Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out for Navigation Instructions Please Click Here Search Issue | Next Page

Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out For navigation instructions please click here Search Issue | Next Page

______

the ƒll-new RECON rod series 19 models from 3- to 10-weight. Learn more at orvis.com/recon.

The Journal of Coldwater Fisheries Conservation www.tu.org SUMMER 2015

26 l Watersheds The Radical Angler: Toward Biocentrism and a Clear Conscience. BY CHRISTOPHER CAMUTO 28 l Blue Lines Reboot. BY TOM REED 30 l Flowing Forward Compromise for the Upper Deschutes. BY CHRIS SANTELLA 36 l The South Fork of the Snake Set in its (good) ways. BY KEITH CURLEY 44 l State of the Trout The status of native trout species in America. BY THE TU SCIENCE TEAM 74 l Voices from the River Restoration. BY TIM ROMANO

6 l From the CEO 8 l From the Editor 10 l Our Contributors 13 l Our Readers Write 14 l Pocket Water EPA restores Clean Water Act protections; Odell Creek win; Wisconsin women’s clinic; The Bug Guy epartments debunks myths; gear reviews by TU members;

D Unicoi Outfitters. 77 l Actionline Stewards for Oregon’s Fall River; Leo T. Cronin Award winner; Tennessee TU honored; Hidden Treasure gold m ine reclamation; Stream Champ Bud Smalley; and more. 86 l The Art of Angling The Trout Fisher’s Nymph. BY DAVE WHITLOCK 96 l Classics Ike’s Favorite. BY PAUL BRUUN

On the Cover: Fish rescue on the Deschutes River, Oregon. Photo by Marisa Chappell. TIM ROMANO

Chairman of the Board National Leadership Council Jim Asselstine, TYLER HILL, PENNSYLVANIA Representatives State Council Chairs

Chairman of Chair ARIZONA, Steve LaFalce National Leadership Council Mick McCorcle ARKANSAS, Bill Thorne Mick McCorcle, FAIRVIEW, TEXAS Secretary CALIFORNIA, Drew Irby Paul Doscher COLORADO, Rick Matsumoto President/Chief Executive Officer CONNECTICUT, Jim Glowienka ARIZONA, Joe Miller Chris Wood, WASHINGTON, D.C. GEORGIA, Carl Riggs ARKANSAS , Kerri Russell IDAHO, Edward Northen CALIFORNIA, Brian Hines Secretary ILLINOIS, Darwin Adams COLORADO , Mac Cunningham IOWA, Brett Lorenzen Mark Gates, PALO ALTO , CALIFORNIA CONNECTICUT , Bill Lanzoni KENTUCKY, Lee Squires GEORGIA , Mack Martin MAINE, Donald Abbott Treasurer IDAHO , Christopher Jones MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND, John Troiano Barrett Toan, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO ILLINOIS , Barry Coddens MICHIGAN, John Walters IOWA , Ryan Maas MID-ATLANTIC, Don Haynes KENTUCKY Secretary of the , Gene Slusher MINNESOTA, JP Little MAINE National Leadership Council , David Van Burgel OZARK (MISSOURI) John Wenzlick MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND, Garry Crago Paul Doscher, WEARE, NEW HAMPSHIRE MONTANA, Chris Schustrom MICHIGAN , David Smith NEW HAMPSHIRE, Thomas Ives MID-ATLANTIC, Noel Gollehon Legal Advisor NEW JERSEY, Rich Thomas MINNESOTA, John Hunt David D. Armstrong, Esq., GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA NEW MEXICO, Art Vollmer OZARK (MISSOURI) Jeff Witten NEW YORK, Ron Urban MONTANA , Dan Short NORTH CAROLINA, Jim Mabrey NEW HAMPSHIRE Trustees , March McCubrey OHIO, Tom Allen NEW JERSEY, David King Kai Anderson, WASHINGTON, D.C. INDIAN NATIONS (OKLAHOMA) David Games NEW MEXICO, William Owen MISSOULA, MONTANA OREGON, Terry Turner Nick Babson, NEW YORK , Roger Olson PENNSYLVANIA, Brian Wagner John Braico, M.D., QUEENSBURY, NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA , John Kies SOUTH CAROLINA, Jim Hopkins OHIO Sherry Brainerd, RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIFORNIA , James Geary TENNESSEE, Dick Geiger INDIAN NATIONS (OKLAHOMA) Chuck Kaminski Charlie Breithaupt, CLAYTON, GEORGIA TEXAS, Mark Dillow Trout Unlimited Board of TrusteesTrout Unlimited Board of OREGON, Dave Moldal KETCHUM, IDAHO UTAH, Jeff Taniguchi Stoney Burke, PENNSYLVANIA , Monty Murty VERMONT, Clark Amadon Valerie Colas-Ohrstrom, NEW YORK, NEW YORK SOUTH CAROLINA , Malcolm Leaphart VIRGINIA, Graham Simmerman TENNESSEE Mike Dombeck, STEVENS POINT, WISCONSIN , Steve Brown WASHINGTON, Rosendo Guerrero TEXAS, Rafael Torres Bill Egan, JACKSON, WYOMING WEST VIRGINIA, Lee Orr UTAH, Paul Holden BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA WISCONSIN, Linn Beck Scott Hood, VERMONT, Raymond Obar WYOMING, Calvin Hazlewood Richard Johnson, WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA, Jack Ward Howard Kern, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA WASHINGTON, Tim Gavin WEST VIRGINIA, Phil Smith Henry Koltz, BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN WISCONSIN, Kim McCarthy MANCHESTER CENTER, VERMONT Nancy Mackinnon, WYOMING, Jim Broderick Walt Minnick, CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND Dan Needham, WINNETKA, ILLINOIS Ken Olivier, HILLSBOROUGH, CALIFORNIA Coldwater Conservation Fund Board of Directors 2015 Daniel Plummer, EAST BRANCH, NEW YORK Officers Michael Gerber Mark Ullman Charles Harris Kevin Reilly, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO Stephen Moss Steven Gewirz Paul Vahldiek Steve Strandberg Thomas Stoddard, LONDON, ENGLAND CHAIRMAN David Groff Henry Wendt Chris Wood Steve Strandberg, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Charles Johnson Alexander Wiegers Hamilton James Director Emeritus Mark Taylor, TULALIP, WASHINGTON VICE CHAIRMAN Stephan Kiratsous Kirk Wortman Brian Kraft Gay Barclay Raiford Trask, WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA James Kelley Jeffrey Morgan Advisory John Howard Dan Vermillion, LIVINGSTON, MONTANA SECRETARY Ed Opler, Jr. John McCosker Margaret Keller Perk Perkins Whitney Tilt Thomas Offutt, III Jim Walker, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Directors Leigh Seippel Steven Renkert John Willis, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Ex-Officio Doug Biederbeck Jeffrey Smith Thomas Stoddard John Bell, Jr. Robert Strawbridge Jim Asselstine Robert Teufel Philip Belling Margaret Taylor Jon Christiansen Daniel Zabrowski

Advertise in TROUT Classifieds Reach more than 150,000 anglers for just $2.25/word ($2.05/word for members). Send text of ad and payment to: TROUT Classifieds 1777 North Kent Street, Suite 100 Arlington, Virginia 22209 Ads may be faxed to (703)284-9400 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Classifieds must be prepaid. Count phone number, fax number, ZIP code, street number, abbreviations and email or website address as one word each. Fall deadline: August 1 ______To request a media kit for display advertising, call (703)284-9422 ______

TROUT SUMMER 2015 4

5 TROUT SUMMER 2015

From the President SUMMER 2015 • VOLUME 57 • NUMBER 3 [ Chris Wood] EDITOR Kirk Deeter DEPUTY EDITOR By the next generation, Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations Samantha Carmichael of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, EDITOR-AT-LARGE so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters. Erin Block Trout Unlimited —Trout Unlimited vision statement 1777 North Kent Street Suite 100 Arlington, VA 22209 Native trout in the United States are in trouble. As this report describes, of Ph: (703) 522-0200 the nation’s 28 native trout species, three are already extinct. Thirteen of Fax: (703) 284-9400 the remaining 25 occupy less than 25 percent of their historic habitat. All [email protected]______native trout face threats from water diversion, water quality degradation, www.tu.org DESIGN non-native species, energy development and climate change. grayHouse design People who fish for trout are a strange lot. What else explains this pas- [email protected] sion for willingly standing in cold water often in freezing temperatures, DISPLAY ADVERTISING casting at ghosts? Other than the 155,000 members of Trout Unlimited, Tim Romano our state and federal agency partners, and others who love to fish, who should be concerned [email protected] about the fate of native trout? (303) 495-3967 All of us. TROUT UNLIMITED’S MISSION: If you care about clean rivers and streams for future generations and the effects of a changing To conserve, climate, trout are the proverbial canary-in-the-coal-mine, as they persist in only the highest protect and restore North quality water. America’s People who fish are also eternal optimists. Even the most cynical among us are confident coldwater fisheries and their we will catch the biggest fish of the day, or even our lives, on the last cast. That optimism and watersheds. hope for the future breathes through this report. Consider: In Maggie Creek near Elko, Nev., the BLM, mining companies, TU and the state have worked TROUT (ISSN 0041-3364) is for two decades to restore 82 miles of stream, 2,000 acres of riparian habitat and 40,000 acres published four times a year in January, April, July and October of upland habitat. Lahontan cutthroat trout have returned to 23 miles of stream where they by Trout Unlimited as a service were formerly extirpated. to its members. Annual individual membership for U.S. residents In the Driftless Area of the upper Midwest, TU and dozens of other agencies have worked is $35, $40US for residents of to restore over 75 miles of trout habitat. Pre-restoration fish counts indicated 200-300 fish Canada and $55US for residents of all other countries. TU offers 10 per mile of stream. Post restoration? Over 2,000 fish per mile. different membership categories. Across the county, anglers have engaged state and federal agency partners to protect millions Join or renew online at www.tu.org. of acres of important habitat on public and private lands for wild and native trout. TU does occasionally make its mailing list available to like-minded Two basic lessons emerge from finding common-cause with state and federal agencies, private organizations. Please contact us industry and individual supporters. at the address above if you would First, partnerships are imperative to restoring the legacy of wild and native trout in the United like your name withheld. Postmaster send address States. The author Barry Lopez writes that restoration is “accepting an abandoned responsibility,” changes to: and the hope that “working from this foundation we might, too, begin to mend human society.” TROUT Magazine Every time we work in partnership to replant streamside areas, protect headwater habitats, repair Trout Unlimited 1777 North Kent Street irrigation diversions to reconnect river systems and restore watershed health, we do more than Suite 100 recover trout and make fishing better: we build community in an otherwise fractured society. Arlington, VA 22209 Second, the examples of recovery and restoration cited in this report, originated with one person, or a small group. Much of our lives today are dominated by fear: that our children will not do as well as us, loss of employment, wars and economic decline. Nature needs passionate leaders. Recovering habitats that wild and native fish depend on demonstrates the unbridled optimism and confidence that makes America great, and proves that a few dedicated and com- mitted people can make a difference and in their own way, change the world. Native trout are in trouble in the United States, but we are making a difference. And with ______your involvement and action, we can promise a future of recovery.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 6

______

7 TROUT SUMMER 2015

From the Editor [ Kirk Deeter] Reality Check I’ve always been fond of saying that trout and salmon fishing are as much about the places one experiences, and the people he or she meets along the way, as they are about the fish themselves. We have tried to capture more of this “lifestyle” focus in TROUT magazine recently. That’s why I believe there are reasons for things like gun dogs, mountainscapes, classic flies and rusty old fishing knives to be in these pages as much as stories about the people who roll rocks or plant trees, and photos of pretty spotted fish. But every now and then, it’s important to take a long, hard look at those fish we love so much and the places in which they live. My files are full of stories about fisheries that are better now than they were a few decades ago, and that’s great. But what you are about to read in the “State of the Trout” piece compiled by the TU science team—the world’s foremost experts on trout species and their habitat—should concern you. Yes, we’ve come a long way in many regards, but if we want trout fishing to exist in a form that’s any semblance of what it is now, three generations from now, we have a lot of work to do. More than I thought we did. Certainly more than most recreational anglers, “trout-friendly” companies, writers, bloggers, politicians and armchair conservationists might have assumed. This is a reality check. Because whether you dream about the subtle take of a dry fly, or the stout tug of a lake trout on a casting rod, you’ll have to ask yourself just how sacred fishing really is.

PATAGONIA RIVER GUIDES

TROUT SPRING 2015 8 ______

______

9 TROUT SSPRINGPRING 20120155

Our Contributors

Upstream Jack Williams, Amy Haak, Kurt Fesenmyer, Dan Dauwalter, Helen An Unprecedented Series of Ultra-Lite Fly Rods Neville, Matt Barney and Matt Mayfield were the primary authors Available in Weights 2 to 4 on the State of the Trout report and are part of TU’s Science Team. Jack is based out of Oregon’s Rogue River Valley and the rest of the crew call Boise, Idaho, home.

To find a dealer visit: www.douglasoutdoors.com______315.695.2000 @DouglasFishing facebook.com/douglasoutdoors

MAKE THE NEXT CATCH LEGENDARY

NO HUMIDOR NEEDED Revolutionary packaging keeps these premium hand-rolled cigars properly humidiﬁed for more than 2 years.

DRIVE INCREMENTAL SALES Now you can take the fresh-from-the-factory ﬂavor of some of our most iconic brands anywhere you go. Our new Locked-In Humidity Pack is a special airtight, foil-lined pouch that keeps your favorite premium, handmade cigars as fresh as the day they were rolled for up to three years—all without a humidor. Look for this game-changing innovation behind the counter of your local convenience stores and gas stations, and savor it on some of our most popular cigars

FIND A RETAILER AT: CIGARWORLD.COM/NOHUMIDOR/______

TROUT SPRING 2015 10

11 TROUT SPRING 2015

This is a Test.

Fly fi shing is more than getting your fl y in front of a fi sh. Take just getting there, for instance: pushing through brush, butt-sliding down boulders, climbing under barbed wire, hauling an infl atable to the put-in. Our Rio Gallegos Waders’ exclusive 4-layer fabric is built to stand up to whatever fl y fi shing throws at you. Developed, tested and proven in the only lab we’ve ever known.

PATAGONIA.COM/FISH______

Rio Gallegos Waders and Foot Tractor Wading Boots

Our Readers Write Take I’ve spoken at length about this matter with As a TU Life Member for about 40 TU’s senior scientist, Dr. Jack Williams, and years and one who has been begging per his guidance, I think the “close to the TU off-and-on for many years to quit waterline” standard is most fair and reason- a Bite printing pictures of fish out of water, able. If a fish is displayed in a way that clearly I was overjoyed when TROUT magazine demonstrates care and concern, and suggests printed Erin Block’s “At What Price minimal air exposure, that’s a step in the right Out of Glory?” I was even more upbeat when direction. That’s the standard we’re going to I read Brady O’Grosky’s letter in the follow with TROUT magazine going forward. Spring 2105 issue, and the editor’s The “keep ‘em wet” ideal is good, but it’s Slime reply. With that, I looked forward to not a cure-all, and it shouldn’t be a standard not seeing any more pictures of fish to judge every fish photo, in every situation. out of water in TROUT magazine! Foot Tractor Case in point: I hope you like our cover for You can therefore imagine my this issue. I think we might be the first fishing Wading Boots unpleasant surprise in seeing the magazine in the world to run a 3-inch trout profile of Derek Young as a wonder- on our cover. Yeah, that trout is out of the ful guide and great TU Gold Level water, but its life is being saved. Business member: There in all his glory This is a “crawl-walk-run” situation, and is a huge picture of a fish out of water! while I agree wholeheartedly that “hoiking” What is TU’s answer to this seem- fish is probably best left as a thing of the past, ingly glaring contradiction? When we must also remember that “hooking” fish in will the “no fish out of water” policy the first place is also not ideal. Some science take effect? Will it include pictures in suggests mortality among landed and released advertisements, or not? fish, whether you release them without any air Colonel J exposure at all. I can accept that. I’m an advocate for fishing, and I’m for people catching Just wanted to comment regarding the fish, and celebrating these accomplishments, outdated practice of “hoiking” fish up because I think happy anglers are most apt to out of the water to gratify the ego of become stewards of the resources. the fly fisher. In the Spring 2015 issue, To the question on advertising, I’ll point Brad O’Grosky of Bozeman, Montana, out that most of the “creative” has already been pleads to end the practice of publish- produced by those companies at great expense. ing such photos. The TU response: While I agree that we want to lead by example “We will, and we do…” and referral and encourage more fish-friendly imagery as to Erin Block’s article would seem to much as we can, I’ll also point out that those indicate support for ending the practice ads generate thousands of dollars that will of publishing such photos… I would be spent by TU on restoring, reconnecting suggest revised advertising guidelines and conserving river habitat. I’m confident to reject ads with glory photos. that the good that will result from those ads Randy A. Brewer far exceeds the negatives. We will eventually Eugene, Oregon make standards more rigid.

Editor responds: Fair comments. Our last issue had 100 pages, and looking through Your Letters: Readers are invited to it, there’s one shot on the editorial side (the submit letters on anything that appears ones we produced) that I’d like to have back. in TROUT. We may edit submissions for Ironically, that’s the shot of Derek Young, who clarity or length. Send letters to: happens to be one of the leading proponents OUR READERS WRITE: of the “photarium” and one of the most TROUT UNLIMITED resource-conscious guides in America. That 1777 N. Kent St., #100 photo “drips,” and it’s clear to me that he Arlington, VA 22209 © 2015 Patagonia, Inc. didn’t kill that fish, but I’ll own that. [email protected]______

13 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Pocket Water news bits and bytes

Jeff Laszlo on Odell Creek GREG THOMAS

Headwater Success: Montana’s Odell Creek Ten years ago, Odell Creek was a wetlands—a rule under intense fire in Creek become trout factories for main- shadow of the spring creek feeding the Congress. stem rivers like the Madison, building Madison today. Over-widened, silty. “Water is the lifeblood of healthy resilience against drought and disease. Functional, but no superstar. people and healthy economies,” Restored wetlands are sponges for In 2005, Jeff Laszlo of Granger McGrath says. “We have a duty to watersheds, says Pat Byorth, Director Ranches decided to change Odell’s tra- protect it. That’s why EPA and the of TU’s Montana Water Project. jectory. He and his partners narrowed Corps of Engineers signed the final “Raising the water table across runs, deepened pools and replenished Clean Water Rule in May. The Rule the 3,000 acre floodplain is roughly wetlands. The creek’s wild inhabitants serves the same goal as good steward- equivalent to a 100-acre pond 30 feet responded in spectacular ways. ship and aquatic restoration: Healthier deep, slowly discharging into Odell Fast forward 10 years to a crowd watersheds mean better habitat and Creek and the Madison River,” he gathered on the plateau overlook- healthier economies. Jeff Laszlo and says. ing Odell and the Madison flood- his partners have done so much for “Healthy floodplains sop up excess plain. Shaun McGrath, Region 8 the same types of waters the rule will runoff, then let loose during the Administrator for the Environmental protect. His project restored fish and squeeze.” Protection Agency has come to observe wildlife habitat, and improved water Ranchers like Jeff will fix what is the rebirth of Odell Creek and talk quality and grazing management, each broken, and the EPA rule will protect about the Clean Water Rule, a regula- driving positive economic impacts.” what isn’t. tion protecting humble streams and Once renewed, places like Odell –Shauna Sherard

TROUT SUMMER 2015 14

EPA and Army Corps Restore Clean Water Protections The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a new rule in May that will restore protections to America’s headwater streams under the Clean Water Act. The Waters of the United States rule returns the Clean Water Act to its full poten- cy. Small, intermittent headwater streams were stripped of their longstanding CWA protections after two politically charged Supreme Court decisions in the 2000s. The court ruled that there was no proven nexus between small headwater streams and the larger rivers they feed, and it instructed the EPA and the Corps to prove that nexus before they could once again protect these small waters under the storied act. Eat The PROBAR Armed with the scientific proof that headwaters and mainstem rivers are, indeed, connected, the two agencies started a federal rulemaking process in 2014, and “1,000 Mile” Meal completed it in May of this year when the final rule was announced. Bars, Fix Habitat, Headwaters are home to the country’s healthiest wild and native trout populations, Make Trout Happy and they are spawning and rearing waters for both trout and ocean-going salmon and steelhead. Simply put, they are the waters where big fish go to make little fish. For anglers, intact headwaters dictate success, no matter where they fish in a watershed. If you’re looking for a packable river Headwater streams are the sources of the cold, clean water that ends up in America’s snack (or a meal replacement that storied rivers. Keeping these waters healthy allows you to keep fishing through a midday hatch) consider the new Keeping these waters ensures that water quality remains intact through- “1,000 Mile” (Almond Crunch) healthy ensures that out a river’s course—this benefits everyone, from Meal Bar by PROBAR. Through water quality remains farmers and ranchers, industrial interests and a partnership arrangement with intact throughout a river’s anyone who turns on a tap. Orvis and TU, PROBAR is donating course—this benefits Unfortunately, many in Congress hope to one dollar for every one of these everyone, from farmers scuttle the rule. Some wish to defund the rule, bars sold to the Orvis/TU 1,000 others hope to force the rulemaking process— and ranchers, industrial Mile campaign, which is replacing interests and anyone who which drew hundreds of thousands of supportive outdated or poorly-designed cul- turns on a tap. comments over the last year—to begin anew. verts to reconnect 1,000 miles of While the rule is now in its final phase, these vital habitat in headwater streams threats to its outcome and its future are real. TU urges its members to contact throughout the country. their state’s congressional delegations and ask them to let the rulemaking process It’s a very important program continue. Simply put, playing politics with clean water is not acceptable. that we have reported on often in –Chris Hunt TROUT magazine. I’m admittedly no food critic, but I have camped, and hiked, and floated and fished with more snacks and meal bars than I care to remember—because most of them either melted, or tasted like particle board. It’s just my opinion, mind you, but the 1,000 Mile Bar is the most palatable—actually deli- cious—river snack I’ve tasted. And sure, it tastes even better because it helps save trout and make fishing better. See theprobar.com. –Joel Johnson

15 TROUT SUMMER 2015

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 beneficiary 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.

