVEL [email protected]______www.traddsflies http://www.castaflyoutdoors.com Santa Fe, NM 87505 NORTH CAROLINA ii The Caddis Fly Angling Shop www.flywayexcavating.com (505) 577-9625 TENNESSEE Northern Waters Outfitters Casters Fly Shop Chris Daughters Gleim Environmental Group [email protected] Dave Hise Eugene, OR 97401 Stephanie Rider Beverage Solutions Group Thomas Damour www.watershedartisans.com Errol, NH 03579 Hickory, NC 28601 (541) 505-8061 Carlisle, PA 17013 Steve Thompson (603) 482-3817 NEW YORK (828) 304-2400 [email protected] (717) 258-4630 Maynardville, TN 37807 [email protected]______www.caddisflyshop.com [email protected]______(888) 798-5171 [email protected] Amberjack Outfitters Inc. www.northernwatersrafting.com www.castersflyshop.com www.shannonsflytackle.com www.jwgleim.com [email protected]______Jerome Tufte www.castersonlineflyshop.com www.buybsg.com Thomas Bates New York, NY 10013 Fly Water Media Gogal Publishing Company Thomas Bates Belts and (800) 902-3474 Clearwater Memories Gabe Parr Michael Gogal Accessories [email protected] Alan Folger Bend, OR 97701 Warrington, PA 18976-2114 Greenland, NH 03840 www.amberjack.com Hendersonville, NC 28739-9644 (831) 212-1201 (215) 491-4223 (800) 966-3562 [email protected] [email protected][email protected][email protected]______www.clearwatermemories.com www.troutbus.com www.gogalpublishing.com www.thomasbates.com 93 TROUT SUMMER 2017

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Dun Magazine/Fly Squared Media JANS Guide Service aka JANS Tangent Outdoors North Fork Fly Shop and FirstBiggestMost The Reef Fly Shop, Cottages Jen Ripple Travis Vernon Steve Phlegar Outfitters Charles and Liz McCall and RV Dover, TN 37058 Park City, UT 84060 Pembroke, VA 24136 Chuck Huggins Cheyenne, WY 82007 Trent Tatum (734) 846-3708 (435) 649-4949 (540) 626-4567 Circleville, WV 26804 (307) 631-6663 Alcova, WY 82601 [email protected] (800) 745-1020 [email protected] (304) 567-2082 [email protected] (307) 232-9128 www.dunmagazine.com [email protected] www.newrivertrail.com [email protected]______www.firstbiggestmost.com [email protected]______www.jans.com www.northforkflyshop.com www.northplatteflyfishing.com Little River Outfitters WASHINGTON Fish the Fly Guide Service Daniel Drake Park City Outfitters WISCONSIN & Travel Reel Deal Anglers JH, Inc. Byron Begley Brandon Bertagnole Bass Pro Shops–Tacoma Jason Balogh Rhett J. Bain Townsend, TN 37882 Park City, UT 84098 Silky Y. 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[email protected] [email protected] Matt Miles anglersxstream.com Drift Fly Fishing __com www.cowboycauldron.com www.northplattelodge.com Lynchburg, VA 24504 John Blumenthal Fly Rod Chronicles Pioneer Anglers Wyoming Newspapers, Inc. Fishwest (434) 238-2720 Saratoga, WY 82331 Mike Jensen Curtis Fleming 307-223-2042 Mike & Christy Carlson JC Weeks [email protected] Bridgeport, WV 26330 Mark Tesoro Sandy, UT 84070 [email protected]______80 Hwy 89 www.mattmilesflyfishing.com (540) 550-5151 P.O.B. 2935 (307) 632-5666 (801) 617-1225 www.saratogaflyfishing.com GOLD LEVEL [email protected]______Alpine, WY 83128 Cheyenne, WY 82009 (877) 773-5437 www.flyrodchronicles.com Dunoir Fishing Adventures, LLC [email protected]______ii Mossy Creek Fly Fishing (307) 654-3330 [email protected] [email protected] Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins Wyoming Trout Guides Fly Shop www.fishwest.com Jeramie Prine [email protected] Ed Wooton, GM & Head Blake Clark Colby Trow Lander, WY 82520 www.pioneeranglers.com Flaming Gorge Resort Fly Fishing Guide Cody, WY 82414 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (307) 349-3331 Woody Bair Cabins, WV 26855 R & M Welding, Inc (307) 578-8217 (540) 434-2444 [email protected] Dutch John, UT 84023 (304) 257-2220 Billy Black [email protected][email protected] www.dunoirfishing.com (435) 889-3773 www.mossycreekflyfishing.com/ [email protected] Rock Springs, WY 82901 www.wyomingtroutguides.com [email protected] www.wvlogcabins.com Extreme Surveys, Inc. 307-362-6342 www.flaminggorgeresort.com South River Fly Shop Neil Neumeyer [email protected] Tommy Lawhorne Greenbrier Brewing Company Flare Construction, Inc. Dubois, WY 82513 www.rmwelding.com Kevin Little Wil Laska (307) 455-2796 Jeremy Richins Waynesboro, VA 22980 Maxwelton, WV 24957 Coalville, UT 84017 [email protected]______(540) 942-5566 (304) 520-4669 www.extremesurveys.com (435) 336-2888 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] southriverflyshop.com www.gvbeer.com