For more information: [email protected] | tu.org/giftplanning | (703) 284-9421

JOSHUA DUPLECHIAN JOSHUA TROUT SUMMER 2015 16

Pocket Water

Women in TU: Wisconsin Clinic Shines Laura MacFarland began her fly-fish- women from as far away as Colorado and ship nationwide, as alumni return to ing adventures teasing unsuspecting Massachusetts have come to Wisconsin’s their home states. Female membership bluegills in a small park in southeast Driftless Area to participate. in Southern Wisconsin TU alone has Missouri at the age of 16. During her According to Laura, their success increased by 225 percent since the first early 20s, she bounced around the West relies on the “for women, by women” clinic in 2010. Some alumni have gone as a whitewater guide on the Arkansas model. “You can see the inhibitions on to serve in chapter leadership posi- River, a fisheries technician searching melt away during the first hour as our tions. Many of the female volunteers the Nevada wilderness for Lahontan lead instructor, Nikki Seger, has every- who have helped make the clinics a cutthroat trout, and a watershed coor- one laughing. It’s a great learning envi- success, like Laura, have found greater dinator in the Eastern Sierras. ronment where women can feel at ease confidence. At the age of 24, Laura received and as a result we have fostered an amaz- After relocating to northern the gift of a TU Life Membership ing community.” Wisconsin, Laura was elected vice presi- from her father. Ecstatic about the It is difficult to measure the impact dent of the Northwoods Chapter within new Orvis rod and reel that came with of these clinics on female TU member- a year. She now serves as president while it, she never imagined the impact this juggling her career in river conservation introduction to TU would have. While and her family of four. Laura admits: completing a graduate degree in Water “TU events can be very male. Even as a Resource Management at the University water resource manager, it was difficult of Wisconsin, she attended meetings of for me as a young female to find the the Southern Wisconsin chapter. The confidence to become a TU leader. I small number of women in the chapter am excited that this is changing through left her wondering how she fit in so she chapters’ efforts nationwide. After all, hung around the periphery. But a few river conservation needs all the con- years later, Laura decided it was time to fident female (and male) advocates we become more active. After approach- can get!” ing the leadership to see how she could For more information about the contribute, she was appointed the edu- Wisconsin Women’s Flyfishing Clinics cation chair. She then was approached visit https://www.facebook.com/______by Tina Murray, a chapter veteran and SWTUWomensClinic.______teacher renowned for coordinating –Kerri Russell “Project Green Teen” at her public high school. Tina asked Laura to co- organize the Wisconsin Women’s Flyfishing Clinics. In five years, this annual clinic “for women, by women” has grown beyond anyone’s expectations. In 2015, the week of clinics will include a three-day beginner’s clinic entirely led by women, a two-day intermediate clinic led by male and female instructors designed to bridge the gender gap, and a short “river buddy” clinic to provide the alumni of previous years the confidence and skills to become instructors themselves. Over 150

17 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Pocket Water

Drifter “Covert” Fly Rod $785; drifterflyfishing.com GEAR WE LIKE: Reviewed by Henry Koltz PRODUCTS TESTED BY TU My fly fishing is essentially bi-polar. When fish are hitting ANGLERS, FOR TU ANGLERS on top, I’ll throw a dry. The second they stop, I turn to stripping heavy streamers. There is no in-between… and I fish with 2- and 3-weights. All year, under all condi- Cabela’s Men’s Guidewear tions. As you might guess, finding a rod that keeps up Boa Boots with my neurotic methods is a big ask. In the Drifter Covert, I found the right tool for the job. $142.49; cabelas.com Drifter Fly Fishing has designed its “Covert” to be Reviewed by Derek Young a “moderatem action” rod. I fished a 7’-6” 2- wweight during Wisconsin’s early season in Three days of use on the Yakima River in a drift boat a week that dropped from 70 degrees to and on foot left a great impression. The Boa lacing 35, and went from clear to rain to sleet system is easy to use, and feels solid. I was able to cinch to hail, all with wind gusts. The Covert the boboots down quickly and the fit was great, picked up and placed BWO dries at 15 feet complementedco by a high, padded ankle every bit as well as it cast heavy streamers at and sturdy footbed. 440 feet (both required casts in Wisconsin’s “Lightweight” and “supportive” are DrifDriftlesst Area). It helped me feel what my line two features I value most in a wading was doing, react accordingly and produce great casts. It’s boot, and the Guidewear Boa boots’ not too fast and it’s not too slow—just perfect for a versatile Vibram soles made scrambling over performance trout rod, providing great feedback. basaltb and smooth cobble a confidence builder.build With just a lightweight neoprene wading sock, 45-degree water was tolerable and the quick-draining feature didn’t bog the boots down… another big plus. Finally, Cabela’s 4MOST treatment promises to hinder bacteria and odor, a fact I appreciat- ed after leaving the boots to dry in the back of my truck. When wet-wading season arrives, my wading boots are usually left home for a pair of river sandals. Cabela’s Guidewear Boa boots will change that mindset, however. Comfort, traction and support are keys to fun and safe days on The rod itself is slick. Mine has a gorgeous box elder the water, and these boots make burl wood reel seat, attractive hardware and wraps, and a the grade. flat, low-reflection finish. Ferrules fit together exception- ally, with no shakes or loosening even after several days of casting streamers. Based in Denver, Co., Drifter has been around for just about a year. Rods include a lifetime warranty. On top of that, Drifter offers a stunning 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the rod for any reason, you can send it back with “no questions asked.” How’s that for standing behind a product? Take note of this new addition in the fly-fishing world. Here at TROUT, we’re excited to see what the future holds.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 18

Korker’s K-5 Bomber Wading Boot $199.99; korkers.com Reviewed by Erin Block

Fishing small streams requires skills somewhere between a Tough Mudder race and ballet. You need endurance and ability to move throughthrou tricky terrain and over obstacles (even before you get intoin the water). Then grace to move stealthily upstream. A lot of these things are reliant, or at least strongly helped, by proper footwear. But it’s hard to find a balance with wading boots: Either they’re super in the water and death on dry ground, or vice versa. And for most of my fishing environments,e both are required. There are short hikes to publicp access and then streamside social trails, skirting waterfalls and deep pools that can’t be safely (or dryly) waded. I wore Korker’s K-5 Bomber wading boots on my homewater CorQs Strike (Colorado) streams, as well as on early spring mudflats while stalking Indicators carp. In both situations they performed admirably. Perhaps the most noticeable thing was their weight; or rather lack thereof. Even when in- $4.99 per 3-pack; corqsflyfishing.com stream, these boots boast hydrophobic materials and internal drainage Reviewed by Bill Thorne channels that make them surprisingly lightweight. However, the K-5 doesn’t scrimp on support or durability. It appears Anybody who has fished an indicator as an old-school hiking boot but doesn’t gift the remembered blisters. knows the normal problems that they can Full-sole coverage offers good traction both on streambeds and trails, present: they don’t cast well, they are hard and the replaceable soles lock in securely and easily, offering the luxury to see, they slip, or are non-responsive. of choice for seasonal change. On high-wear areas the heavy stitching CorQs have addressed all the above. is protected in recessed grooves and Korker’s 5-Ply Fit System locks the I have found them to be a pleasure foot in place while providing good ankle support. to fish. The ½-inch neon CorQs are easy to see, and sensitive enough to detect even the lightest strike. They also stay put, even on the light end of the leader. I was pleased with how the CorQs locked in. Cast-ability is always an issue with an indicator, especially when you are using a 5/8” type with a long leader. The relatively lightweight CorQs don’t create a typical hinge point that I have found with the heavier plastic indicators. Aside from the positive performance features, CorQs are eco-friendly as well, made from biodegradable materials. When you fish long nymph rigs like we do here on the White River, a responsive, castable indicator makes a big difference. I’m a believer.

19 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Pocket Water

Cabela’s SBT Pro Waders $249.99; cabelas.com Reviewed by Jon Christiansen

How much to spend on waders can occupy a fair amount of discussion around IT PAYS TO BE A a campfire. One camp suggests that you spend as much as you can, based on the theory that you always get what you pay for. The other camp says that if you can get twotw pairs of waders for the price of one, TU MEMBER that’sth the way to go. After testing the f course, the greatest ben- Cabelas SBT Pro waders with 4Most Oefit of TU membership is Dry Plus under some very challeng- that you support the organi- ing conditions, it’s clear that both zation that does the most to sides can now be right: Anglers improve the quality of trout fish- can have top-of-the-line features ing, and protect trout waters for ata a very affordable price. the future. But we’re also working WhatW really sold me on these with a select group of partners waders were their three front-side waterproof that support TU, to offer added benefits to the TU family. For zip pockets. The waders’ two vertical right and example: left zippers connect to the same storage area, while a horizontal zipper accesses an entirely If you want to save money on separate pocket. On top of that, there is a flies, and also know that the flies mesh pouch accessed by a magnetic closure you buy help support TU’s work, visit flyassortments.com. There, that works well, together with a flip out, zip- you will find staple patterns, as pered pouch where I stored a couple of small well as assortments customized boxes for my go-to flies. for certain regions, discounted I put these waders to the test on two trips for TU members. to the spring creeks of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, and during a week of climbing over Fly Rod & Reel magazine will be partnering with TU and TROUT boulders on Penns Creek in Pennsylvania. magazine on an E-newsletter for They performed terrifically, including anglers (look for it soon), and TU when I waded deep (over the level of the members can subscribe to this zip pockets). Everything in the pockets standard at a healthy discount. remained bone-dry. I use a sling pack for my fishing, which allowed me to keep tip- The Fly Fisher Group (flyfisher-_____ group.com),______a new TU Partner, pet, floatant and other tools in the waders’ offers high-end fly fishing trips to front pockets. This combination minimized amazing locations. Life Members my need to slide my sling pack around to the and their guests can save up to front, and left a situation with nothing to 10 percent on trips to some of snag my fly line on, making for easy casting. the best fly-fishing locales on the The breathability of these waders is more planet. Just in time for summer than adequate. The neoprene stocking feet fishing season, special rates are at 3mm are slightly thinner than some other available on the Kola Peninsula brands, and while this might be a limitation if and Iceland for Atlantic Salmon one was required to stand in freezing water for and the Seychelles. For more infor- a long period of time, the thinner feet actually mation, go to flyfishergroup.com. resulted in a roomy fit and made wader removal a breeze. At what I consider an affordable price, Stay tuned for more information on this growing program… these waders offer anglers a great value.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 20

Radian puts the Feel in Fast. Until now, you’ve had to choose between a rod with power and line speed, or a rod with touch and feel. But thanks to Scott and our all new ReAct technology, those days are over. Fast and Feel have ﬁnally come together. To learn more visit scottﬂyrod.com or your nearest Scott dealer.

2013 IFTD NEW PRODUCT WINNERS Overall Best of Show – Radian by Scott and Best Fly Rod (Freshwater) – Radian by Scott

Scott Fly Rod Company | 2355 Air Park Way, Montrose, Colorado 81401 | 970-249-3180 | scottflyrod.com

Pocket Water

are grazers. When collecting aquatic specimens, we normally disturb the substrate on the bottom of the river by kicking our feet and lifting up rocks to dislodge the insects. During my streamside classes, students often ask me why we are not simply sampling the river above the bottom in the mid water column. After all, fish can’t pick up rocks or stir up the bottom like we can. No, but trout will do their best to locate food sources under the rocks and on the bottom of the stream. Even if these insects are not drifting downstream and we don’t see an abundance of stoneflies floating down the river to their ultimate demise, your stonefly pattern will still be recognized as a potential food source for a trout, so long as there are stoneflies on the bottom.

5) Observing Trout Breaking the Surface Means They Are Eating Adult Mythbusting: Five Unlikely Tips on Bugs and Trout Insects. I would estimate that at least By Robert “The Bug Guy” Younghanz once a week someone comes into the fly shop extremely frustrated because they 1) Insects Don’t Have Gills. Well, trout. Also remember that water absorbs saw trout sipping and porpoising on the yes and no. There are two basic types colors in the spectrum, making them top of a river or lake and their dry fly of respiration that aquatic insects use to appear different at deeper depths (e.g. was refused time and time again. Having obtain oxygen: hydropneustic (extraction red appears gray after several feet). a fundamental understanding of the of dissolved oxygen from the water itself) life cycles of aquatic insects would have and aeropneustic (extracting atmospheric 3) Trout Cannot See Your Flies In immediately diffused their aggravation oxygen from above the surface of the Turbid Water. One rule of fly fishing that and they would have likely caught fish. water). While there are a few aquatic you will often hear is that if you stand in As most seasoned fly fishers are aware insects that do come to the surface to the river up to your knees and cannot see when trout are sipping or porpoising extract oxygen utilizing an assortment the tops of your wading boots, then don’t they are eating pupa and emergers in the of breathing apparatuses, the majority of even bother fishing. I have found this to film on top of the water. They are not aquatic invertebrates absorb oxygen from be completely untrue even in the most eating adults that have already emerged. various gill-like structures. There are roily water. Trout see and sense much Insects are the most vulnerable when even some species that use a combination more in the water than we can begin to trying to break though the surface film of both types of respiration. imagine. While off-color water can make and trout instinctively know this and for difficult fishing conditions, if you consequentially will key heavily on them 2) Trout See Colors. Studies have are fishing the right flies (with the right at this stage of their lifecycle shown that while trout do see color, they size and profile) in the best places on the do not possess the capacity to differenti- river given the conditions (on the edges If you like these, I have more myths to ate the diverse spectrum of colors that we and seams that naturally collect bugs), bust in future columns… humans can. Furthermore, by dissecting the fact is that fish can often still see your the eyes of trout, fish biologists have been flies and will eat them. Robert Younghanz, a.k.a “The Bug Guy,” is an able to determine that trout see color in internationally known fly-fishing guide and instruc- more muted tones, much like a dog. For 4) Collecting Insects Off The Bottom tor. Check out Robert’s best selling DVD set: The example, the red San Juan worm that of the River Is Not A True Reflection of Bug Guy: Entomology for the Fly we see likely looks more brownish to a Food Sources. It’s been proven that trout Fisher at www.the-bug-guy.com.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 22

stewardship | research | education | advocacy Join Today. Protect Tomorrow.

WWW.BTT.ORG______

Pocket Water

Shops We Like: Unicoi Outfitters

ne of the great things about conservation is that while, and enjoy teaching others to fly fish. They organize the Oon the surface, it’s about fish and fish habitat, at a deeper “Gilligan Special” a three-hour tour that leads to a lifetime level, it’s about people who care. And in conservation, as in life, of adventure, as well as the Fly Fishing School at Habersham you soon learn that there are some who will never let you down. Mill, an intensive two-day course designed for novice and These are the reliable supporters—the “A Team”—that backs intermediate anglers. the TU mission every year. So it is with Jimmy Harris and David In addition to guide and teaching services, Unicoi Dockery and their staff at Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, Ga., the Outfitters fly shop carries most of the best fly-fishing brands. newest TU Gold Level Business member. Non-locals can also visit the shop online at www.unicoioutfit-______Consider these words from Alan Folger, TU Veterans Services ters.com._____ Shipping is free on orders over $200 and if you Partnership director: “Few individuals have done more to provide purchase a premium rod, they offer a complimentary half-day healing and rehabilitation to our nation’s veterans. Whether of unguided trophy trout fishing at Nacoochee Bend. through their personal and business generosity, or their very –Walt Gasson important fundraising efforts, Jimmy and David have always been there for TU and our veterans.” Georgia Council president Carl Riggs added: “You couldn’t make a better choice than Jimmy Harris, David Dockery and Unicoi Outfitters. No one is more generous with their time and treasure.” Unicoi Outfitters is the oldest full-service fly-fishing shop and guide operation in northern Georgia. They’re located on the Chattahoochee River near Helen. They offer guide trips, regional fishing information and fly fishing for trophy rainbow and brown trout on private waters including the exclusive 1.5-mile section of the Chattahoochee River at Nacoochee Bend. The folks at Unicoi like nothing better than sharing the fondness they all have for fly fishing,

National Leadership Conference Notice of Annual Meeting Friday, September 18, 2015 TU’s 2015 National Leadership Conference will be held 8:30 a.m., Scranton Hilton September 18 and 19 at the Scranton Hilton in Scranton, Penn. Scranton, Penn. It will be the 13th annual meeting of the National Leadership Council. Notice is hereby given to the members of Trout Unlimited, a The local TU members will host fishing trips on September Michigan non-profit corporation, that, pursuant to the pro- 16 on some of the region’s finest rivers. September 17 will visions of the bylaws, the 56th Annual Meeting of members feature a tour of TU’s restoration work in Pennsylvania. will be held to elect trustees, approve amended bylaws and September 18 and 19 are reserved for the Annual Members to take up any other business that comes up properly before Meeting and meeting of the National Leadership Council and the meeting. Beginning August 3, members can obtain the TU’s conservation awards ceremony. For an agenda and regis- 2015 proxy at www.tu.org or through the mail by calling tration information, see www.tu.org. (703) 522-0200.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 24

Our 50 years ooff innovation hhasas helpedhelped us perfect perfect what whatre reallyally matters — ampamplifyinglifying the thrill of human experience. Our ChromaPop™ lenses are the most advanced polarized lenses in the world, shown here in the Dockside. See true color and razor sharp definition, wherever the river takes you.

The experience is everything.™

Watersheds [ by Christopher Camuto] The Radical Angler: Toward Biocentrism and a Clear Conscience

THE WORD RADICAL DID NOT COME I wouldn’t go all etymological on you needs. Despite the aspersions and sus- into English as a slur. Deriving from were it not for a new spate of attacks on picions cast on them, the proof of the radix, the Latin word for root, for cen- environmentally progressive outdoor pudding is that their activities improve turies it had rich associations with the organizations as—you guessed it—radical. the quality of fishing and hunting in idea of getting back to the root of things, The Izaak Walton League, the Theodore our time. It’s an odd temperament that’s to foundations, to first principles. In Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, troubled by such nefarious goals. For the math, of course, a radical is the root of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the trout fisherman and the deer hunter, a number or quantity; in botany, the Bull Moose Sportsman Alliance, and the duck hunter and the steelheader word designates plants useful for the Trout Unlimited, among others, have had better be radical, else a hundred bulging nutrients stored in their roots, been taking flack for their wide range years from now there will be no quality like the hidden bounty of carrots or of progressive views on protecting what’s fishing and hunting to be done. beets. Thoreau—perhaps still our best left of nature for quality fishing and For the past 40 years, I’ve watched radical thinker—joked in Walden that he hunting. The source of the criticism the growth of environmental awareness wanted to pick up words “with dirt still isn’t important—whoever is profiting among anglers and hunters, a broaden- clinging to their roots,” so passionate from the status quo will always attack ing and deepening of consciousness that was he about the relation of words and the proponents of change—and I’m flowed parallel to but distinct from the things. The word often connotes a tickled more than troubled by the way mainstream environmental movement desire for change that restores the way the epithet “radical,” sometimes “green that coalesced in the 1960s and 1970s, things are in their nature, a desire to radical,” is thrown about as a killing bon a movement that was labelled “radical” return to a source. mot. I suppose it is in certain circles. in the negative sense early on. (Rachel In this context, I can think of no After four centuries of positive use, Carson was a “radical” for suggesting better image of radical source-seeking the word took on negative connotations that DDT was perhaps not the healthiest than an angler headed up a mountain in the political arena early in the 19th additive for our lawns, fields, woods and stream with a thorn-torn vest on her century. In England it became a brickbat streams.) If the mainstream environ- back and a rod in her hand. Or a figure to throw at opponents of slavery and mental movement could trace its roots to in a boat tending oars and a trolling other injustices. John Muir’s idealistic hope of preserving rod, “counting colors” as they say in But “to speak a word for Nature,” wild landscapes for their own sake, Maine, fishing deep for landlocks. to quote Thoreau’s emphatic prologue anglers and hunters claimed lineage Or a guy getting out of his pickup at to his famous essay “Walking,” is to from Theodore Roosevelt’s practical the end of a day’s work to flip a lure announce oneself as radical in the best interest in conservation of nature for into the well-worn riffle of a local possible sense. (And that prologue may human purposes. The former could river. From Izaak Walton’s day to our be taken as the rhetorical beginning attach itself to the exuberant irreverence own, every angler is headed toward of the environmental movement in of Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire, which radical discovery and, if he or she is America.) All the targeted organizations happily and irreverently pursued Muir’s not careful, the emergence of a radi- work hard to speak for nature in various ideal of valuing nature for its own sake. cal self, a self knotted—from tippet to ways—for conservation, restoration, The latter were more likely to reach for backing—tightness to nature, the most preservation, for rebalancing nature’s A Sand County Almanac and other essays by radical thing of all. resources with human activities and Aldo Leopold for guidance toward a

TROUT SUMMER 2015 26

without making too many more excuses or falling prey to old arguments or silly accusations. We need to move from an anthropocentric point of view, pursu- ing the interests of one species, toward a biocentric perspective that seeks the survival of all living things that make up the ecology of a still bountiful planet. Whether we got to this point by pursu- ing purely philosophic goals or by the humble practice of being more thought- ful anglers doesn’t matter anymore. Those first releases of wild trout and early stream restoration projects were the quiet, unassuming fulcrum of an enormous change, the leverage of which has grown decade by decade until defense of the inherent value of wild trout fisheries merged with profound philosophic changes in the perception of the relationship of the human and the natural. Those first self-conscious releases of fish—think of the familiar

TIM ROMANO image of a colorful wet trout slipping For the trout fisherman and the deer hunter, the duck hunter and the steelheader had better be radical, else a hundred years from now there will be no quality fishing and hunting to be done. useful re-balancing of human interests and fish. Some of us lived happily on from the merest grasp of a human and wild natural places—ducks in the both sides of this divide. hand—were constructively radical in marshes and trout in the streams. In recent decades, spurred partly their implications. They embodied (Think how pivotal Ducks Unlimited but not wholly by concerns over climate that move from an anthropocentric and Trout Unlimited were in this vein.) change and entrenched attachment to view of angling—bound up with 19th Abbey was a trouble-making radical, fossil fuel use, the old divide between century ideas of fishing as “sport”—to bless his cantankerous soul; Leopold the idealistic and practical sides of the biocentric view. Angling has changed a Yale-educated forester and wildlife environmental thinking has been us—radicalized us if you will—because ecologist who lived an old-school out- disappearing, merged in the necessity contact with nature changes us, as does door life. If the more idealistic side of of attending to the daunting subject of any return to roots. the environmental movement wanted to global sustainability, on which all our hug trees and observe nature, the more interests rest. By all practical measures, Wit’s End practical side wanted to split wood, hunt we need to return to our roots in nature Wolftree Farm

27 TROUT SUMMER 2015

BLUE LINES

[ by Tom Reed] GRAHAM OWEN GRAHAM

here is a school of thought a new direction in life. Change, the I’ve fished many places and caught all that starting all over is best discipline asserts, is a great way to keep kinds of species. I fish a lot. But I have left to those who still battle you from sucking your thumb in a never caught a steelhead. Any steelhead. acneT and get carded at the liquor store. withered fetal heap when you turn 80. Devoid of adipose or sporting the one For those in their fourth or fifth or I fall into this latter camp and the the Creator gave him. How I explain sixth decade on this blue marble, the new thing is steelheading. More spe- this deficiency in my angling resume so-called “new beginning,” whether it’s cifically, steelheading with a Spey rod. is multi-layered. First, of course, I have a new relationship, a new line of work I have been fly fishing for decades. had other distractions. Things like or learning something new… that kind I taught myself to fly cast when I was wild cutthroat at the top of the divide, of thing is best left to the kids, so the in elementary school by reading all of bugling bull elk in a copse of lodgepole philosophy maintains. the old classic outdoor writers in Field and chukar partridge laughing at me Then there’s the other opinion. The & Stream and Outdoor Life and then going from some nasty crag. Steelhead have one contends that in order to combat out on my parents’ lawn and trying it been down the list. Father Time’s inexorable jack-booted out. This self-taught method probably But, if I truly admit it, there has march through your neurons, it’s good explains my innate ability to tie wind been something else. The appeal of to learn something new at 50, or take knots in all weather. standing in a river and making one

TROUT SUMMER 2015 28

thousand casts and getting all excited When he told me about a guy who them I was steelheading for the first about one tug, perhaps? I don’t think it decided the end should be ushered time, and using a Spey, they slapped was that, for I’m a bowhunter who has in with a .303 British to the cranium me on the back and congratulated me. known the agony of going after many and the subsequent hazmat fallout that The myth was wilting. a bugling bull only to have him hang ensued, I asked him to please keep our Then the river and the lessons. The up just out of range, or just behind a relationship to fishing stories, or hunt- river was deep, cold, clean and beauti- bush, or scent me just as I drew back. ing stories, or stories about one of his ful. Shelves of rock and deep channels. Patience is part of the outdoor game five sons, or hell, even relationships. We looked for bodies. Fish bodies, and standing in a cold river or sitting But please, no more tales of gore. not ex-cop type bodies. I cast and got on a stand are just different platforms So Dean picked me up one February the rhythm of it, the feel of it. It felt for the same Zen. day not long ago, and gave me a ride up good. Cast, step. Cast, step. An ouzel If I think back, somewhere I got the a famous steelhead river, a river I’d read chattered from the rocks and I waded impression that there was an elitism to about in Ray Bergman’s classic, Trout, to my waist. Dean instructed and then, steelheading. Kind of like talking to way back when I was teaching myself his voice rose. He had spotted fish. He someone at a party and as soon as you to fly cast. He introduced me to Frank coached me in, told me where to cast say something mildly uninteresting, Moore, a steelheading legend. Nicest and for once, I rolled a good cast out their attention is somewhere off in man in the world. Ninety-something there. “He’s turning! Get ready! No, he outer space, perhaps staring at that tall and still going strong. A World War II turned. He followed, but he turned.” drink of water across the room, while veteran, a conservation hero. My heart returned to normal. I cast occasionally flicking their bored eyes First Dean, and now Frank. Great again and again and again. And again. back your way. We call that ADD in people. This myth I had carried about And again some more. Finally, Dean some settings. I just call it a dude who told me to reel in and come up on the doesn’t give a rap about what you are bank where he was so I could see the saying. And somehow, I think I felt fish I’d been drifting over. that from steelheaders as soon as they I’ve fished many There in the depth were five long found out I fished for trout. I have no places and caught all shapes, like dark, muscled forearms of idea where this came from and I can iron. Steelhead. Wild steelhead in an cite no person who has ever been rude kinds of species. I fish Oregon coastal river. And I thought to me or looked down a long nose at a lot. But I have never about those fish and what they’d been my trout proclivities. I’m beginning through to get there and then I thought to think I made it up. caught a steelhead. about other steelhead in other rivers. So at the well-past-gymnastics age Like the desert rivers, well off the of 50-something, I took up steel- Any steelhead. Devoid coast, well above the dams and their heading and I hand-picked a teacher. of adipose or sporting fish ladders, the combat fishermen, There would be no reading a book the low water, the bad water, and yet, and standing out in my horse pasture the one the Creator there, still, they were. And then I with a Spey rod for me. I have a friend gave him. thought about steelheading and I had named Dean who, along with being an to admit, I couldn’t wait to be back. I ex-cop, is a hell of a Spey-caster, a guide got it. I knew why. I know why I would, and a heck of a nice guy. I’m not sure elitist steelheaders was starting to quiver anyway. I guess you have to really try he has a fault, unless it is his penchant at the knees a bit. it to know. for telling appallingly grotesque and When we stopped to string up for I hope that doesn’t sound elitist. disturbing stories about his days in my first lesson along a crystal Oregon blue and the various human bodies he’s river, a rig pulled over and out popped Tom Reed is an author of several books, had to remove from various positions a couple of younger guys, who in some such as Blue Lines: A Fishing Life, and works in various states of decay. The kinds circles are called “bro-bras.” Here it for Trout Unlimited, far from steelhead of stories that send your stomach flip- comes, I thought. These guys are going water, outside Pony, Mont. Contact flopping down the old vomit turnpike. to be the elitist types. When Dean told him at [email protected].______

29 TROUT SUMMER 2015

TROUT SUMMER 2015 30

In CentralFlowing Oregon, Irrigators, Biologists & Anglers Partner to Maintain Flows in the Upper Deschutes Forward By Chris Santella

31 TROUT SUMMER 2015

im Brannock, an outdoor apparel last to be shut off in times of low stream Department water master (who attempts designer, had moved to Bend, Ore., flows.) When the water is no longer to balance public water needs with the from Portland in the late spring of needed by irrigators (given the coming flows needed for a healthy river). One 2013. As a passionate trail run- rain and snow of winter), it’s held back at idea that surfaced was to orchestrate an ner, she soon discovered the Wickiup for use the following year. “The experimental “ramp down” of the releases Deschutes River Trail, a fish stranding in 2013 really came as a from Wickiup Reservoir; that is, the flows local favorite. While running on October shock,” said Mike Britton, general man- would be reduced more gradually. “I knew 17, she noticed that the water in a channel ager of North Unit Irrigation District, it might be challenging to bring parties of the river near Lava Island had fallen which supplies irrigation water to nearly together to consider such a model,” dramatically. “The river had been flow- 59,000 acres of farmland in Jefferson Tripp said, “but we wanted to explore ing heavy all summer,” she recalled, “but County. “We’d been doing business the what would happen if the flow could be this day there were places where there same way for quite some time, and had dropped more slowly. We’d also be able was no water, and just one small pool never had such a fish kill brought to our to learn how the flow level impacts the remained on the entire side channel. As attention. The trail above Lava Island is habitat that is available.” a fly angler, I began looking more closely quite popular. One would assume that Jason Gritzner, a forest hydrolo- for signs of fish. When I went down to if this had happened before, people gist with the U.S. Forest Service and the river, I found quite a few.” would’ve noticed.” watershed program manager for the Brannock took pictures of what she This time they did. And a few con- Deschutes/Ochoco National Forests & found and forwarded them along to cerned anglers were spurred into action Crooked River Grassland, described Patagonia, the company she happened to explore possible solutions. the structure of the ramp down. “We to be working with to design wanted to be able to look at different a new women’s fly-fishing flows in terms of how the levels related line. She also rallied her hus- to physical and ecological processes band, daughter, neighbor and both in the main channel and adjacent several employees from the wetlands. The wetlands were especially Deschutes River Conservancy of interest, given the recent listing of the to save what fish could be Oregon spotted frog as threatened under saved. They were joined by the Endangered Species Act. [One of the a few employees from the frog’s primary habitats rests in the Upper Oregon Department of Fish Deschutes basin.] We proposed that the and Wildlife, whose email was “draw-down” should begin at 700 CFS “lighting up” as Patagonia had [which many believe approximates pre- pushed the breaking story onto dam flows], then drop to 500 CFS [the its social media outlets and minimum flow for supporting riparian websites like Moldy Chum had vegetation critical to future restoration picked it up. Some 500 fish efforts, wildlife (denning and nesting were saved, but over 3,000 animals), and water quality], 300 CFS perished, including 400 [determined as the minimum level to brown and rainbow trout. support brown trout during their spawn], The flows from Wickiup 200 CFS, 100 CFS, and then 50 CFS Dam, roughly 60 miles [all to observe incremental changes southwest of Bend, were cut in physical/ecological processes and to from approximately 450 BRENNECKE RYAN facilitate the fish salvage]. Given that it’s Cubic Feet per Second to 32 CFS over Spearheading the effort was Mike 60 river miles from the dam to Bend, we the course of two weeks that October. But Tripp, a board member of the Deschutes wanted to see each flow held for two days, this was nothing new. From the spring River Conservancy and president of so the profile of the different flows could through early fall, higher flows—up to the Deschutes Chapter of TU. Tripp be observed throughout the section.” It 1,800 CFS—had long been maintained instigated a series of informal meetings was also hoped that the gradual decrease to accommodate farmers and ranchers with interested parties, including Jeff would encourage natural movements of who have water rights, based on the Wieland of the Upper Deschutes River fish and frogs as the flow was reduced, principle of prior appropriation. (Under Coalition (another non-profit devoted and allow volunteers enough time to this arrangement, the first person to to the river’s well-being) and Jeremy rescue any stranded animals. obtain a water right on a stream is the Giffin, the Oregon Water Resources But even the best-laid plans would

TROUT SUMMER 2015 32

33 TROUT SUMMER 2015

TROUT SUMMER 2015 34

be moot if the irrigation districts were a success for the ramp-down experi- overseeing spotted frog studies. “During unwilling to get on board. To close the ment. But there’s a larger legacy. “The the ramp down, we realized that some of deal, Tripp brought all the stakeholders longer-term benefits here are the insights the wetlands that make up prime habitat to the table and presented the draw-down it has provided into how the different were no longer inundated with water plan. Some in the environmental com- flows support the river’s ecological when flows fell below 700 CFS.” Even munity felt it was a band-aid that ignored processes,” Heisler added. “The photo returning flows to 700 CFS raises ques- a larger problem. Some irrigators didn’t monitoring that was done [by USFS and tions. “Many people don’t realize that the like the idea of giving away any water. But U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service] seems to Deschutes is largely spring fed,” added they reached an agreement. reinforce some previous studies that sup- forest hydrologist Gritzner. “It doesn’t “After the fish kill, there was a wave of ported different flow protocols. It should respond like a snowmelt system. Available negativity toward the districts,” Britton help us determine the best way to restore data suggests that historically, the river added. “Though we’d typically done the river’s ecological function while had a very consistent flow. Its bed and things the same way since the dam at keeping irrigators whole.” Data gleaned banks are fine-grained, not resistant to Wickiup went in, our board mem- from the ramp-down is currently being big water pushes. When the flows have bers—who needed to approve the ramp incorporated into a $1.5 million report been pushed up to 1000 CFS and more, “There’s a strong history of collaboration among the diverse parties in the Deschutes basin. It may not always be perfect, but here there’s the expectation that we’ll try.” down—understood that we needed to do commissioned by the business a little differently than we did Deschutes Basin Study in the past. We lost a couple thousand- Work Group, which acre feet of water the way the ramp down includes municipalities, was engineered. But stepping up to do irrigators, recreation something different garnered a lot of advocates, state and support.” federal agencies and “It was my feeling that Mike Tripp conservation organiza- gave the irrigation boards a manage- tions, and was formed able request that they could sell to their to identify that balance. constituencies,” recalled Tod Heisler, Returning the executive director of the Deschutes River Upper Deschutes flows Conservancy. “But it wasn’t a surprise that to pre-Wickiup levels— they signed on. There’s a strong history of or even the 300 CFS to support brown the banks have eroded. The river is bigger collaboration among the diverse parties in trout during their spawn—will be a than it originally was and doesn’t provide the Deschutes basin. It may not always be tall order, and certainly won’t happen all the ecological services it once did.” perfect, but here there’s the expectation overnight. “There are the challenges Despite the challenges, there is a that we’ll try.” inherent in making long-term changes strong sense of hope surrounding the As the early October draw-down to flow authorizations from the federal future of the Upper Deschutes that approached, the alliances that had government which controls Wickiup,” springs from a desire to do well by the coalesced to hatch the idea rallied again according to Kyle Gorman, south cen- river that nurtures fly anglers and alfalfa to coordinate fish salvage—should it be tral region manager for Oregon Water farmers alike. “I think the best thing to necessary. Oregon Department of Fish & Resources. “And if it’s recommended that come out of the experimental ramp-down Wildlife and U.S. Forest Service oversaw flows are increased considerably, there is the spirit of compromise, of working efforts, while the Bend Casting Club (a will be complications with the irrigation together to find a solution,” said Mike TU Program) spearheaded the recruit- districts.” How the threatened status of Trip. “The key to success is just people ment and coordination of volunteers. On the Oregon spotted frog will impact flow getting to know each other and being October 24, 26 and 27, dozens of citizens regimens is another wildcard. “The frogs willing to listen to each other openly patrolled likely stranding spots—includ- are highly aquatic, and spend most of instead of with bias. It’s what happens ing the channel by Lava Island—and their lifecycle in still water near the river,” when people start to trust each other. It rescued nearly 7,000 fish. explained Jennifer O’Reilly, a fish and comes with listening and thinking about The fish salvage certainly signaled wildlife biologist with the USFWS who’s doing something different.”

35 TROUT SUMMER 2015

The South Fork of the Snake… Set In Its (Good) Ways By Keith Curley

TROUT SUMMER 2015 38

ach year, 95,000 people fish Idaho’s South Fork of the Snake ERiver. They go because they know it has some of the best dry-fly fishing in the country, chances at truly massive fish (the previous state record brown, 26.6 pounds, was caught there), and phenomenal scenery. They might even know that it’s the largest Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishery outside Yellowstone National Park, and aside from a dip last year, it has recently averaged more than 5,000 trout per mile. But many don’t know the reasons why the South Fork is so great.

Few people know more about the “We lose millions of acres a year to South Fork than Delbert Winterfeld, development,” said Winterfeld. “People owner of Cedera Seed Co. in Swan need places to live, but the prime farm Valley, Idaho, the same town where he land should be protected.” Along the was born in 1937. Winterfeld recalls South Fork, much of it has been. fishing in the South Fork before the In addition to conservation ease- Palisades Dam was built in the 1950s. ments like Winterfeld’s, there have Back then the springtime flows were been land acquisitions by the Bureau of high and turbid, and the limit on Land Management from willing sellers. Yellowstone cutthroat trout was 20 fish Winterfeld sees benefit in these projects, over six inches. too. “The soil is protected. The water is But this isn’t a story of paradise lost. protected. I have no problem with it.” The South Fork, like Winterfeld and his Thanks to these efforts, the Snake River seed business, is still going strong. If you Area of Critical Environmental Concern were to travel around the country talking supports one of the largest cottonwood to people with roots in a place as deep galleries in the West, and is home to more as Winterfeld’s, you would hear many than 179 different bird species and crucial stories about bygone good-old-days. One winter range for wildlife. Winterfeld would only need to drive a few hours recently counted 150 elk grazing his and see the subdivisions lining certain conserved property. Modern farming rivers to know what can happen to a practices, including reduced tilling, have place as beloved as the South Fork. So helped keep soil on the land and out of the how did the South Fork, a world-class river, which is good for the fish habitat. fishery within an hour’s drive of the These projects happened as a result Idaho Falls airport, remain a place of of landowners’ desire to keep farming open spaces, scenic vistas, rich fish and the land and maintain open space, and wildlife habitat and ready public access? the presence of strong partners like the Teton Regional Land Trust and Bureau Land Conservation of Land Management. Critical funding has been made available through the One answer is an ongoing series of smart Land and Water Conservation Fund, a land protection efforts using easements federal program that uses offshore oil and acquisitions. Winterfeld was an early and gas leasing revenues to fund the leader, placing a conservation easement creation of parks and the conservation on 400 acres of his land around the of fish and wildlife habitat. To date, time the dam was built, and later adding $53 million has been invested in land another 160 acre easement. In total, over conservation in the South Fork. 22,700 acres of land around the South However, there are still 4,500 acres

JAMES NELSON JAMES Fork has been conserved. in need of conservation here, and the

39 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Land and Water Conservation Fund is Yellowstone cutthroat trout also People want to do the right thing. If you set to expire at the end of 2015 unless have been helped by improved tributary give them the opportunity, they’ll want Congress acts to reauthorize the pro- habitat. Aging infrastructure for roads to do it.” gram. Mike Connor, Deputy Secretary and irrigation had blocked the upstream The infrastructure upgrades—par- for the U.S. Department of the Interior, migration of Yellowstone cutthroat ticularly the fish screens—require regular is very aware of the needs on the South trout on their spawning runs. TU’s cleaning and maintenance. Volunteers Fork and across the country: “We have Matt Woodard began working with from the Snake River Cutthroats TU proposed to Congress that they reau- landowners and the Idaho Department Chapter have stepped up, and are thorize and fully fund the Land and of Fish and Game back in 2002 to install inspecting and maintaining fish screens Water Conservation Fund. I’m proud modernized diversion structures that at as frequently as twice a week, preventing of how the program has benefitted the once improved irrigation efficiency and debris from blocking water delivery South Fork, and hope to see the good enabled the upstream and downstream for irrigators. The chapter donated work continue long into the future. I migration of cutthroat trout. Over the $164,000 for the projects and continues also hope to fish there someday.” past 13 years, Woodard and his partners to provide travel money to cover vol- Winterfeld speaks for many when have reconnected 50 miles of previously unteers’ expenses. “Our local chapter he says he hopes “they don’t let politics inaccessible tributary habitat. has been willing to supply volunteers mess it up.” A South Fork tributary called Rainey and funding for work on the South Creek has been the site of the most ambi- Fork tributaries because we recognized tious restoration effort. There are 24 the tremendous opportunity that was Habitat and Stream Flows different water right holders on Rainey initially provided by TU’s Home River The high spring flows of Winterfeld’s Creek and a long history of conflict over Initiative, as well as our own personal youth, fueled by snowmelt from the water use. When Matt Woodard began responsibility to help the fish that are the mountains, were altered by the con- working on Rainey Creek a decade ago, namesake of our chapter,” said chapter Aging infrastructure for roads and irrigation had blocked the upstream migration of Yellowstone cutthroat trout on their spawning runs.

struction of the Palisades Dam. The he walked into a place where disputes president Paul Patterson. “Over 75 spring runoff, or “freshet,” had always had been resolved with a shovel blow to percent of the conservation funds raised indicated to the South Fork’s cutthroat the head, irrigators packed pistols when by the Snake River Cutthroat Chapter trout that it was time to move to tribu- checking their water and neighbors at our annual East Idaho Fly Tying and taries to spawn. In 2004, the Bureau issued threats regularly. Fly Fishing Expo over the past 11 years of Reclamation, which operates the Fast-forward to present time, and 23 have gone to work on the South Fork. Palisades Dam, began releasing water of the 24 water right holders on Rainey It’s our number one priority.” from the dam in the spring to more Creek have participated in infrastructure With most of the project work com- closely mimic the natural high spring upgrades that enable upstream migration plete, the fish are beginning to return. flows of the river, to the benefit of of spawning cutthroat trout and fish Rainey Creek had seen as few as five or Yellowstone cutthroat trout and the screens that prevent cutthroats from six cutthroats make their annual spawn- detriment of their main competitor, being stranded in irrigation canals—a ing run. In 2010, 150 cutthroats were introduced rainbow trout. fate previously suffered by hundreds counted swimming up Rainey Creek. “Freshet flows released from Palisades of fish each year. Nearly 20 miles of And in good water years the potential Dam can typically be captured in blocked habitat on Rainey Creek has been is even greater. Tributaries the same size American Falls Reservoir and put to use reopened to migrating cutthroats. How as Rainey Creek—Pine Creek, Palisades for downstream multipurpose benefits,” did Woodard do it? Through a combina- Creek and Big Burns Creek—produce said Jerrold Gregg, Reclamation’s Snake tion of deep personal relationships and thousands of cutthroat trout each year. River Area manager. “Adjusting our people’s desire to do what is best for the operations to benefit the Yellowstone land. “Some of them I’ve known since I Role of Anglers cutthroat helps us preserve flexibility was five or six years old,” said Woodard. to meet the many demands placed on “They knew I was going to take care of Protecting and restoring habitat in the

the Snake River.” them. That helped my cause quite a bit. South Fork watershed is essential, but PHOTOGRAPHY UNDERWATER CLAYTON/ENGBRETSON PATRICK