TROUT SUMMER 2017 94

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95 TROUT SUMMER 2017

CAREY SPECIAL

Western Canada Carey-ies a Special Gift BY PAUL BRUUN

e Yanks enjoy fond and peaceful relations with add lead wire mid-hook. Next iss our northern neighbor, and cherish not only a three- to four-strand twistedd Wthe infusion of superb Canadian entertainers peacock herl body with goldd and NHL stars, but also excellent fishing destinations and wire ribbing and several collarr heady angling expertise. wrwraps of one or two pheasantant Comparatively speaking the rurump feathers, tied in tip-first. A truetrue Carey lookloook has Carey Special isn’t as talent laden ththesee webby hackle tips extending to the end off thethh hookhooko as say, John Candy, Martin Short, shshanka or even slightly beyond. Jim Carrey, Mike Meyers, Dan Aykroydoyd The Carey remains one of the most popular wet flies in and Michael J. Fox or Hank Snow,w, Drake,Draakek , wewesternes Canadian stillwaters where it is faithfully trolled Shania Twain, Gordon Lightfoot, NeilN il Young,Y AnneA on full sink lines or cast and slowly stripped behind lines Murray and Paul Anka. But it is a significant fly pattern of various sink rates. Depending on size, many Carey and enduring contribution from western Canada. formats with red, black, olive, yellow, orange and even Those not packing an assortment of Careys will prob- minimal body pheasant rump feather wraps, represent ably stumble over ID-ing other authentic aquatic nymphs as well as leeches and Canuck champions the likes of Gretzky, minnows. During a dozen-year-ago Howe, Richard, Orr, Crosby and Lafleur. visit to the Kamloops, BC, region I Colonel Thomas Carey of Quesnal, discovered that casting a Carey Special BC, is considered the pattern’s namesake is both a legal and moral requirement and popularizer. Historical fly-tying during the “traveling sedge hatch,” which literature reports this lake fly began life is traditionally celebrated as an official during the late 1920s with the somewhat BC angler holiday. peculiar material choice of groundhog My introduction to this venerable hair for body, tail and collar. This unusual wet fly tying pattern began in Yellowstone by watching long time stuff was requested by Lloyd Day, a Kelowna doctor, Jackson Hole fly tier friend, Jay Buchner, Carey-feed lake who reportedly dragged home a groundhog after a lake and brown trout at ice-off on Lewis Lake. The inviting fishing trip. pulsation of the overly long pheasant rump feathers was Just between us, after a wee dram or three of Canadian a trait that Canadian steelheaders had also discovered. blend, methinks the possibility exists for the rare angling This delicious deportment influenced my personal Carey BC’er to experience difficulty differentiating a marmot attemptsp in movingg trout home waters later that fall. from a groundhog! LocatingLoca this proper but now antique Sober historians continue to agree that Dr. Day’s pat-t- pappatterntt anywhere away from its BC tern idea was first known as the Monkey-faced Louise,e, orioorigins remains challenging. My wife, generally thought to imitate lake dwelling dragon flflyly JeJJean, built our Carey Special collection nymphs and/or emerging sedges. wwhile prowling dusty and forgot- Examining scores of articles and tying videos convincess tten tackle bins of long established me that there is no agreement as to the perfect Careyy western fly shops. Special. But a popular rendition begins on a long shankk SSwimming size ##10 and #12 Carey Specials soon had hook (from size #2 to #12) with a hook’s length tail of neighborhood cutthroat and browns saying, “Pretty good pheasant rump/flank hackle fibers. Some stillwater tiers there, Eh?” over this great BC oldie.

TROUT SPRING 2007 96

SEWING FOR SECOND-GENERATION WADER MAKER MICHELLE HELVEY, THERE WAS SKILLS NEVER A TOR CH. JUST A NEEDLE AND THREAD AND AN INNATE ABILITY TO R U N WITH IT. A WINDFALL OF U NFLINCHING WORK ETHIC INHERITED FROM A MOTHER HER MOTHER, LEONA, WHO SPENT A DECADE INNOVATING AND EXECUTING THE WORLD’S BEST WADERS AT SIMMS. HERE, IT'S A HERITAGE ROOTED WOULD BE IN HANDCRAFTED QUALITY. PART OF A PRODUCT LINEAGE DEFINED BY HARDWORKING PEOPLE WHO DRIVE THE PROCE SS. ONE THAT FEELS PROUD OF. FAMILIAR. A LOT LIKE FAMILY. W A D E R MA K P R OD U C T I ON S E CIAL , M IC HE LLE L VE Y ,

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