TROUT SUMMER 2015 40

41 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Protecting and restoring habitat in the South Fork watershed is essential, but alone it will not be enough to save the cutthroats. If Yellowstone cutthroat trout are going to survive in the South Fork, they are going to need some help from the river’s 95,000 anglers.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 42

alone it will not be enough to save the year to increase anglers’ odds of turning cutthroats. If Yellowstone cutthroat trout in winning fish. are going to survive in the South Fork, Creative efforts will need to continue they are going to need some help from if the harvest is to reach the 30 percent the river’s 95,000 anglers. In 2004, the rate that scientists say is needed to Idaho Department of Fish and Game improve the ratio of cutthroat to rainbow lifted the limit on rainbow trout in trout. Anglers are catching enough fish. the South Fork and recommended that In 2009, anglers harvested 16 percent anglers keep all the rainbows they catch. of the rainbow and cutt-bow population, A paper by researchers from Montana and released an additional 16 percent. Tech, Humboldt S tate University and Had these fish not been released, the the Idaho Department of Fish and Game 30 percent threshold would have been explained that anglers must catch and reached. keep 15 percent of the rainbow trout Jensen finds it hard to predict whether population just to prevent the extinc- that target can be met. Most anglers love tion of Yellowstone cutthroats in the to catch rainbow trout. “I might have South Fork. a client catch an 18-inch rainbow that Chris Jensen has been guiding on the jumps six times, and it’s the highlight of South Fork for 20 years. He remembers his day,” says Jensen. Others just don’t when the Idaho Department of Fish and want the hassle of keeping and cleaning Game first issued their harvest recom- the fish. But Jensen is optimistic, “With mendations for rainbow trout. “Most more education, I think you could get clients thought it was crazy,” said Jensen. there.” “The catch-and-release ethos had been drilled into them for a long time, and Closing they were all on board.” Jensen explains to clients how special People who spend enough time on the the cutthroat trout fishery is on the South water know that what happens on the Fork. “Most of my clients don’t want to land is ultimately reflected in the health kill rainbows. They don’t understand. of our rivers and streams. When describ- I explain to them that there are lots of ing the forces at play in a watershed, TU places you can go to catch a rainbow president and CEO Chris Wood likes trout, but there are really only two places to say, “Gravity works cheap and never in the world where you can catch a native takes a day off.” Gravity is certainly at Yellowstone cutthroat trout in a large work in the South Fork, but thankfully river environment: the Yellowstone so too are a host of dedicated individuals River and the South Fork of the Snake.” like Winterfeld, Woodard and Jensen, The Idaho Department of Fish and along with landowners, nonprofit orga- Game even has a reward program—a nizations, TU chapters, and state and sort of mix between an old Wild West federal agencies. Their work is not always bounty and a scratch-off lottery ticket. cheap, but it’s nearly as persistent, and it Launched in 2010, the Angler Incentive has kept the South Fork the incredible Program planted 575 rainbow and cutt- resource that it is. bow hybrids with coded wire tags that The 95,000 of us who enjoyed fish- corresponded with monetary rewards ing the South Fork last year owe a debt ranging from $50 to $1,000. Anglers of gratitude for this hard work. But were encouraged to harvest all rainbows more than that, we owe a phone call to and cutt-bows, turn in the heads, and our representatives in Congress to ask wait to find out if they’d won. That first that they continue the Land and Water year, 3,048 trout heads were turned Conservation Fund, a free Saturday to in. The Idaho Department of Fish and plant willows along a tributary or tend Game has continued to mark rainbows to a fish screen, and a resting place in a

JAMES NELSON JAMES and cutt-bows with coded wire tags every cooler for our rainbow trout.

43 TROUT SUMMER 2015

TROUT SUMMER 2015 44

By Jack E. Williams, Amy L. Haak, Kurt Fesenmyer, Daniel C. Dauwalter, Helen M. Neville, Matt Barney and Matt Mayﬁ eld

THIS REPORT IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF + DR. ROBERT J. BEHNKE.

(What appears in TROUT magazine is an abridged version; for the full report, please visit www.tu.org/stateofthetrout to download a copy.) BARRY & CATHY BECK & CATHY BARRY

45 TROUT SUMMER 2015

ishing for trout is a passion parties and assorted social posturing I equally unimportant—and not nearly shared by countless anglers thus escape; because in a world where so much fun.” throughout the United most men seem to spend their lives Unfortunately, neither the status of States. The challenge of doing things they hate, my fishing is at native trout nor their habitat is secure. chasing a monster Lahontan once an endless source of delight and an During the past century, trout have cutthroat trout in Nevada’s act of small rebellion; because trout do declined as a result of land development, Pyramid Lake or a salter not lie or cheat and cannot be bought overfishing, water pollution, poor timber brook trout on a coastal or bribed or impressed by power, but and livestock grazing practices and the Fstream in Massachusetts can be reward- respond only to quietude and humility introduction of non-native fishes and ing—and frustrating—at the same time. and endless patience; because I suspect other aquatic invasive species. Stocking Yet the beauty and diversity of trout attract men are going along this way for the last of hatchery trout has swamped the genes the artist as well as the angler, because time, and I for one don't want to waste of the native trout through hybridization trout connect us to the most majestic the trip; because mercifully, there are and competition. places in the country. no telephones on trout waters; because Trout now face an evolution of these The late author Robert Traver (John only in the woods can I find solitude threats. Human population expansion D. Voelker) eloquently penned: “I fish without loneliness; because bourbon has increased the demand for clean because I love to; because I love the out of an old tin cup always tastes better water, with more water diverted for environs where trout are found, which out there; because maybe one day I will municipal, agricultural and energy are invariably beautiful, and hate the catch a mermaid; and finally, not because development. As our population environs where crowds of people are I regard fishing as being so terribly expands, so does the demand for energy found, which are invariably ugly; because important, but because I suspect that so with new facilities invading prime of all the television commercials, cocktail many of the other concerns of men are trout country and hydraulic fracturing PATRICK CLAYTON/ENGBRETSON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY UNDERWATER CLAYTON/ENGBRETSON PATRICK

TROUT SUMMER 2015 46

techniques that require 2 to 8 million Widespread populations, genetic restore wild and native trout populations gallons of water per well. Add to these diversity and flexibility in life history will persist over time. the growing threat of climate change, expression has maintained trout over which not only is warming coldwater the eons and helped them adapt to 3. Work to rebuild large, interconnected habitats trout depend on, but also changing conditions. But now, the loss populations of native trout, which would appears to be compounding many of of diversity, including genetic, life history facilitate restoration of life history the traditional problems trout face. In and geographic diversity, threatens the diversity and create populations that the face of climate change, our wildfire persistence of most native trout species are resilient to climate change. This season is longer and fires are larger and and subspecies. Not surprisingly, most approach not only offers some protection more intense; droughts and flooding are trout face multiple threats, with two of from climate extremes but also provides more severe. Non-native species, includ- the most common and serious threats opportunities to conserve entire coming warmwater fish such as smallmouth to native trout—non-native species and munities of rare aquatic species. bass and carp, are spreading into what climate change—now acting in tandem was prime trout habitat. to degrade trout habitat and encourage 4. Become smarter and more effective This report details the status and the spread of non-native species. in our restoration efforts. Restoration trends within 28 separate species and If future generations of Americans should occur at large scales, accommodate local climate change impacts and must be monitored and sustained over time. Unfortunately, neither the status of native trout nor their habitat is secure. During the past century, 5. Control the introduction and spread trout have declined as a result of land development, of non-native plant and animal species and minimize or eliminate trout hatchery overfishing, water pollution, poor timber and livestock stocking programs in the vicinity of native grazing practices and the introduction of non-native trout populations. fishes and other aquatic invasive species. 6. Become more efficient in our use of energy resources and the water that subspecies of trout and char that are are to continue to reap the recreational is required and make sure that energy native to the United States. Trout natu- and economic benefits of abundant trout development is located away from high- rally occur in 38 of the 50 United States. populations, we must chart a new path value fishery resources. Not included in this report are grayling, forward. As described in this report, whitefish or the ocean-going steelhead we have the knowledge and tools to deal 7. Conserve water resources and more and salmon, which will be described in a successfully with current and emerging efficiently use the water that our cities, future report. Alaska will also be treated threats and to restore robust popula- farms and factories require so that we in a later report. tions of native trout. The question is can build more sustainable communities. Of 28 native trout species and subspe- not whether we can restore native trout cies originally found in the United States, but whether we choose to do so. Trout 8. Increase angler participation in habitat three are extinct and six are listed as Unlimited is dedicated to helping society restoration, monitoring and policies that threatened or endangered. Excluding the make the necessary changes to implement affect fishery resources. extinct trout, 52 percent (13 of 25) occupy the following steps. less than 25 percent of their historical Ultimately, the human condition is habitat and are at high risk from at least 1. Work at watershed scales to protect inextricably linked to the status of native one major threat. All native trout have remaining high-quality habitats, trout populations. We all depend on at least one moderate risk factor. reconnect fragmented stream systems high-quality water in stable supply, not We divide our analysis into 10 large and restore degraded mainstream and only for our cities and agriculture, but for ecoregions: Pacific Coast, Central Valley/ valley bottom areas. This will not only our recreation and spiritual sustenance. Sierra Nevada, Interior Columbia/ help restore fish populations but also Native trout are sensitive to pollution Northern Rockies, Interior Basins, improve the storage and delivery of and degraded water quality, so their Southern Rockies/Colorado Plateau, water supplies during times of drought sustainable populations are good indica- Southwest, Great Lakes/Upper and flood. tors of the health of our rivers and their Mississippi, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, watersheds—all the more reason to make and Southeast. Trout status and threats 2. Train volunteer leaders and the next sure we maintain vibrant, fishable trout are described within this regional generation of conservation stewards so populations for our current generation context. that our work to protect, reconnect, and and those yet to come.

47 TROUT SUMMER 2015

of California, golden trout proliferate This is our first effort to report on Native Trout with at least three distinct subspecies the State of the Trout resource in the Native trout of one species or another recognized there. There are bull trout, United States. Much of the data comes historically occurred in 38 of the 50 lake trout, brook trout, Arctic char and from state and federal agencies that are United States stretching in the East from Dolly Varden. Also on the list are little important partners in protecting and the southern tip of the Appalachian known trout like the blueback char and recovering native trout. Our intent is Mountains in northern Georgia to Eagle Lake rainbow trout. to repeat this effort in future years in Maine, throughout the Great Lakes Our understanding of the condition order to better understand whether the Region and in all western states except of trout resources is quite good, especially condition of trout and their habitat is Hawaii. These trout are prized for their when compared to other fishes, mollusks, improving or declining. beauty, ecological role in the broader amphibians and the many other species aquatic ecosystem, spiritual and recre- dependent on aquatic environments. The ational value, and the economic stimulus wide distribution of native trout, their that anglers in search of trout bring to dependence on cold, clean water and Report Findings many rural and urban communities our comparatively good knowledge of The degradation and fragmentation of across the United States. their status and distribution makes them aquatic systems, the spread of non-native The economic value of recreational excellent indicators of the condition of species and management strategies that fishing for trout is substantial at both our aquatic habitats and water supplies. isolate populations above barriers have local and state levels. Nationwide, Wild trout, which we define as resulted in significant range contractions according to the American Sportfishing naturally-reproducing populations of with less than half of our native trout Association, recreational angling con- introduced trout, are under many of the occupying 25 percent or more of their tributes more than $114 billion to the same threats as described for native trout. historical habitat. Although these well national economy, and trout fishing is Introduced brown, rainbow and other distributed species at first appear to be a major part of that. wild trout fisheries also are important relatively secure from a habitat perspective, Rainbow, brook and brown trout have to recreation and local economies. In when viewed in the context of emerging been introduced widely, including into some places native and wild trout seem threats the picture changes dramatically. many states where they were not native to co-exist with little impact, but in other All native trout face at least one factor historically. These many introductions places wild trout cause conflicts with that places them at moderate risk. Of have been both a blessing and a curse. efforts to restore native trout. particular concern are the 13 species and Some species, such as the European or German brown trout have exceeded expectations and have proven to be so successful in occupying new habitats • Of 28 unique native trout, three are extinct and six are that they can threaten remaining native listed as threatened or endangered. trout populations. Hatchery-produced trout are often highly domesticated and • Fifty-two percent of the remaining trout (13 of 25) maintain poor survival abilities compared to native trout, yet repeated stockings can occupy less than 25 percent of their historical habitat swamp out native populations. and are at high risk to at least one major threat. The natural diversity of trout is impressive. Cutthroat trout occurred • Loss of diversity—genetic, life history and from west Texas to coastal streams in geographic—threaten persistence of many native trout. the Pacific Northwest and include at least 13 distinct subspecies. All are notable in • All native trout have at least one moderate risk factor. the presence of red to orange-colored cutthroat marks along their throats, • Most trout have multiple threats, including water but each possesses unique coloration diversion, non-native species, energy development and spotting patterns. Redband trout and climate change. are native to small desert streams in southeastern Oregon and southwestern • Most serious threats are non-native species and Idaho, but also occur throughout the climate change. Columbia River basin, where they are the freshwater stream version of the anad-

romous steelhead. In the Sierra Nevada Report Findings

TROUT SUMMER 2015 48

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® PATRICK CLAYTON/ENGBRETSON UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY UNDERWATER CLAYTON/ENGBRETSON PATRICK subspecies (52 percent) that occupy less risk from non-native species, 64 percent than 25 percent of their historical habitat at high risk from climate change and Threats and are also at high risk to at least one of 44 percent at high risk to both. This All native trout in the United States have the four primary threats discussed below. presents a challenging conundrum to experienced a significant reduction in Most native trout have lost substantial managers who must balance the need to their historical range. The beginning of genetic, life history and geographic protect populations from invading non- their decline dates back to the industrial diversity. Native trout have shifted away natives with the risks posed by increasing revolution of the 1800s when our grow- from large, interconnected populations environmental disturbances and warming nation looked to its waterways to sup- to smaller populations that are isolated ing water temperatures due to climate port manufacturing, power, agriculture in headwater streams. These changes change. Energy development was the least and the transportation of raw materials. reduce the ability of trout to migrate widespread of the threats, with Colorado The industrial revolution changed the long distances and to find suitable River cutthroat trout and brook trout in lives of people and altered the landscapes habitats during these times of rapid the Mid-Atlantic region classified as high of the United States and in so doing it environmental change. risk, while water demand also presents also changed the trajectory of the vast and Non-native species and climate a high risk to Klamath redband trout, diverse populations of native trout which change pose the most widespread threat Lahontan cutthroat trout and Bonneville had evolved over thousands of years in to native trout, with 72 percent at high cutthroat trout. the nation’s clean cold waters.

49 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Percent of Region Trout Taxa Climate Energy Non-native Water Historical Change Species Demand Habitat

Coastal Cutthroat >50 Coastal Rainbow Trout >50 Bull Trout* 60 Pacific Coast Dolly Varden 10 - 25 Columbia River Redband Trout* 44 Klamath Redband Trout >50

Sacramento Redband Trout 22 Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout 38 Central Valley and California Golden Trout 49 Sierra Nevada Little Kern Golden Trout 100 Kern River Rainbow Trout 15 Bull Trout* EXTINCT WITHIN THIS REGION

Westslope Cutthroat Trout 42

Interior Columbia Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout 41 Basin—Northern Bull Trout* 60 Rockies Columbia River Redband Trout* 44 Lake Trout* 10 - 25

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 4 Humboldt Cutthroat Trout <9 Interior Basins Bonneville Cutthroat Trout 31 Paiute Cutthroat Trout 0 Alvord Cutthroat Trout EXTINCT

Colorado River Cutthroat Trout 11 Colorado Plateau— Greenback Cutthroat Trout <1 Southern Rockies Yellowfin Cutthroat Trout EXTINCT

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout 10 Southwest Apache Trout 25 Gila Trout 5

Great Lakes— Brook Trout* 55 Upper Mississippi Lake Trout* 10 - 25

Brook Trout* 55 Sunapee Trout/Blueback Char <10 Northeast Lake Trout* 10 - 25 Silver Trout EXTINCT

Mid-Atlantic Brook Trout* 55

Southeast Brook Trout* 55

Rangewide Brook Trout* 55

Risk factors are based upon professional judgment and data within TU’s Conservation Success Index, representing high (red), moderate (yellow) and low risk (green). * Spans multiple regions. The percentage of historical habitat currently occupied is based on the species’ rangewide extent. The actual percentage within a given region may be more or less than the rangewide value shown here.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 50

Here are regional trends over the past fishes. As streams and riparian areas directly, as air temperatures increase, 5 to 10 years and the primary stressors are degraded, stream temperatures so do stream temperatures, facilitating now affecting native trout and their rise, which facilitates invasion by spe- invasion of trout waters by species more habitat. cies such as smallmouth bass, carp and commonly associated with warm water northern pike into trout habitat. The habitats. However, climate change may Non-native Species third issue is aquatic invasive species. also contribute to non-native species For native trout, the problems of non- This includes plant invaders such as problems by accelerating erosion and native species are threefold. First, is yellow iris or purple loosestrife, and sedimentation through larger storm the introduction and establishment of invading mollusks such as New Zealand events. Degraded streams may encourage non-native trout species. This includes mud snails and quagga mussels. Another the spread of the agents of whirling dis- establishment of brown trout and other invasive species, didymo, a diatom that ease, didymo and other aquatic invaders. species not native to North America, but forms nuisance algal blooms that can also the widespread movement of trout smother stream beds, may actually be Water Use native to the U.S. from one part of the native to many river basins but often is Over 62 million acres of land was country to another. For instance, brook considered to be a major aquatic invasive irrigated in the United States in 2010, trout are native to the East but have been species problem. Aquatic invasive spe- accounting for about 38 percent of widely introduced into western streams cies can completely alter the ecology of all freshwater withdrawals compared where they often overpopulate and trout streams. to 14 percent for public water supply. compete with native trout for resources. Climate change degrades native and Thermoelectric power, used primarily The second problem is the invasion wild trout habitat and can facilitate in the East, Northwest, California and of native trout waters by warmwater invasion by undesirable species. Most Texas, accounts for another 38 percent

Brown trout are not native to the United States; they were introduced from Europe in the 1880s. Today, they remain one of the most val- ued and important species for many trout fishing enthusiasts nationwide. Wild brown trout are descended from fish that were planted generations ago. In some cases, they have proven more adaptable to warming conditions, but otherwise they face the same types of threats as native trout. In some areas, brown trout pose a direct threat to native trout they compete against or prey upon.

51 TROUT SUMMER 2015

of total freshwater withdrawals. These three uses account for 90 percent of the Trends in Population and Freshwater Withdrawals by Source, freshwater (both surface and ground- 1950-2010 water) used in the United States. The 400 350 growing population in the United States EXPLANATION continues to increase the demand for 350 — Groundwater — 300 food, domestic water and energy while Surface water Total prolonged periods of drought due to 300 — Population — 250 climate change are contributing to water 250 — scarcities in some parts of the country. — 200 Fortunately improved water efficiencies 200 —

in irrigation systems and power plants — 150 as well as rising public awareness con- 150 —

tributed to a 13 percent decrease in total — 100 Population, in millions freshwater withdrawals between 2005 100 — Withdrawals, in billion gallons per day and 2010 (Figure 1). While this trend — 50 is certainly encouraging, the geographic 50 —

distribution of water demand relative to 0 0 supply is cause for concern. 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 Much of the population growth in the Data from US Geological Survey. United States over the past decade has Figure 1. Total freshwater withdrawal in the United States is indicated by the dark blue bar while occurred in the West and particularly population increase is shown in the pink line. Improved water conservation measures have contributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of the to a decrease in freshwater withdrawals between 2005 and 2010 in spite of increasing population. Southwest and Texas (Figure 2). Between 2010 and 2014 the population in the Population Change, 2000-2010 United States increased by 3.3 percent while in California it rose by 4.2 percent, Nevada by 5.1 percent, Arizona by 5.3 percent, and Texas by 7.2 percent. The increasing demand for already strained water supplies may pit irrigation and municipal interests against the needs of aquatic ecosystems. California accounts for about 10 percent of the total freshwater withdrawals in the United States and it is entering its fourth year of extreme drought conditions. Balancing human needs for freshwater with the needs of Percent Change natural systems is an increasingly difficult > 25% Increase task for water managers. 10% - 25% Increase 2% - 10% Increase Energy Development 2% Decrease - 2% Increase : For many years, the development of 2% - 10% Decrease 0 125 250 375 500 > 10% Decrease Miles domestic sources of oil and gas has Data from US Census Bureau. been a high priority for the United Figure 2. Population growth across the United States by county between 2000 and 2010. The arid and States. Between 2000 and 2011, gross semi-arid regions of the West have experienced some of the greatest population increase. withdrawals of natural gas in the lower 48 States increased by about 47 percent, Plains, Wyoming, Colorado, the Gulf project siting. Some places such as the reaching historic highs in every year Coast and Mid-Atlantic states (Figure Rocky Mountain Front in Montana are after 2006. During that same period, 3), some type of energy development deemed too important to fish, wildlife oil withdrawals increased by 11 percent, projects are being pursued in nearly and water resources to be developed with much of that growth occurring after every part of the country. under any circumstances while other 2007. Although the development has The first step in the responsible places can support well-designed been primarily concentrated in the Great development of energy resources is projects. Of particular concern from

TROUT SUMMER 2015 52

a fisheries perspective are impacts to this liquid or direct discharge of treated pipelines. Proper siting of infrastructure water quality and quantity, habitat waste water back into streams can have in a manner that protects the riparian fragmentation and the loss of riparian detrimental effects on the health of the corridor and minimizes the number of vegetation. aquatic system. While more traditional stream crossings is essential for minimiz- Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, drilling operations may not have the ing aquatic impacts and maintaining is a technique used in the extraction same risk of chemical contamination as healthy populations of trout over the life of fossil fuels. The fracking process fracking, all development projects have of the project. involves the injection of a high-pressure the potential to increase the sediment Pipelines account for 90 percent of fluid comprised of chemicals and sand load in surrounding streams through the total movement of crude oil and suspended in water into a wellbore in the construction of well pads, roads and petroleum products across the United order to create cracks in deep shale formations that allow the natural gas and oil to flow more freely. The process requires large amounts of water which may be taken from surface or groundwater resources. Typically, 2 to 8 million gallons of water is needed for each fracking event and a single well can be fractured several times. A single well pad may host multiple wells thus placing significant pressure on local and regional water supplies and potentially altering the hydrologic regime of the surrounding watershed, particularly during periods of low flow. Oil and gas development may degrade water quality through both chemical waste and increased sedimentation. Although the chemical composition of the The siting of new pipelines should not only minimize fluid mixture used in fracking is typically proprietary information, the wastewater removal of the riparian vegetation but should also take from the process is known to include into account changing hydrologic conditions, particularly high levels of total dissolved solids, metals flood flows, due to climate change. and other additives. Accidental spills of

Onshore Oil Production, 2011 Natural Gas Production, 2011

Up to 11,000 barrels Up to 100 million cf 11,000 to 70,000 barrels : 100 million to 1 billion cf :

70,000 to 300,000 barrels 0 125 250 375 500 1 to 5 billion cf 0 125 250 375 500

Miles Miles 300,000 to 1 million barrels 5 to 20 billion cf

1 million barrels or more 20 billion cf or more Data from USDA Economic Research Service.

Figure 3. Oil and gas production by county across the United States in 2011.

53 TROUT SUMMER 2015

States. According to the American into a tributary and closed 35 miles of While these warmer water temperatures Petroleum Institute, between 2008 and the Kalamazoo River for a year. may not be suitable for trout, they often 2013 the amount of crude oil delivered create a desirable environment for by pipeline increased nearly 20 percent Climate Change unwanted species such as smallmouth while the mileage for liquid pipelines rose Global temperatures rose steadily during bass and other sunfishes, enabling them 9.3 percent for a total of 192,393 miles in the 20th century and they continue to to encroach further into the domain of 2013. Pipelines that cross stream chan- do so as we enter the 21st century with the native species. nels either above or below the surface or nine of the 10 warmest years on record Rising air temperatures also increase pipelines that run next to a stream can having occurred since 2002. The rate evaporative water losses, further exac- damage aquatic systems. The siting of and magnitude of this warming period erbating drought conditions in arid new pipelines should not only minimize has resulted in a series of environmental climates such as the Southwest and removal of the riparian vegetation but trends with significant implications for California where the worst drought in should also take into account changing native trout. These changes not only decades continues to plague the region. hydrologic conditions, particularly flood directly impact coldwater habitats and Drought conditions are particularly flows, due to climate change. Older the populations they support, but they problematic for populations of native pipelines are increasingly at risk of failure also have the potential to exacerbate trout isolated in small streams behind as erosion from uncharacteristically high other stressors. barriers that prevent them from access- flood flows has removed protective cover The most obvious impact of these ing larger drainages as warming and from along the banks and the stream bed warming trends is increasing air tem- drying conditions intensify over the leaving the pipelines more susceptible peratures resulting in long hot summers summer. Long-term persistent droughts to damage. Two such incidences have and earlier snow melt, particularly in have profound implications on water occurred recently on the nation’s iconic the West. Early runoff and reduced supplies that are already stretched to Yellowstone River: one spill of 69,000 spring and summer snowpack leads to their limit in many places and may not gallons of crude oil occurred in July 2011 a decrease in summer base flows when be able to support increasing demand while another in January 2015 spilled streams are more susceptible to increas- even under normal climatic conditions 42,000 gallons of crude oil into the river ing air temperatures—a situation that is (Figure 4). in eastern Montana and contaminated problematic for coldwater-dependent Areas of the country experiencing the drinking water of downstream com- species such as trout. A recent study earlier summers and reduced mountain munities. However, these two spills pale found that cutthroat trout may lose 58 snowpack are also prime candidates for in comparison to the July 2010 spill on percent of their currently occupied habi- increasing wildfires. Although wildfire the Kalamazoo River in Michigan that tat due to increased water temperatures has always been a part of the landscape, dumped 840,000 gallons of crude oil that exceed their thermal tolerance. the frequency and intensity of wildfires

Water Supplies Projected to Decline

No Climate Change Effects Climate Change Effects

Extreme Extreme High : High : Moderate 0 125 250 375 500 Moderate 0 125 250 375 500 Miles Miles Low Low

Figure 4. Projected risk of unsustainable water supply in 2015 by county across the United States. Even without climate change, areas of the Southwest are at high to extreme risk of experiencing a water supply shortfall and with climate change effects the risk expands significantly. (U.S. Global Change Research Program 2014).

TROUT SUMMER 2015 54

Although native trout successfully evolved with wildfires, changes in watershed conditions and the isolation of populations have created a situation in which the direct and indirect effects of wildfires can be lethal. has increased dramatically over the past not survive the aftermath when heavy Channelization, which often occurs in decade resulting in expansive fires that precipitation events on scorched soils the aftermath of a flood, and the separa- only cooler weather and precipitation are can result in rapid runoff and scouring tion of a river from its floodplain further able to extinguish. Since the mid-1980s debris flows. exacerbate the downstream impacts of there has been a 60 percent increase in As with wildfire, floods are one of a flood event. Scouring of the stream the frequency of large wildfires in the the natural processes that have shaped channel and the potential for debris northern Rockies and the three highest the American landscape. However, such as road culverts to enter the stream number of wildfire acres burned since many of the floods experienced today course may also have detrimental effects wildfire statistics started being kept in are increasingly uncharacteristic due to on aquatic habitat. 1960 occurred in 2006, 2007 and 2012. the intensity of the storm event as well as In the West, the increased flooding Although native trout successfully changes to the watershed and drainage events are more typically associated with evolved with wildfires, changes in network that have diminished the ability an increase in the number of rain-on- watershed conditions and the isolation of the hydrologic system to absorb flood snow events occurring at mid-elevations of populations have created a situation flows. These are typically associated with in mid-winter. These changes in the in which the direct and indirect effects either extremely heavy precipitation timing and magnitude of spring floods of wildfires can be lethal. The increased events or mid-winter rain-on-snow may result in a mismatch between the severity of wildfires over the past decade events, when warm rains rapidly melt a hydrologic regime and the timing of in combination with degraded or oth- snowpack. Between 1958 and 2007, the spawning. Depending on the local erwise altered watershed conditions can Northeast has experienced a 67 percent circumstances, this shift could favor result in direct mortality on populations increase in the amount of precipita- one species over another and potentially in the fire’s path—particularly if a bar- tion that falls in the heaviest 1 percent provide another opportunity for non- rier prevents the fish from moving as of all rainfall events—in other words, native species to outcompete native trout. the fire progresses. For those fish that significantly more of the region’s annual survive the heat of the fire, they may still rainfall arrives in major downpours.

55 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Interior Columbia Basin/Northern until 1978 that the two species were Pacific Coast Rockies region and were historically confirmed to be distinct. In the U.S., known to occur in the McCloud River Dolly Varden naturally occur only Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus in California, where they are now in coastal drainages in northwestern c. clarkii) are broadly distributed in coastal extinct. Habitat fragmentation caused Washington from the Canadian drainages from the Eel River drainage by dams, poorly designed road cross- border south through Puget Sound in California northward into Canada ings and other factors is a major legacy and south on the Olympic Peninsula and Alaska. Coastal cutthroat tend to threat to bull trout. Non-native species to the Quinault River. Dolly Varden be more sensitive to warming water are another primary threat, as is climate are readily caught and are susceptible and disturbance than are rainbow or change. Preferred habitat of bull trout is redband trout. Migratory cutthroat trout, characterized by the 4-C’s: cold, clean, including the sea-run life history, are connected and complex. Habitat require- particularly sensitive to dams, poorly- ments of this species are more restricted designed culverts and other barriers than for most salmonids. to their free movement within stream networks. Other sources of degraded Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) is a close habitat for coastal cutthroat include poor relative to bull trout and it was not Salvelinus malma forestry practices and poorly-designed JOSEPH TOMELLERI BY ILLUSTRATIONS TROUT or maintained roads that contribute sediment to stream systems, or land Pacific Coast uses that degrade estuaries. Populations near or downstream of urban areas also may be impacted by polluted runoff and increasing pesticide loads. Despite these River ia Montana River b ia Montana

problems, coastal cutthroat remain widely m b u

l Spokane m

u o Olympia l Spokane

Washington Olympia o

distributed with stronghold populations C Washington Yakima C ake Rive in California, Oregon and Washington. n r Yakima ke Rive S na r S Coastal Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Salem Salem mykiss irideus) are a sub-species of the Idaho most abundant and widespread native Idaho Bend Bend Oregon salmonid in North America. Most anglers Oregon are familiar with two major life histories, Boise Boise O w O an anadromous form known as steelhead Medford y w h Medford y ee h and a resident form that spends its life R ee iv R e iv r e in freshwater. Indiscriminate hatchery r E Columbia River Redband trout stockings and movement of populations e mbo E l Redding u l e S R H d r l umbo i t e R a l v R iv Current range H d r i c t e e Nevada v R iv across drainage boundaries have clouded r r e a Nevada Bull trout r r m Historical range e r v e

i the taxonomy and historical distinctions e v

i n

Current rangeR t Dolly Varden Reno R e o Reno among many coastal rainbow popula- s e e R Current/historical ranges Historical range i e v e

e e R tions. Nonetheless, the multitude of Sacramento r Sacramento Coastal Cutthroat trout Coastal Rainbow troutR life history diversity within anadromous Current/historical range San Current range San and resident forms has increased the Francisco Klamath Redband trout Historical range Francisco resilience of coastal rainbows to distur- Current/historical range bances and allowed them to flourish in Fresno Fresno Las those places where hatchery stockings of California Las Vegas Vegas rainbow trout have not occurred. California Bakersfield Bakersfield Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are Los Angeles known from coastal Washington Los Angeles streams, Cascade-drainage streams in : the Willamette River system and in the San San Upper Klamath River drainage. The 0 50 100 150 200 Diego A rizona Diego A rizona species is widely distributed within the Miles

TROUT SUMMER 2015 56

Central Valley & Sierra Nevada to overfishing by anglers. Much like bull trout, they also appear to be very sensitive to pollutants and increases in stream temperatures.

Columbia River Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) currently occupy 44 percent of their historical stream habitat in the Columbia River system. In the Pacific Coast region, Columbia River redband trout are known from tributaries of the Willamette River upstream of and including the Calapooia River near Albany, Ore. The most abundant and robust population in the region is in the McKenzie River, where the fish are locally known as McKenzie redsides. Stocking of hatchery rainbow trout is the largest threat within the McKenzie drainage. Throughout the range of redband trout, the degradation and fragmentation of aquatic systems from land conversion, roads and the development of natural resources has contributed to local extirpations of redband trout, particularly at the lower elevations where these activities are the most prevalent. Dams, irrigation diversions and road culverts often create passage barriers for redband trout, eliminating their ability to move among lake, river and stream habitats.

Klamath Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss newberryi) are highly migratory and move between lake and riverine habitats to feed and spawn as seasons, flows and water conditions dictate. Hatchery rain- south-central Oregon. These redband bow trout have been widely introduced Central Valley are a hold-over from the cooler, wetter in this basin, including stocking into climates of the Pleistocene epoch and Upper Klamath Lake as early as 1928. & Sierra Nevada increasingly isolated as the regional However, the Klamath redband evolved climate becomes warmer and drier. in the hyper-eutrophic waters of Upper Sacramento Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus Given the highly variable environmental Klamath and Agency lakes and it is mykiss stonei) is the collective name for conditions in the range of these popula- doubtful that hatchery rainbows could redband trout in the Chewaucan, Goose tions, connectivity between populations survive and reproduce in the system, Lake, Warner Valley and McCloud River is critical for allowing recolonization thus maintaining the natural genetic basins. Although the trout in each of following local extinction events related stocks of redband trout in the upper these basins is somewhat distinct, genetic to drought or disturbances like wildfire. basin. The extent to which hatchery analysis has confirmed a shared history Eliminating fish passage barriers in the rainbow stocking has influenced some within the headwaters of what is or once basin remains the highest conservation of the other redband populations in was the Sacramento River basin. priority for the subspecies. Other threats the basin is unknown. Drought, dams, Chewaucan, Goose Lake and Warner include flow alteration associated with water diversions and poor water quality Valley populations occur in the high dams and diversions and sedimentation are also concerns. desert of northwestern California and and channelization associated with

57 TROUT SUMMER 2015

livestock grazing and pasture irriga- primary conservation issue for all three with decreasing annual precipitation, tion. The McCloud River populations species is hybridization with non-native total stream flow will decrease, low flow persist in spring-fed streams that drain species. Widespread restoration efforts— periods will be longer, and peak flows the southern slopes of Mount Shasta in including construction of artificial bar- will shift earlier in the year northeastern California. Their primary riers in the range of California golden threats are isolation in small, fragmented trout and piscicide treatments of streams streams and the competition, exclusion in the range of California and Little Kern and hybridization impacts of non-native golden trout—have eliminated non-native trout introductions. trout from portions of the basin, but Interior Columbia the genetic legacy and loss of historical Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus habitat remain major consequences of Basin/Northern mykiss aquilarum) are a lake-dwelling sub- non-native introductions. Introgression species of rainbow trout found in Eagle was the primary motivation for the Rockies Lake and its tributary streams on the listing of the Little Kern golden trout east side of the Sierra Nevada in Lassen as threatened under the Endangered Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus County, Calif. First described by J. O. Species Act in 1978. clarkii lewisi) were first discovered by Snyder in 1917, Eagle Lake rainbows California is in the fourth year of the Lewis and Clark expedition in were initially thought to be the hybrid one of the most severe droughts on 1805, ironically on the east side of the offspring of Lahontan cutthroat and record. Beyond impacts to stream flow Continental Divide at the Great Falls of introduced rainbow trout. Recent genetic groundwater recharge, the continued the Missouri River. The original geo- studies have shown the subspecies to be drought in 2015 has been particularly graphic expanse of westslope cutthroat a distinct form of rainbow trout that consquential for all species that depend was the greatest of all cutthroat trout colonized Eagle Lake through an ancient on water—humans and trout included subspecies extending east-west from the connection to the Feather River and the —due to warmer than normal winter upper Missouri basin to the Columbia larger Sacramento River system. temperatures. Following the warmest River basin and eastern slopes of the By the 1950s, overfishing and habitat calendar year on record in California, Cascade Mountains, and north-south degradation from logging, grazing and December through February of 2015 from the Saskatchewan River in Canada road development caused population were the warmest in the state’s recorded to the John Day River in Oregon. Today, declines so severe that the California history. These warm temperatures mean westslope cutthroat have been extirpated Department of Fish and Game initi- that what precipitation does fall in the from more than half of their historical ated a hatchery program from the few Sierra Nevada largely falls as rain rather habitat. Traditional land uses such as remaining fish. The species persisted than snow. California’s streams typically logging, mining, livestock grazing and on hatchery support, but in response receive much of their flow from water agriculture have contributed to the loss to restoration and fish passage projects, stored in snowpacks in the highest of habitat for native cutthroat, while young Eagle Lake rainbows have been elevations. Without that stored water and introduced non-native species are dis- recently discovered in the headwaters of Pine Creek, providing hope that natural populations can once again flourish. Nonetheless, the legacies of habitat degradation—loss of meadow habitats and altered hydrology exacerbated by declines in winter snowpack and drought—and the homogenization of the subspecies through the hatchery still threaten the survival of this unique trout.

California Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita), Little Kern Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss whitei) and Kern River Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gilberti). Beginning in the late 1800s and continuing through the 1960s, rainbow and brown trout were widely introduced into the Kern River basin and the Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita MICHAEL CARL

TROUT SUMMER 2015 58

Interior ColumbiaInterior Basin/Northern Columbia Basin/Northern Rockies Rockies has deteriorated since the early 1800s, particularly

Milk R around the margins of iver

C the historical range where Seattle la r r e Spokane k Riv lower elevations and Fo ri Y rk u a so k is moderate terrain allowed i m M

a R r for agricultural develop- Missoula e

i r v e iv r iv e R ment, livestock grazing Musselshell R llowstone Ye and logging. More rugged Portland Billings

J and remote landscapes o Salmon h R iver n were less affected and Day R i ver B today 28 percent of i g Bend h o the streams currently

i v occupied by Yellowstone

e Boise W r Idaho cutthroat are found in ind Falls Jackson R S iv n er National Parks or feder- ake Rive

Medford r ally designated wilderness at r O G

h Rive wy m h r a e areas. Unfortunately, l e e K R e

B i e n

r v R e a the spread of non-native

er e i R r r : v i v v i n e R in R r Pit u i 0 306090120 species into these pro- Q v H e um r Miles b tected lands threatens o r Columbia River Redband trout Yellowstone Cutthroatldt iv e trout Westslope Cutthroat trout R Salt Lake iver remaining populations Current range Current range Current range City Yampa R eRi of Yellowstone cutthroat. Historical range Historical range Historical range hit ver W Building barriers to protect native cutthroat from non-natives placing them throughout much of their may fragment remaining migratory range, even in protected areas. About 60 populations, increasing their risk to percent of the conservation populations climate change, the effects of which are believed to be non-hybridized, but are also permeating our protected three-fourths of these populations are lands. Fortunately, managing agencies, isolated in small stream habitats less than Trout Unlimited and many others are six miles in extent where they are vulner- Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri actively engaged in reducing the threat able to wildfire and floods. However, They originally became isolated in the posed by non-native fish while striving remaining large migratory populations headwaters of the Snake River after the to maintain the Yellowstone cutthroat’s of genetically pure westslope cutthroat in creation of Shoshone Falls about 30,000- inherent resilience to environmental the Flathead Basin in Glacier National 60,000 years ago. Historically, one of the change. Park as well as portions of the Priest largest concentrations of cutthroat trout River, Clearwater and Salmon basins anywhere in the West was in Yellowstone in Idaho, and the John Day in Oregon Lake. From the early- to mid-1900s, serve as reminders of this cutthroat’s once Yellowstone Lake supported a hatchery expansive presence on the landscape as operation which facilitated the worldwide well as hope for its long-term persistence distribution of Yellowstone cutthroat. On in the West. the west side of the Continental Divide, a Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri finespotted form of Yellowstone cutthroat Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout trout was once native to the large valley Columbia River Redband Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) were originally lakes in Grand Teton National Park from (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri) currently named in honor of U.S. Army Captain where they migrated into the main stem occupy 44 percent of their histori- Bouvier in 1883 but were subsequently of the Snake River. Today the finespot- cal stream habitat. The degradation combined with westslope cutthroat trout ted form is found throughout much of and fragmentation of aquatic systems until the 1960s when biologists formally the upper Snake River, frequently co- from land conversion, roads and the recognized them as two distinct subspe- occurring with large-spotted Yellowstone development of natural resources has cies of cutthroat trout. Like westslopes, cutthroat trout. contributed to local extirpations of Yellowstone cutthroat are also found on As with most of our native trout, the redbands, particularly at the lower eleva- both sides of the Continental Divide. habitat quality for Yellowstone cutthroat tions where these activities are the most

59 TROUT SUMMER 2015

prevalent. Dams, irrigation diversions while increasing their suitability for occasion, northern pike. These species and road culverts often create passage warmwater species. can prey on bull trout and are likely to barriers for redband trout, eliminating compete for scarce resources. Climate their ability to move between lake, river Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are widely change poses a dramatic risk for bull and stream habitats. Although non- distributed in cold, clear water within trout, especially warming of migratory native species such as brown trout and the Interior Columbia Basin/Northern and larger river habitats. smallmouth bass have displaced redband Rockies region. The species occupies a The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trout through competition for resources variety of large lakes, small headwater reports that the distribution of bull trout and direct predation, the greatest threat streams and larger river systems. In many has changed little since the species was is from the widespread introduction of areas, the species is highly migratory listed in 1998. However, the latest draft hatchery rainbow trout and non-native and supporting its ability to migrate is recovery plan of the USFWS also reports cutthroat trout which hybridize with a primary recovery strategy. As such, that more than 60 percent of known redband trout—54 percent of streams habitat fragmentation caused by dams, core habitat areas have imminent threats currently occupied by Columbia River poorly designed road crossings and other that are rated as moderate or substantial. redband trout are believed to contain factors is a major legacy threat to bull There are inadequate data to assess the hybridized populations. Impacts from trout. Non-native species are another status of about 50 percent of the core degraded habitat and non-natives are primary threat. Most large lake systems population areas. further compounded by climate change. inhabited by bull trout are also habitat As the hot and dry landscape that sup- for introduced populations of brook Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) have a ports redband trout becomes even more trout, brown trout, lake trout and, on broad native range across northern envi- pronounced with climate change, the ronments, including northern Canada, impact on coldwater habitat becomes Alaska, the Great Lakes and parts of the more profound. The loss of the cooling northeastern United States. The species shade provided by a healthy riparian inhabits large, coldwater lakes and is our area or diminished stream flows from largest native char, reaching weights over agricultural diversions may render some 50 pounds. Lake trout appear to be native streams unsuitable for redband trout Salvelinus confluentus to a small number of lakes in Montana. In addition, they have been broadly introduced Interior ColumbiaInterior Basin/Northern Columbia Basin/Northern Rockies Rockies into many larger western lakes. These introduced populations, such as in Yellowstone and Flathead Milk R iver lakes, can expand rapidly C la Seattle r with lake trout preying k r Spokane ve Fo i Y rk i R on the native trout in a ur k o i s m is a M the system. R r Missoula e

i r v e iv Lake trout are slow- r iv e R Musselshell R llowstone Ye growing, long-lived Portland fish that mature at 6 or

Billings J

o Salmon h R iver 7 years of age. Unlike n Day R many native salmonids, i ver B i g they live and spawn in h Bend o r

R lakes during the fall

i v

e without entering stream Boise W r Idaho ind Falls Jackson R systems. The slow growth S iv n er ake Rive

Medford r and late maturation at r O G make them vulnerable

h Rive wy m h r a e l e e K R e

: B to overfishing. Pollution i e n

r v R e a

er e i v Ri v r r v 030609012i 0 n e and the introduction of R in R r Pit u Miles i Q v H e non-native fishes are um r Bull trout b o r ldt R iv e other common problems Current range Salt Lake r City Yampa Rive for naturally-occurring Historical range populations.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 60

fragmentation, degradation, non-native Interior Basins species and climate change continue to threaten populations. Lahontan Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus cutthroat was listed in 1973 under the clarkii henshawi) and Humboldt Cutthroat Endangered Species Act. Intensive Trout (O. c. humboldtensis) are generally efforts focus on restoring the historic referred to and federally listed as the Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi genetic strain to Pyramid Lake, and Lahontan cutthroat trout but actually Lahontan cutthroat as “Salmon-trout” managing non-natives and improving encompass two described subspecies and a Lahontan cutthroat from Pyramid habitat quality and connectivity to recover with distinct evolutionary histories. Lake set the world-record for a cutthroat other native populations within distinct Together they represent one of the trout at 41 pounds before the population management units. oldest lineages of cutthroat trout and there was lost in the 1940s. The genetic have had ample time to respond to a and morphological distinctions of the dramatically changing landscape, hav- eastern form (O. c. humboldtensis) reflect ing colonized the Lahontan basin at its isolation and assumed adaptation to least several thousand years ago. The the river and stream environments of western form (O. c. henshawi) adapted northern Nevada and southern Oregon. to life in Lake Lahontan, which at its Today, across both forms less than maximum (about 13,000 years ago) nine percent of historic stream habitat Oncorhynchus clarkii utah covered over 8,500 square miles. As this is occupied and the native trout has been Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus lake subsided, cutthroat trout continued lost from almost 99 percent of its historic clarkii utah) are native to the Bonneville to persist in the relict desert terminal lake habitat. Logging, dams and over- basin of Utah, southeastern Idaho, south- lakes and river systems, where until fishing were early threats in the West (the western Wyoming and eastern Nevada. recently it maintained large lake-river Tahoe/Truckee/Pyramid Lake system Lake Bonneville was the largest of the spawning runs and grew to enormous once supported a commercial fishery Ice Age lakes of western North America sizes as top predator. In fact, during his that supplied San Francisco and other covering about 20,000 square miles with 1843 expedition Fremont referred to cities) and throughout the range habitat a maximum depth of nearly 1,000 feet. The ancient lake formed over 30,000 years ago, Interior Basins but greatly enlarged when a lava intrusion along the Bear River diverted it southward from the Snake River into the Bonneville Basin, sup- plying the basin with additional water as well as the spotted fish that evolved into today’s Bonneville cutthroat trout. When the Bonneville basin was settled by Europeans many of these waters were over- harvested. The once bountiful population in Utah Lake was harvested to extinction in the 1930s and has never returned. Today Bonneville cutthroat occupy about 30 percent of their historical stream habitat and over

61 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Colorado Plateau/SouthernColorado Plateau/Southern Rockies Rockies 50 percent of that is in the Bear River n S ak basin, which still supports large migra- e R iv e : tory populations. Bear Lake is the largest r Wind Riv remaining occupied lake system. Some 0 255075 100 er strongholds still persist in the Weber, Miles orth PlatteR N i Provo and Spanish Fork systems of v e northern Utah. Small populations in r the Sevier basin and the equally small and isolated populations in the Deep ver Ri e Creek Mountains are highly vulnerable to Rock i

m a

Springs r

a environmental changes such as wildfire L Lodg epole Creek and drought although their isolation has Salt Cheyenne protected them from non-natives and Lake City preserved their genetic integrity. The Y aRiv Fort er amp er iv Collins r R ve larger migratory populations in the n r i e ive R e e R r it e

W h t

Bear and Weber River systems are more G t

a l resilient to climate change but they are rR P ie iv r v e h e e v t S r Ri rado u Denver under pressure from introduced rainbow olo o Grand C S and brown trout. Much of their main Junction G u stem habitat has also been degraded and D n Colorado o ni sonR lo Springs r i A fragmented by roads and urban and e ve s r rk

R a sR

i n sa iv agricultural development. Bonneville cut- v er

e throat continue to be a popular sportfish r where large individuals still exist. Rio Grand e r r e e iv Sa v n n i R ua Rive e J R r r Durango gatoi s Pur

a i m

n C

n a Greenback Cutthroatd trout i a n

Current range R Oncorhynchus clarkii seleniris L it i tle v

Historical range e C r

o Paiute Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus lo Colorado River Cutthroat trout r ad clarkii seleniris) o P historically occurred in R Current erange iv c e os r Historical rangeRi just 9 miles of habitat on Silver King ver Creek, a tributary to the East Fork of the Carson River on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This fish status assessment listed 361 conserva- has one of the smallest historic ranges of Colorado Plateau/ tion populations occupying 2,115 miles any North American trout, as the entire of stream. distribution of this subspecies could fit Southern Rockies Land and water uses, introduction of inside the island of Manhattan. Paiute non-native trout, and isolation manage- cutthroat were listed as threatened under Colorado River Cutthroat Trout ment have truncated and disconnected the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus) historical Colorado River cutthroat trout popula- the fragmented distribution created by range is thought to be bound to the west tions. Most populations are comprised of non-native trout species remains the by the Escalante River, to the south by small fish residing in small headwaters major threat to species. An intensive the San Juan River, to the east by the streams, whereas historically large cut- effort is underway to reintroduce the Continental Divide and to the north throat up to 12 pounds could be caught subspecies to the downstream portion by the Green River. Within this gen- west of the Continental Divide. Recent of Silver King Creek, to restore it to its eral historical range, the distribution genetics studies suggest Colorado River historic range. As with the other native of Colorado River cutthroat trout was cutthroat trout now reside in streams trout in the Interior basins, limited thought to have been very discontinu- on the east side of the Continental stream flows and increased severity of ous because of the sediment-rich, warm Divide where they were stocked for drought or wildfire make Paiute cutthroat nature of larger rivers in the Colorado well-intentioned recovery efforts for trout vulnerable to climate change. River Basin. The most recent 2010 greenbacks.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 62

only naturalized greenback population headwaters of the Rio Grande, Pecos and currently in existence now resides in Canadian rivers in Colorado and New four miles of Bear Creek southwest Mexico to small streams in the Guadalupe of Colorado Springs above a natural and Davis Mountains of Texas. Today barrier in a stretch of stream that was 121 populations of Rio Grande cutthroat Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias once fishless. Substantial effort has trout occupy less than 10 percent (about Greenback Cutthroat Trout been made in the last year to replicate 680 miles) of their historical stream (Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias) were histori- this population, including stocking into habitat in Colorado and New Mexico cally considered to have occurred in the Zimmerman Lake in the South Platte and they have long since been extirpated South Platte drainage and (with some River drainage. from west Texas. Remaining populations debate) the Arkansas River drainage, on primarily occur in small high elevation the east slope of the Continental Divide. tributaries, disconnected from the larger Most of this historical distribution is in rivers they once occupied. Colorado, save for some small tributar- Southwest Fragmentation of habitat from man- ies of the South Platte in southeastern made structures such as diversions, dams Wyoming. There is confusion as to where Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus and culverts and a management strategy greenbacks were first collected by W. A. clarkii virginalis) represent the southern of isolation above barriers for protection Hammond during an Army expedition extent of the cutthroat trout species, his- from non-native species have separated in 1856. Widespread introductions of torically ranging from the mountainous historically migratory populations of non-native trout, mining, irrigation and Rio Grande cutts from their feeding harvest by settlers resulted in the rapid and growing habitats in larger rivers. disappearance of greenbacks from the Although 75 percent of Rio Grande cut- Front Range. They were even thought to throat trout populations are genetically be extinct by the mid-1930s. However, pure, none of the populations support a in the late 1960s a few populations migratory life history. The average extent were found above barrier falls in small of occupied stream habitat is less than headwater streams—the last remnants Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis 6 miles, leaving them highly vulnerable of the subspecies. Greenbacks were

listed as Endangered Southwest Southwest G

r S ll Rive r under the Endangered e mok y Hi

e Colorado n

r Species Act in 1973, but e R Springs v i i R v e r sas by 1978 its status was r kan Riv

e Ar er i v changed to Threatened e S Cim ar due to establishment r on River SanJ iver u R a of some new popula- in n irg Rive V r tions. As of 1998, the Ri ver adian Las Can Greenback Cutthroat Vegas L i tt Trout Recovery Plan le C Amarillo o lo listed 62 lakes (442 r Albuquerque ad Ver o d Ri acres) and 102 miles e ver R iv of stream as occupied. e Palm r Restored populations in Springs some lakes were open to Phoenix G il a Riv C fishing. However, recent e o r l o ra genetics studies of both do Ri existing populations and Tucson ver El Paso P ecos museum specimens have R shown that stocked fish : iver used in well-intentioned 0 50 100 150 200 R io Miles G r greenback restoration a n Apache trout Gila trout Rio Grande Cutthroat trout d efforts were actually e Colorado River cut- Current range Current range Current range throat trout and the Historical range Historical range Historical range

63 TROUT SUMMER 2015

to environmental disturbances such as reestablish populations in 30 to 40 miles In 2010, 15 populations of Gila trout wildfire and drought, which appear to of unoccupied stream habitat, including occupied about 80 miles of stream be increasing as our climate changes. the restoration of a metapopulation habitat primarily in the upper Gila River in the West Fork Black River. Larger, drainage. Ten of these populations were interconnected populations are needed in the Gila Wilderness Area. In 2012 as a hedge against future drought and the Whitewater Baldy fire burned more increased wildfire risk. than 300,000 acres through the core of remaining Gila trout strongholds within Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae gilae) his- the wilderness area. In 2014 there were torical distribution included nearly 620 eight populations remaining in about Oncorhynchus gilae apache miles of small stream habitat within two 30 miles of habitat while the post-fire Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae apache) separate population centers: one in the status of another three populations in are found only in the White Mountains upper portion of the Gila River basin 15 miles of habitat remains unknown. of east-central Arizona where they in western New Mexico, including the As with Apache trout, the wildfire may historically occupied about 680 miles Blue and San Francisco rivers, and the have created some opportunities for of stream habitat in the headwaters of other in the headwaters of the Verde reestablishing populations within the the Little Colorado and Salt rivers. In River in central Arizona. Early reports burned area where non-native trout the late 1800s, early settlers reportedly of the ‘speckled’ trout in the Gila River have been eliminated. caught hundreds of the ‘yellow bellies’ drainage date back to the late 1800s, The native trout of the Southwest in a single outing. However, by the but Gila trout was not described as a have faced an ever-increasing series of mid-1900s habitat degradation from separate species until 1950 when its dis- challenges and are now at a critical junc- timber harvest, livestock grazing, road tribution had already been dramatically ture. Logging and associated roads and construction, water diversions, dams and reduced. This population decline led to culverts, as well as dams and diversions the introduction of non-native trout had an “endangered” classification by the to support agriculture have contributed taken its toll on Apache trout, reducing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1966. to the fragmentation and degradation the occupied habitat to less than 30 By 1975 only five relict populations of of aquatic habitats. However, of all the miles. Consequently, in 1969 Apache the species remained representing five historical alterations to coldwater habitats, trout became one of the first species to ancestral lineages—two of which (Iron none have been more pernicious than the be federally listed as endangered. and McKenna creek populations) were introduction and spread of non-native In 1975, successful recovery efforts, later found to be hybridized with rain- trouts that hybridize and compete with, including habitat restoration as well as bow trout and were no longer included and prey upon the native trout. Native stocking from hatcheries and protection in recovery efforts. A sixth genetically trout have been isolated in smaller, from non-natives, led to the reclassifica- pure relict population was discovered headwater streams where populations tion of Apache trout from endangered in Whiskey Creek in 1992. Despite its now face increased risk from wildfire, to threatened and some areas were precarious status, in 2006 the Fish and drought and floods. re-opened to limited fishing. By 2010 Wildlife Service reclassified Gila trout there were 30 populations occupying from endangered to threatened. nearly 180 miles of stream habitat, many The protection of remnant popula- of which were protected from invading tions of Gila trout in small mountain Great Lakes/ rainbow and brown trout by stream bar- streams is challenging given their riers. However, their isolation in small vulnerability to wildfire, floods and Upper Mississippi fragmented streams left these popula- drought. These vulnerabilities are tions vulnerable to rapid environmental compounded by the presence of non- Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are native changes such as the 2011 Wallow Fire native species such as rainbow trout, to the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi that burned more than 490,000 acres, even in the remote rugged landscape River basins, where its historical distribu- impacting seven populations in the Black of New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness Area. tion includes Lake Superior and northern and Little Colorado river watersheds. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and Although the fire was a setback to recov- tributaries, as well as the Upper Mississippi ery efforts, it also provided some new River Basin south to the Driftless Area of restoration opportunities by eliminat- Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. ing non-native trout from many of the The exact native range of brook trout in burned tributaries. Currently there are the Great Lakes is uncertain. For example, approximately 28 populations of Apache some notable trout experts suggest brook trout in 170 miles of habitat with plans to Oncorhynchus gilae gilae trout were native to the northern-most

TROUT SUMMER 2015 64

portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. to spawn in the fall. Around Isle Royale Wisconsin scientists predict that brook However, others have suggested that brook in Lake Superior, coaster brook trout trout habitat will decrease by nearly 50 trout did not invade the Lower Peninsula are completely lacustrine—they reside in percent even under limited climate until Arctic grayling began to decline near-shore areas and spawn along gravel warming. Climate change will trigger there around the mid-1800s. Regardless, shorelines. changes to precipitation regimes and some experts even think that brook trout Great Lakes brook trout were in the upper Midwest, climate change is did not naturally occur as far south as the impacted by historical logging practices, predicted to increase the intensity and Manistee and Muskegon rivers (now two mining and impassible road crossings severity of rainfall events, which will in of Michigan’s most famous trout streams), and dams. In the Driftless Area, high turn lead to increased flooding—some- or even the Au Sable River on the banks rates of soil erosion from certain agri- thing that has been observed already in of which Trout Unlimited was founded. cultural practices degraded brook trout the last decade. Historic floods have rav- Why brook trout never inhabited these habitat. Across both regions, brook trout aged trout streams over the last five years southern tributaries of Lake Michigan now occur in approximately 50 percent and streamflow trends have reflected an and Lake Huron is not clear, however. of their historical habitat. However, they increase in peak flows and flooding in The most notable brook trout in the have been widely cultured and stocked southern Wisconsin. Warming stream Great Lakes is the coaster. Coaster brook and therefore now occur in many streams temperatures also have indirect effects trout can exhibit an adfluvial life history, not previously occupied, such as those on trout, such as increased prevalence meaning individuals reside in the Great in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. While of diseases and parasites. In fact, gill Lakes but then migrate into tributaries some range reduction has occurred, the lice, a louse that attaches to the gills of coaster life history has taken the biggest brook trout and impedes their respiratory hit due to overharvest, habitat impacts ability, have been observed to increase and impassible barriers on tributary in some streams and scientists think streams, and interactions with non- that warmer temperatures may be part native salmon, steelhead and other sport of the reason. fisheries in the Great Lakes. Coaster brook now occupy only about 13 percent Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are native Salvelinus fontinalis of historical watersheds. to the Great Lakes basin, and historically occupied all five of the Great Lakes. Because Great Lakes/Upper Mississippi lake trout can attain large sizes (lake trout close to Brook trout 50 inches long and over Current range 100 pounds have been Historical range recorded), they are an

R important sport fish that

R : have been cultured and i

v 0306090120 e

r stocked in many places. Miles While lake trout can Duluth attain large sizes, they are often slow-growing

W because their cold, deep o Minneapolis-M r l e f i R lake habitat is not very s v Saint Paul s i i i s v Traverse s R ip e k p r Green productive, resulting in i c City R l a D i Bay ve B e shifts towards older indi- r s M ie C viduals when compared o Er anal in W e a s p G an to most fish populations. R r d s Madison Riv i i e v Io p r e w in Milwaukee r Because early lake trout

r a i e r Detroit

co iv

R n e R

R v a iv r i n stockings were not well er iv e e v R

Des r i n R x k a M c Ro o h documented, the exact i Moines F

s Chicago e s Cleveland u q o s historical distribution of u u

r S i River R sh lake trout is not known. i r a v e b e iv a r R W r s iver e Commercial fishing, i R v o te i n i Columbus i h R ll I o pollution and nutri- IndianapolisW h i Kansas O ent enrichment, and

65 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Consider… People don’t often think of the upper Midwest when they think of energy development. Salvelinus namaycush However, energy development elsewhere causes impacts in the Midwest. Hydraulic introduced species have impacted lake fracturing used to extract oil and gas from some geologic formations with low perme- trout populations in the Great Lakes. ability uses water to fracture the formation and ‘frack sand’ to keep the fractures Commercial fishing exploited over 20 open and permeable. Frack sands are high quality silica sand with durable, round grains million pounds of lake trout as early and one oil or gas well can require several tons of this material. The increasing use of as the early 1900s, especially in the hydraulic fracturing has led to a high demand for frack sand—most of which comes upper lakes, Huron, Michigan and from the Midwest. Wisconsin, for example, which has numerous trout streams across Superior. Lake trout in unproductive the state, is a leading producer of frack sands. Like other types of mining, frack sand lakes are very susceptible to overfish- mining can contribute fine sediments to streams, use water and expel used water with ing. Pollutants from many large U.S. poor quality into streams and rivers. cities (Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit) While historical agriculture and silviculture may be mostly to blame for reductions have been discharged into the Great in the historical abundance and distribution of brook trout in the upper Midwest, there Lakes. This has resulted in nutrient is no doubt that the introduction of non-native salmonids has led to negative interac- enrichment that has been detrimental tions with the region’s native brook trout. Brown trout and rainbow trout have been to lake trout. For example, Lake Erie is widely stocked in streams and rivers to diversify sportfishing opportunities. However, the shallowest of the Great Lakes and the increased value placed on native trout species. However, the increased value placed nutrient enrichment has resulted in on native trout species based on recognition that they were here prior to European excess algae blooms. When these algae settlement, has led to more interest in preserving them in, or restoring them to, the coldwater habitats they once inhabited. For example, brown trout were widely stocked blooms die off they sink to the bot- because they are known to be more tolerant of degraded stream conditions. However, tom and are decomposed by bacteria. stream restoration efforts have increased the habitat amenable to the fickle brook trout, These bacteria consume oxygen and and the removal of brown trout for the benefit of brook trout has been evaluated in often deplete oxygen (hypoxia) in the some areas. Likewise, salmon and steelhead have been introduced into the Great Lakes deeper parts of lakes where lake trout and interactions with these Pacific Northwest fishes has been cited as one reason for reside. Because lake trout require the decline of the famed coaster brook trout. Since most introduced trout and salmon well-oxygenated water, much of their have been in the Midwest for decades, resource managers today also must balance the habitat is no longer suitable. One of preferences of anglers wishing to pursue these highly prized sport fish versus those of the largest impacts on lake trout has anglers wishing to pursue what they consider to be part of their natural heritage—a been the introduction of non-native native brook trout. species, particularly the sea lamprey. While commercial fishing and pollution have played a role in reducing the abundance While the sea lamprey was native to of lake trout populations in the Great Lakes region, non-natives have played a significant Lake Ontario, it was restricted to below role as well. The opening of the Welland Canal allowed sea lamprey to colonize Lakes Niagara Falls, at least until construction Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, where they attach themselves to lake trout. Round of the Welland Canal. Sea lampreys gobies and smelts are also considered harmful to lake trout because they prey on eggs attach themselves to lake trout and and fry. Because of suppressed abundance or extirpation of lake trout in the Great Lakes, suck out bodily fluids. Lake trout were Pacific salmon and steelhead were stocked to fill the void left by lake trout as a top extirpated from Lake Ontario, Lake predator. Originally stocked to control unchecked populations of alewives, which also Erie and Lake Michigan and only invaded through the Welland Canal, Pacific salmon and steelhead have now naturalized remnant populations were left in Lake and provide popular sport fisheries, the presence of which inhibits lake trout restora- Huron; Lake Superior was the only tion in some of the Great Lakes. While fish non-native to the Great Lakes have been lake to maintain offshore populations naturalized for some time now, new invaders such as zebra and quagga mussels have buffered from the sea lamprey. Pacific only recently invaded and their expansion will continue to alter Great Lakes ecosystems. salmon and steelhead were introduced Some recent evidence suggests that invasive mussels are altering Great Lakes ecosystems to take the place of lake trout at the top in a way that is detrimental to non-native Pacific salmon and alewives but beneficial to of the food chain in the Great Lakes lake trout and other natives like yellow perch and walleye. and their naturalization there has inhibited lake trout conservation and recovery efforts.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 66

the sea can exhibit anadromy whereby man Daniel Webster in 1827 on Long Northeast some individuals, often called “salters” Island’s Carmans River. or “sea-run” brook trout, migrate to Brook trout in the northeast generally Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are estuaries (or open ocean) to feed during are faring better than their brethren to the char native to northeastern North late-spring to early summer. During south, but they have still declined. Human America from the Canadian Maritimes the 1800s, exclusive fishing clubs were land uses have resulted in stream warming to northern Labrador and Quebec, established on famous salter streams. and deteriorated habitat, causing popula- including Ungava and Hudson Bays. In The Monument and Mashpee Rivers tion declines. Population fragmentation addition to the Great Lakes and Driftless in Massachusetts and the Carmans due to road culverts and other barriers Area, the native distribution of brook and Connetquot Rivers in New York has likely caused local extirpations. Given trout in the United States occurs from all hosted clubs whose members were the need to move between fresh and salt Maine south down the Appalachian among the nation’s wealthiest and most water, the construction of dams, road Mountains to northern Georgia. Brook influential people. The legendary “world crossings and other impassable man-made trout populations in the northeast most record” brook trout (14 lb., 8 oz.) was structures likely had a disproportionate commonly inhabit streams and ponds. almost certainly an anadromous salter effect on the decline of salter brook trout, However, populations with access to caught by the leading American states- where they are only known to occupy a fraction of their historical habitat. For example, in Maine the access to riverine Northeast habitat by river herring is only 20 percent of historical levels because of dams, many of which were built on coastal streams : used also by salters. Competition with 0 255075100 and predation by non-native fishes have Miles ^ ^^ also been cited as reasons for declines. Lastly, because brook trout can obtain ^ ^ larger sizes due to the prey resources in ^ saltwater environments, anadromous ^ ^ brook trout have been harvested for both ^ subsistence and sport since European ^ colonization. K

R a ne Bangor

q ^ ^ e

u ^ c

e R

tt r e i ve v R Ri e

i t r v u er Montpelier S c i a t c B c la o c e k n R R n iv i o e v Portlandr Salvelinus alpinus oquassa e C r Sunapee Trout (sometimes called silver Syracuse char) and Blueback Char (often called

e v blueback trout) i are two forms of the

AlbanyR

n Boston same subspecies of Arctic char (Salvelinus

o s H

d o alpinus oquassa)

u that historically occurred u

H s a

t in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. o

n i

c Hartford They were once thought to be two sepa-

R r

v i i ver rate subspecies. The Sunapee trout has

R Sunapee trout re been extirpated from Vermont and New a w

a l ^ Current populations Hampshire, including from Sunapee

e D New York City Blueback char Lake—its namesake. The blueback char now occurs in about 10 lakes in Maine. ^ Current populations Philadelphia Blueback char were a main prey species Brook trout of brook trout in the Rangeley Lakes Current range (headwaters of the Androscoggin River), Historical range comprising a unique predator-prey relationship between those two salmonids.

67 TROUT SUMMER 2015

However, bluebacks were extirpated from was extirpated from the Rangeley Lakes basin (also Montana), but are native the Rangeley Lakes in the early 1900s. (around 1900) after landlocked Atlantic to some parts of New England as well Like most Arctic char, the Sunapee trout salmon and rainbow smelt were intro- (~100 lakes in Maine). Because they and blueback char primarily occupy deep duced. Because the subspecies requires are an excellent food fish and attain cold lakes and ponds and have been occa- cold water in deep lakes, pollution of large sizes, lake trout have always been sionally reported from saltwater. Maine some lakes led to oxygen depletion and a popular sport fish. They have been contains the southern-most distribution extirpations there. Overfishing was also cultured and introduced widely where of this Arctic char subspecies, but it has a problem in some lakes after fishing suitable habitat (cold, deep lakes) exists. been stocked outside its native waters, techniques became more efficient (e.g., Many earlier introductions around the including in Idaho. use of gill nets). Recent efforts have been turn of the 19th century went undocu- The Sunapee trout and blueback char made in Maine to re-establish popula- mented and so native distribution of the in the northeastern U.S. have been most tions of Sunapee trout and blueback species in the northeast is not known impacted by non-native species introduc- char, where non-native lake trout and precisely. Protection of spawning areas, tions. The Sunapee trout was extirpated smelt have been eradicated. fishing regulations and control of illegal from Sunapee Lake in the early 1950s introductions of fishes are a primary after lake trout were introduced, lead- Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are management strategy used to preserve ing to hybridization. The blueback char primarily restricted to the Great Lakes known native stocks of lake trout in the northeast.

Mid-Atlantic

Black R iv : e r Mid-Atlantic

0 255075100 Erie Ca Miles nal Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Buffalo the mid-Atlantic region are found in

etroit Al streams that drain the highlands of the Allegheny Plateau in Pennsylvania, West er iv nn R ueha a Virginia and New York, as well as the Blue q r s

ive u

R S Ridge and Valley and Ridge Provinces y Cleveland en in Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. gh

e l

l Scranton A r e Brook trout habitat is found within iv

R New Y an hour’s drive of most of the major e r a Cit

w cities in the region—Washington D.C.,

l e

Pittsburgh D Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh— Harrisburg lumbus r making them one of the most “accessible” e v i R trout species in the US. io Philadelphia h tomac O Po R Brook trout thrive in ecologically iv e r intact watersheds: over half of the Baltimore remaining populations occur in water- iv k R er Washington sheds with at least 80 percent forested El r e lands. As the amount of forest cover iv R T r u e decreases in watersheds and especially

g i L r F b e n o e along streams, the ability of brook trout v r re is k G Ja a mes R Fo ive to tolerate warmer stream temperatures, r r k Richmond sedimentation and non-native species River Roanoke nch Cli like brown trout decreases. Habitat fragmentation caused by dams, culverts, r n ive Da R or impaired water quality is also an issue. r in Rive aw Ri adk H ve The core of brook trout distribution Y D r e e Ta iver in the mid-Atlantic region overlaps with tawba River p r R Brook trout Ca R N i e v u the epicenter of the shale gas boom in the B e r s ro e Current range a East. Even outside the footprint of the d R Riv u er n Historical range shale gas resource, aquatic habitats can be threatened by poorly planned pipeline

TROUT SUMMER 2015 68

Southeast placement as natural gas is transported M Louisville is Riv s io e r i h s G

s e to customers along the eastern seaboard. O am s Ri i r J ve p e r

p en River

TU staff and volunteers have been i R Richmond

e r monitoring water quality in the region r e Riv ch of shale gas development and working Clin Nashville Tar with industry and state agencies to ensure Knoxville RaleighN Riv e e u r that development of the resource, where Asheville s B e River roa d CharlotteP

R it does occur, does not impair native e

u e trout fisheries. n D e e The demand for water for agricul- R iv T e tural, municipal and industrial uses o O S r m Birmingham Atlanta g a b e v i e a is high across the region, but mostly g c n b h n Charleston e e a

e e R h concentrated in the developed val- R i ve R

i r i

v v e e

ley bottoms away from brook trout L r r

a A

r r f l occupied habitats in the headwaters. In a e e R v p i i iv a ve R R h

the headwaters, one use of water with r a t a e

in R

P l i potential consequence for brook trout F v

Mobile e r is withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing, Tallahassee which can alter flow regimes, especially Jacksonville at low flows and when withdrawals do not require minimum flow past the points of diversion. Climate change Orlando will be associated with some additional uncertainty for water supplies. Tampa

Southeast Miami

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in : Brook trout the southeast represent the Southern 0 50 100 150 200 Current range

Appalachian strain of brook trout. Miles Historically, they thrived in streams Historical range draining the rich, temperate forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Following in many streams, especially in relatively that remain for just how rare they are. agricultural development, including warm streams at lower elevations. In Through displacement or extirpation, widespread logging in the latter half of other cases, brook trout from northern brook trout of some form have been the 19th century, Southern Appalachian hatcheries were planted to supplement lost from 45 percent of their historical brook trout habitats were degraded by local stocks, effectively swamping the habitats across the Southeast. sediments that ran off of denuded slopes unique genes and adaptations to local High elevations of the Southern or scoured when splash dams were used conditions that Southern Appalachian Appalachians can receive over 6 feet of to float logs downstream. brook trout had acquired over millen- annual rainfall, enough to be consid- As Southern Appalachian brook trout nia. Genetic analysis has confirmed the ered a temperate rain forest. Despite declined due to habitat loss, rainbow unique nature of the historical brook these impressive totals, the region is not trout and brown trout were planted trout strain of this region and there immune from periods of drought, and in streams to “replace” the resource. has been an increasing appreciation for climate change forecasts predict decreases These species displaced native brookies those Southern Appalachian populations in water availability. Population growth in urban areas of the region since 2000 has been among the highest in the coun- Brook trout thrive in ecologically intact watersheds: over try—Charlotte has grown nearly 33% and Atlanta nearly 28% and the drinking water half of the remaining populations occur in watersheds for both cities originates in Southern with at least 80 percent forested lands. Appalachian brook trout habitat.

69 TROUT SUMMER 2015

introduction of non-native species, water region. State and federal agencies dedicate The Path Forward use and demand, and climate change. sustained effort towards monitoring and This report overviews the many and Legacy problems remain in many areas improving the status of native and wild varied threats facing native and wild trout and their impacts are compounded by trout. These agencies have developed and in this country. For the complete “State these emerging challenges. signed conservation agreements for the of the Trout” with additional stories of There is good news as well. The prac- rarer native trout species and organized restoration and recovery, regional trends, tice of restoration is becoming a mature active workgroups to implement these references and more specific data, please science with more effort dedicated to efforts. visit www.tu.org/stateofthetrout. This stream restoration each year. At TU our Despite this dedication from agencies report would not have been possible efforts to protect, reconnect and restore and anglers alike, the current suite of except for the outstanding efforts of many the habitat of trout grows annually. In problems affecting native and wild trout state and federal agencies that rigorously 2014, TU volunteer members donated cannot be addressed adequately by strate- track and report of the status of native more than 650,000 volunteer hours to gies and actions of the past. An improved trout within their jurisdictions. We thank more than 1,050 restoration projects and knowledge base must be brought to bear them and encourage continued funding more than 1,550 environmental educa- on the conservation challenge and new to support their regular monitoring of tion projects. Altogether, more than $1 strategies, tactics and capacity developed native trout and their habitats, as well billion is spent on stream restoration to implement an enhanced effort. as vital restoration and recovery work. each year in this country. This number Anglers can be a potent force for The threats described here and in the increases significantly if recovery efforts trout conservation and their numbers full report have evolved over time, from for threatened and endangered species represent a vast resource for conserva- past agriculture and mining practices to such as Lahontan cutthroat trout, Apache tion. Many anglers are close observers of a new suite of problems related to four trout and bull trout are included. on-the-ground conditions for trout, their primary issues: energy development, There are major success stories in each habitats and emerging threats such as the MARISA CHAPPELL MARISA

TROUT SUMMER 2015 70

spread of invasive species. Many anglers quality streams and high priority trout has been one of the greatest threats to are becoming citizen scientists, adding restoration areas such as the Wyoming native trout as species such as brown their observations to the growing public Range in Wyoming, the George trout and hatchery-produced rainbow participation in scientific observation Washington National Forest in Virginia, trout compete with, prey on, or hybrid- and research. As anglers learn more the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana ize with native species. More recently, about the streams they love, they become and the Roan Plateau in Colorado. invasive aquatic invertebrate and plant stronger advocates for improved resource Trout Unlimited assists such efforts species are a growing problem, with management. TU takes a unique approach through public awareness campaigns and anglers, boaters and other recreationists to this, dubbed “Angler Science,” and development of an ecological footprint unwittingly assisting with their spread our programs have a particular ability to assessment locating those areas with the as they and their equipment move from focus the passion of our angling members greatest concentration of people and one drainage to the next. Also, as waters toward doing meaningful science in resource disturbances and encouraging warm from climate change, species such support of the fish and the landscapes energy development there as well as in as smallmouth bass invade former trout that they love. Today’s mobile and online areas with already compromised natural habitat. Programs urging or requiring technologies combine to provide new resource values rather than in higher recreationists to inspect, clean and dry opportunities for citizen scientists to quality natural areas. waders and other angling equipment, as well as boats and their trailers, can help stop TU takes a unique approach to this, dubbed “Angler Science,” and the spread of aquatic our programs have a particular ability to focus the passion of our invasive species. Traditionally, many angling members toward doing meaningful science in support of the agencies have sought fish and the landscapes that they love. to isolate native trout in small headwater streams by constructing capture important data that can instantly On public lands in the West, such instream barriers to prevent contact be documented with photographs and as the White River National Forest, with downstream invasive species. Over GPS locations on-the-spot. we are actively working with energy time, we have learned that this strategy companies to site energy development can restrict native trout to isolated areas Energy Development to minimize effects on trout. In parts where they are increasingly vulnerable Over the past several decades the demand of the East where shale gas is being to flood, drought, or wildfire. Better for energy resources has grown and has developed with hydraulic fracturing balanced trout management strategies been accompanied by an unprecedented technology, state agencies are teaming should maintain larger, interconnected increase in oil and natural gas production with angler-scientists to track potential stream systems and large lakes as well as as well as renewable energy development. water pollution problems in brook trout isolated headwater streams. That means Oil and gas development has pushed streams. A better understanding of how we need new methods to better under- into new territory and the increased energy development could impact surface stand and track the presence of non-native use of chemicals and water for hydraulic and groundwater resources is needed species and better ways to control and fracturing has resulted in higher water so that we can ensure adequate water eliminate them once they are found. demand. Pipeline failures have damaged remains instream for aquatic life and Improving technology may help in this iconic rivers such as the Yellowstone. other human uses. Funding to mitigate area. New tests for environmental DNA, More states are passing renewable energy impacts of energy development is needed or “eDNA,” can detect the presence of portfolio standards requiring a greater and would be provided by the bipartisan different species simply by identifying use of renewable energy resources. Public Lands Renewable Energy Act now their DNA from samples of the water Renewable energy development is spread- pending in Congress. where they occur. In this way, brown ing on public and private lands with the trout could be detected in, or confirmed potential for increased road networks Non-native Species absent from, waters by tracking their shed and sedimentation of stream systems. The interconnected nature of most skin, mucous, or secreted feces, without Oil, gas, wind and solar development aquatic habitats renders them particularly ever seeing a fish. have moved onto large tracts of National vulnerable to the introduction and spread We are finally gaining the upper Forest and BLM public lands. of non-native species. Once introduced, hand in the battle to control non-native Sportsmen and women have worked some non-natives can readily spread lake trout in Yellowstone Lake and to discourage or prevent energy develop- throughout entire river drainages. other parts of the West where they have ment on public lands containing high Historically, stocking of non-native trout been introduced to the detriment of

71 TROUT SUMMER 2015

native trout populations. The National Park Service, aided by U.S. Geological Survey, Trout Unlimited and others, have netted hundreds of thousands of lake trout annually in recent years and the population of this non-native predator in Yellowstone Lake appears to be in decline. In addition to netting programs, biologists now track lake trout to spawning areas where eggs can be targeted by electrofishing or sonic pulses. Controlling lake trout in western lakes is no easy task but progress in places as large as Yellowstone Lake gives us hope elsewhere. We also may be able to control some non-native species by restoring more natural streamflow regimes, including high spring flows and improving riparian and channel conditions that can cool water and reduce the threat from warmwater fishes. Research and development of novel ways to control non-native species should be a high priority. Controlling lake trout in western lakes is no easy task Water Use and Demand but progress in places as large as Yellowstone Lake Demand for clean water is increasing as our human population continues to gives us hope elsewhere. grow, especially in many parts of the West where water supplies are naturally scarce. Large western urban areas have tapped deeply into traditional sources irrigation efficiencies. Nationwide, water from restoration of wetlands, high eleva- of groundwater and over-allocated withdrawals for agriculture amount to tion wet meadows, riparian areas and rivers. Some cities, like Las Vegas, are about 40 percent of all water diversions floodplains. These habitats are critical to reaching as far away as the Utah-Nevada (only hydropower operations use more). capture precipitation, modulate runoff, border for municipal water and affecting Water supports essential agricultural replenish groundwater aquifers and habitats for Bonneville cutthroat trout production but gains in efficiencies can slowly release water to improve late-season as traditional sources of water from benefit natural systems while maintain- stream baseflows. Trout Unlimited and Lake Mead and the Colorado River ing important food production. One California Trout work closely with the decline. According to a recent EPA recent example of success in this effort National Fish and Wildlife Foundation study, the April snowpack has declined is in Washington’s Methow Valley, which on an innovative program designed to across three-fourths of the western states is home to both salmon and agriculture. restore wet meadows in California’s since 1955. Most of California and the Trout Unlimited and the Methow Valley drought-stricken Sierra Nevada. Interior Basins are currently in a severe Irrigation District recently reached agree- Water conservation is the third leg drought and much of the Southwest is ment to leave 11 cfs in 3.5 miles of the of our approach to water demand. Not predicted to see more severe droughts Twisp River by eliminating a diversion only must we become more efficient than any yet experienced in this region and replacing it with a pump on the in our use of water but we need to use since humans began recording history. Methow River. less, especially in areas where valuable This dire forecast demands immediate Restoration of natural watershed natural resources such as threatened action to protect our aquatic resources function—the capture, storing and slow trout populations are at risk. The biggest and native trout. release of precipitation—can maintain potential for water conservation is in One way to improve stream flows is more water in headwaters and help agricultural operations, which can use by working with the agricultural com- recharge shallow groundwater aquifers. less water simply by switching irriga- munity and irrigation districts to improve Natural watershed function will improve tion methods, from flood-irrigation

TROUT SUMMER 2015 72

to drip lines, for instance. Each of us can help reduce water use in our daily lives, as well. Afterword Climate Change This is a sobering report. As a nation, we have lost a tremendous Climate change is likely the greatest threat amount of our native trout legacy. But this is not a tale of woe. faced by native and wild trout, yet it is Whether it is the initial promising signs of the return of Yellowstone difficult to isolate and define because cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake, or restoring Lahontan many problems already facing trout are cutthroat trout in Nevada’s Maggie Creek, or recovering Rio compounded by the effects of climate Grande cutthroat trout to New Mexico’s Rio Costillo watershed, or change. For example, as winter snowpack work in the Driftless Area, helping to reconnect and restore habitat decreases and forest moisture levels and eliminate non-native species will always benefit native trout. decline, the severity, extent and intensity Public land protection can also help. For seven years, Trout Unlimited of western wildfires are increasing. As litigated proposed energy development in Colorado’s Roan Plateau storms in the Northeast U.S. become for fear of the potential effects on Colorado River cutthroat trout. In more severe, the impacts of floods 2014, we reached a settlement with the energy company that allows and stream sedimentation increase. for the production of energy and the protection and reintroduction of Increasing summer temperatures are, of Colorado River cutthroat trout. Private land protection is important, course, a particularly significant problem too. TU staff and chapters have played vital roles in securing ease- for coldwater-dependent trout. Available ments for important brook trout streams in Vermont, Pennsylvania, trout habitat decreases while invasion by Tennessee and North Carolina. more warmwater species increases. Science will play a key role in native trout recovery and restoration. The problems associated with climate For example, scientists in California demonstrated that restoring change must be approached on several meadows in the Sierra Nevada could allow for the natural storage and levels. The good news is that many release of between 50,000 and 500,000 acre-feet of water annually, traditional approaches to stream and obviating the need to build several proposed reservoirs. riparian area restoration help alleviate People sometimes speak of conservation as a pendulum; sometimes impacts associated with climate change we arc, sometimes we ebb. In reality, it is a continuum along which we and make fishing better. Protecting make incremental progress. We publish this report in the hope that our headwater sources of cold clean water is volunteers, state and federal agency partners, elected officials—anyone crucial. Reconnecting streams to flood- who has ever cast bait, lures, or flies to the silvering flash of a trout—will plains and widening riparian reserves read this report and double-down on the time, talent, and treasure they and increasing shading by trees will donate to wild and native trout. In the final analysis, conservation is diminish flood damage and help keep about us. If we give these creatures that give us such joy half a chance, streams cool, respectively. The problems they will respond. are so severe that effective restoration – Chris Wood needs to occur at larger watershed scales to be most effective in reducing climate change impacts. Similarly, progress can be made in securing water supplies and making stream systems resilient to increasing disturbances despite drought conditions. The current degraded status of many of our streams leaves opportunity for wide-spread gains through restoration that will offset climate change impacts. Perhaps most importantly, we must slow the rate of climate change by reducing our fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas production. Energy policies should encourage reduced

energy consumption with a preference CHAPPELL MARISA to renewable forms of energy.

73 TROUT SUMMER 2015

TROUT SUMMER 2015 74

Restoration By tim romano Two years ago, I took possession of a weathered 15-year- old wooden fishing dory from my friend Andy Toohey. “Took possession,” because I didn’t buy it, and he didn’t want it. He let me have that boat, but only after I had promised that I would fully restore it, and I wouldn’t bring it back, whether I lived up to promise number one or not. Andy owns an upscale Colorado boatyard otherwise known as “Boulder Boat Works.” This particular dory was the first of hundreds he’d built. By then, it was in disrepair and needed a ton of work to make her “river worthy.” She wasn’t beyond saving, but she needed a complete overhaul. It was a monumental task and something I had never attempted, but I thought it would be a fun project and a fantastic educational process. It turned out to be all of that… and more. I started by taking her almost completely apart. First, the floor came out. Next, the two bench seats with dry storage, then the stern seat and everything inside. After that, I turtled her over, which is how she stayed for almost a year. With the help of many friends, I redid the entire bottom and outside of the hull. When we finally flipped her upright again, she looked like a new boat. At least from the outside. We then started on the interior, which took much longer than I would have ever thought. There were a few major setbacks along the way. Sometimes, weeks of work had to be redone. Like the time a horrendous thunderstorm pen- etrated the cover and dumped inches of water into the hull where it soaked into the wood and split the newly refinished chine battens. In the end, though, she was something I was immensely proud of, rookie blemishes and all. Throughout the process, I had struggled to come up with a name for the boat. Something that had demanded this much work (thinking back, I guessed I had put in at least 200 hours, not to mention the time donated by friends and family) deserved a perfect moniker, especially for such a classy vessel with a storied beginning. Many names came and went until August 7th of last year, when the unthinkable happened. My 26-year-old sister tragi- cally passed away after fighting for her life for almost a week in intensive care. She had been in a near-drowning accident while floating a river near her home in Texas. It was painfully obvious to me at that point what to name the boat. My sister’s name was Kathryn Walker, but many of her friends simply called her “Katwalk.” So that’s the name I chose.

75 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Just before last Christmas, I took The Katwalk, unfortunately, while But I also wanted a boat I’d have for- advantage of some warm weather and, pseudo-intact, is far beyond repair and ever, and something that could bridge the aside from a few needed cosmetic touches, will never float again. gap as a way to talk to my daughter about finished the “Katwalk” on December Never in my life have I felt so frus- the aunt who loved her so much. In my 20th. I could barely contain my excite- trated, angry and dejected. While I’ve mind, the boat was a way for her legacy to ment, and after putting the last screw tried to see the positives, it’s been very live on, to bring her up in conversation in the captain’s seat, I announced to difficult. I’m so emotionally attached to while out doing what I love most. A way my wife and kiddo that we were going the “Katwalk” at this point that it’s taken not to forget. for the inaugural float on our local bass me some time to process what really The fact that my sister died while lake. There was a little bit of open water, happened, and why. floating a river is not lost on me. I’m a so we took her out for a brief 15-minute The final couple weeks of restoration river rat. I love the waters and have spent row. It wasn’t a river, but it didn’t matter. were done in a fog of intense grief, and much of my adult life on them, floating She felt amazing. Much lighter to the looking back I think they were some- and fishing. A few people have asked me touch than I would have expected. She what cathartic for me. After Kathryn’s if all this has affected my ability to be on floated like a cork and spun like a top. death, I felt a strong need to finish the the water now. For reasons I still do not I was pleased. With that, we pulled her boat quickly. It was as if my sister were understand, I haven’t given quitting a out of the lake and put her on the trailer watching me. second thought. Life without rivers is for the mile-and-a-half drive back to There were many long nights in my simply not an option for me. I need the my house. parents’ garage through the months of water. I must row, and catch fish and But the Katwalk never made it home. August and September. I burned through feel the currents pull me downstream. We were T-boned by a Suburban that sandpaper trying desperately to get every Maybe, after all, the boat was more had sped through a traffic light. The corner, every nook and cranny to bare than just a tribute to my sister. Like the impact flipped the Jeep we were in—total- wood. I wanted it perfect. I wanted it restoration itself, the entire process was ing it, the trailer and hurtling the Katwalk something Kathryn would be proud of. an education and experience far beyond almost 50 feet onto the concrete. Something I could be proud of. what it should have been. It was more Miraculously, we were all pretty much It was all that. about the relationship I had with them. okay. My wife had some deep lacerations in her arm; my daughter was basically unhurt (saved by her car seat), and while I’m so emotionally attached to the “Katwalk” I have some nagging shoulder and back at this point that it’s taken me some time to issues, it could have been much worse considering the severity of the accident. process what really happened, and why.

Both were taken far too soon but the memories will always be with me and that’s more important than any hunk of wood could ever be. As I write this, what’s left of the boat is being cut up. The stern seat is getting made into a glider/rocker for my porch. The bow and hand-painted name planks will become a planter for my parents’ garden. The teak flooring will become cheese boards (Kathryn loved cheese), complete with a Katwalk “brand” for any family or friends who want them. The leftover bits and pieces are going to be burned. What little remains will be taken and left in the river where she had her accident by me on a solo canoe mission sometime later this fall or winter. The Katwalk may never be rowed

TIMROMANO down a river. But she will live on.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 76

ActionlineNews from the Field

Oregon Engaging stewards on Oregon’s spring-fed Fall River 78

Massachusetts/Rhode Island Crowningshield Project story 79

California Leo T. Cronin Award given to dedicated NBTU member 79

Tennessee Chapter honored by fisheries professionals 80

Colorado Hidden Treasure mine reclamation and decommissioning project 80

Tip and Tools Chapter activities for summer, free family membership, nominations for council volunteers… and more 82

Stream Champion Bud Smalley 84

Grassroots Spotlight On-the-ground chapter success stories

Engaging Stewards on Oregon’s Spring-fed Fall River OREGON

management and fish population dynam- ics. It is the chapter’s goal to put science behind the current state of the fishery to inform next steps. In July 2014, the chapter launched a redband trout mark-recap- ture study with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to engage anglers in conservation and to better understand fish movement in the river.

ast of the crest of Oregon’s health of the fishery were also raised. A Cascade Mountains, the Fall River river stewardship network formed out of Eemerges from volcanic bedrock. the forum process to help with restora- Birders, bikers, hikers and anglers flock tion, education and monitoring projects. to the river to enjoy its wildness. Thanks The network will continue to advocate for to the generous contribution of Trout community-based decision making about Unlimited’s Embrace-A-Stream grants the river’s future. program, the Deschutes Chapter launched Through this process, TU formed a grassroots movement to restore, monitor partnerships with natural resource man- and sustain the distinct character of this agers and biologists from the Deschutes spring-fed river. Key players included TU National Forest and La Pine State Park. project manager Darek Staab, University Graduate student Levi Old conducted of Vermont graduate student, Levi Old, an inventory of 45 dam- local citizens and a variety of new part- aged stream bank sites to ners. The chapter’s primary goal was to inform habitat restoration engage local citizens in stewarding their projects, which will begin in home river. fall 2015. In the meantime, To do this they started by gathering the Deschutes Chapter and listening to the stakeholders in the and Darek Staab piloted a watershed. They held two community Riparian Habitat Workshop forums, established partnerships and for private landowners in designed projects with local agencies. fall 2014. The workshop This process resulted in a group of river included 20 participants. It stewards and partners ready to engage kicked off with a lesson on in projects. native plants and healthy The community forums hosted by TU habitat, which was followed were well attended and residents shared by a hands-on restoration their love of the river’s old-growth forest, project. scenic vistas and fishing. However, con- Fall River has a long and cerns about degraded stream banks and meandering history of fish

TROUT SUMMER 2015 78

Leo T. Cronin Award Given to Dedicated NBTU Member

On Feb 12, the North Bay chapter of TU recognized the many years of dedication of In July, Old led a natural history walk for TU to educate locals about the George Starn by awarding him the Leo T. river’s flora, fauna and human history. Cronin Award. The award is in recognition Riverfront landowner and angler Rick of George’s dedication and commitment to Bestwick commented, “Thanks for put- the conservation efforts of the North Bay ting the walk together, it was fun and very chapter of Trout Unlimited. informative.” In September, they piloted a macro-invertebrate study with the Oregon Department of Environmental

old farm, the mile of wild trout water that passed through the Crowningshield Crowningshield property was in fact its most important resource. Project Story To take on the challenge of protect- MASSACHUSETTS/RHODE ISLAND ing a property on the merit of its fishery, FLT looked to friends in the local The Massachusetts-Rhode Island Council Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout and the Franklin Land Trust have part- Unlimited for advice. With the landowner nered to protect 108 acres and a mile of hoping to sell the farm quickly, DRWTU riparian frontage along the headwaters recognized that the best bet for raising a of the West Branch of the North River, a portion of the money necessary for FLT to wild trout stream in the Town of Heath buy the property for conservation was to in western Massachusetts. The collabora- bring the project to the MA-RI TU Council. tion is a first for both organizations, and After presenting the project to the council, a lucky one. When FLT was approached the chapters rallied around the project and by a farmer interested in reviving the based on a council match of $2 for every old Crowningshield farm, the prospects $3 pledged by the chapters, $45,000 was for conserving the parcel looked bleak. raised by the MA-RI Council. FLT was then Steeply sloping pastures and a woodlot able to secure the 108 acres, and with a landlocked by the West Branch made the conservation restriction opened the land Crowningshield farm a poor candidate to public access. for working land conservation funding. Energized by the experience of working The project seemed likely to stall, until together to protect the Crowningshield Quality to engage state chapter members two FLT staff members—both fly fisher- farm, this new partnership has the oppor- on their annual visit to the river. The men—made a field visit to the old farm tunity for even greater impact. Building on citizen science-based monitoring effort and found themselves looking out over the their new foothold in the headwaters of the brought people together to learn about West Branch. West Branch, the partners envision a multi- the river’s ecology. Shaded by mature riparian woods and landowner conservation project that would In the spring of 2015, TU’s Darek rushing through a series of steep riffles and protect over 1,000 acres of the forested Staab and Oregon State Parks and deep pools, the upper reaches of the West landscape that keeps wild trout streams Recreation staff led four environmental Branch struck both fishermen as promising cold and clean. With FLT’s quarter-century education programs for local youth. trout water. Follow-up research confirmed of experience in land conservation and These programs included macro-inver- that the stream supports wild trout, TU’s half century of expertise in coldwater tebrate collection and identification, has high water quality, sports a healthy habitat restoration and protection, the and a natural history walk. Excitement macro-invertebrate community and falls partners hope to engage landowners along levels are high for more programming in in a regionally significant sub-watershed the upper West Branch and its tributaries autumn 2015! for brook trout conservation. With these in creating a permanently protected land- new perspectives, FLT realized that rather scape with over six miles of wild trout water than being an obstacle to protecting an at its heart.

79 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Rich Hubbard, executive director of more than 20 years of stream water qual- Franklin Land Trust, summarizes it enthu- ity sampling in the Smokies to study acid siastically, “Just when we thought that we deposition; and partnership with govern- had run out of funding options, we came ment and conservation agencies in sup- to the realization that we needed to look porting the Tellico Brook Trout Hatchery beyond our normal paths for conserving and the associated Southern Appalachian land and focus on its incredible fishery. Brook Trout Foundation. From our very first meeting with the MA-RI The AFS, founded in 1870, is the oldest Council, we have been impressed by the and largest professional society represent- enthusiasm that TU has brought to this ing fisheries scientists. The society pro- project and its willingness to make a signif- motes scientific research and enlightened icant financial and organizational commit- management of resources for optimum ment towards the conservation and future use and enjoyment by the public. The management of the Crowningshield farm. Tennessee Chapter is composed of profes- This is our first collaboration with TU, and sionals, students and others with an interest we look forward to many more opportuni- in fishery science. ties to work together to ensure long-term In announcing the award, Travis Scott, viability of western Massachusetts fisheries president of the Tennessee Chapter of resources.” AFS, said the society recognizes and appreciates the efforts of Tennessee TU. When he surveyed AFS members for nomi- nees for the award, Scott said he received endorsements from several agencies that Tennessee’s Trout partner with TU in the state, including Unlimited Honored By the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Fisheries Professionals Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The award was presented during the Hidden Treasure TENNESSEE 2015 meeting of the Tennessee Chapter Mine Reclamation The Tennessee Chapter of the American of AFS, held Feb. 19-20 at the Tennessee Fisheries Society has presented the 2015 Aquarium in Chattanooga. Invited to the and Decommissioning Friends of Fisheries Award to the Tennessee Feb. 19 banquet were representatives of Council of Trout Unlimited. The award rec- not only the Tennessee Council but also Project ognizes the council and all eight Tennessee the Great Smoky Mountain, Little River, COLORADO TU chapters for their work to conserve, Hiwassee and Appalachian chapters of restore and enhance trout and trout habitat TU, especially honoring their contribu- On a sunny weekend in in the state. tions to Southern Appalachian brook late August, a group of Projects supported by TU dollars and trout restoration in cooperation with Great 16 Cutthroat Chapter volunteers have included: re-establishment Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee Trout Unlimited volun- and expansion of native strains of Southern National Forest, TWRA’s Tellico Hatchery teers, in collaboration Appalachian brook trout in streams of the and the Tennessee Aquarium. with The Coalition for Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the Upper South Platte, the United States Forest Service and the Town of Alma, Colo., completed the decommissioning of the abandoned Hidden Treasure gold mine on USFS property in Buckskin Gulch above Alma. The purpose of the work at this mine, located at 11,000 feet was twofold. First, the old mine had significant erosion issues exacerbated by recent illegal digging with heavy equipment. Runoff and seepage from the exposed mine flowed over tailings and picked up heavy metals contaminants before entering Buckskin Creek, which drains into the Middle Fork of the Upper South Platte. The initial work, performed by the Town of Alma, sealed the mine entrance and created

TROUT SUMMER 2015 80

2015 BIG WOOD SINGLE FLY EVENT July 25 & 26, 2015 a diversion to curtail water moving over Big Wood River, Ketchum, Idaho the tailings. TU volunteers then decommis- sioned the area by moving in large boulders For more information visit: and dead trees to prevent access to the mine. A rock retaining wall was constructed www.tu.org/get-involved/national-events/2015-big-wood-single-fly-event and willow shoots were planted to prevent erosion of the diversion system. Since this mine was easily accessible, the second part of the project focused on mitigating access by off-road vehicles The Actionline section of TROUT provides to prevent additional damage to the area. a perfect forum for exchanging information and The quarter-mile “attractive nuisance” road sharing successes. Send us a short item—150 leading to the mine was reworked to include to 300 words—describing your project or water diversions and strategically placed event, why it was significant and, if possible, large boulders. The entire site was raked how it might benefit other chapters. Send and planted with a high altitude native and Actionline submissions, plus photos (digital perennial seed mix donated by CUSP. images are preferred), to Samantha Carmichael These efforts will combine to improve the at [email protected], 1777 North Kent Street, water quality and fish habitat of the Middle ______#100, Arlington, VA., 22209, (703) 284-9422. Fork of the South Platte River and enhance the regeneration of this alpine area.

81 81 TROUTTROUT SUMMER FALL 20122015

By Jeff Yates [Director of Volunteer Operations ]

Chapter Activities Ideal for Summer

ummer can be a challenging time refuges for trout. Invasive species monitor- • Fishing: Chapter fishing trips can some- for chapters to gather members ing, culvert assessments and other angler times be difficult in the summer months together, as many members and fam- science programs are also excellent for as water temperatures make local trout Silies head off on planned vacations the summer months. Learn more at www.___ fishing less than ideal. However, this can and other activities. But summer can also tu.org/anglerscience. also be an opportunity to try something be a great time for chapters to launch new • Community: With school out of session, new and introduce your members to programs and try innovative, fun events. summer can be an excellent time to build other angling opportunities in the area. Activities that are ideal for summer include: your youth community through activi- In summer months, hosting a specialty • Conservation: TU’s “Angler Science” ties geared towards younger anglers and fishing trip—such as a striped bass out- volunteer efforts are a great way to engage conservationists. Programs can run the ing, smallmouth bass trip or carp fishing members and the larger community in gamut—from a half-day kids fishing clinic excursion—can be an exciting event that activities that provide important science to a multi-day overnight youth camp or draws new people. Find the local chapter to fuel conservation work. A program such for connecting with a Boy or Girl Scout member who knows this type of fishing as water temperature monitoring can help Troop or other youth-oriented program. well, or hire a guide to give a quick pre- identify the areas in local streams that Tying youth to your chapter’s activities sentation and demonstration streamside, face challenges during the heat of summer and events is a good way to draw in their and then enjoy a great day trying some- as well as locations where cold springs and parents as members and volunteers as well. thing different with your members. tributaries provide important coldwater Learn more at www.tu.org/headwaters.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 82

calendar All web conference trainings are held at 8 p.m. EST. Register online at www.___ tu.org/tacklebox______

July 21: Training: Leaders Only Tools and Resources

July 31: Deadline for Nominations for Annual Meeting Awards

Aug. 12: Training: TU’s New Logo and Brand Guidelines

Aug. 27: Training: TU’s New Logo

DUSAN SMETANA DUSAN and Brand Guidelines

Sept. 2: Training: Five Easy Ways to Free Family Membership Upgrade: Recruit and Retain New Members

Enjoy the Benefits of a Family Membership Sept. 10: Training: New Chapter TU members often share their passion for conservation and fishing with their spouses, Leader Orientation partners, parents and children. Too often, however, these additional family members Sept. 15: don’t feel as if they belong to TU. Recognizing this, we want to bring them into the TU Training: New Council Leaders Orientation family through your family membership. We are pleased to launch a new Family Membership Upgrade offer, free of additional Sept. 16-20: TU Annual Meeting, charge, to any existing TU member. Visit www.tu.org/familymembership to add the Scranton, Pa. names of additional members in your household, and you’ll all enjoy the benefits of Oct. : Training: Annual Financial a TU family membership, including a complimentary copy of Stream Explorer magazine Report and IRS Filing Requirements for youth. As a chapter volunteer leader you will be able to communicate with all the members of Oct. 15: Training: Applying for TU’s these families and invite them to chapter events and activities. For ideas on how to make Embrace-A-Stream Grant Program your chapter events and activities “family friendly,” visit www.tu.org/family.

Nominate Volunteers from Your Council or Chapter by July 31 Each year, TU volunteers and partners donate more than TU is actively seeking nominations for the follow- 650,000 hours to our conservation and education work. ing awards: Honoring that commitment and recognizing the outstanding achievements of members, chapters and councils that embody · State Council Award for Excellence the values and mission of · Gold and Silver Trout Chapter Awards TU is an important part of our Annual Meeting. · Mortensen Award for Outstanding Volunteer These peer-nominated Leadership awards offer a highly vis- · Trout Conservation Award: Professional, Partner ible opportunity to thank Organization/Business, Communications and recognize a deserving · volunteer, professional, Distinguished Service Award: Conservation, chapter, council or part- Leadership, Communications, Youth Education ner organization. The and Veteran’s Services deadline to submit a nom- Details about each award as well as the nomination ination is Friday, July 31. form are available online at www.tu.org/awards.

83 TROUT SUMMER 2015

planted along the riparian corridor, and newly constructed stream channels have been fenced to exclude livestock from accessing sensitive areas. In all, over 6000 feet of fence has been built and over one mile of stream bank has been restored. In addition, Bud and the PRP have worked with the landowner to provide an off-site livestock watering system and improve grazing Bud Smalley and The Portneuf River Project efficiency. Idaho Over the years, the PRP has logged thousands of volunteer hours and b uilt miles of fence. They’ve planted truck- hen a river hits hard brought a wealth of expertise to the loads of willows and moved mounds times it needs a friend, table. Bud was the obvious choice of dirt. Change is happening. While and the Portneuf River for director, and the Portneuf River conservation efforts can often be frus- Wcouldn’t ask for better Project was born. trating, Bud has not lost his motivation. than Bud Smalley. Since its beginnings, the Portneuf “I’ve seen the improvements that can Located in southeast Idaho, the River Project has accomplished con- occur over time on a severely stressed Portneuf River originates on the Fort siderable feats. Notably, Bud and river when people pull together to work Hall Indian Reservation and flows the PRP were able to raise signifi- on habitat improvement,” says Smalley. for over 100 miles before entering cant funds to purchase a key piece Through it all, Bud has not lost sight the Snake River near American Falls of property along of his goal: “One day, Reservoir. Yellowstone cutthroat trout the river. Known the Portneuf will are native to the river, and introduced as Topaz Landing, run clean through rainbow and brown trout have gained it was in particu- Pocatello, be con- a strong foothold. At one time, the larly bad shape and sidered a recreation Portneuf was considered a blue rib- restoration efforts resource and pro- bon trout stream. However, the effects have taken years to vide a quality urban of land use practices have taken their complete. Work by fishery.” toll, with degraded water quality, chan- the PRP has created Bud is quick to say nelization, stream bank instability and stable banks, a functioning floodplain, that he plays a small role. Specifically, depleted in-stream flows. re-vegetated critical riparian areas and he wanted to thank the members who Enter Bud Smalley. Bud is a resident removed over 3000 cubic yards of have worked collaboratively on the PRP: of Pocatello and an active member of sediment. In addition, the project cre- Idaho Department of Fish & Game, the Southeast Idaho Fly Fishers chapter ated public access at Topaz Landing, Idaho Department of Environmental of Trout Unlimited. Encouraged by which is used extensively. Quality, Trout Unlimited, Southeast results from projects that SEIFF and The PRP and Bud Smalley haven’t Idaho Fly Fishers, Portneuf Soil and others completed on the Portneuf (and stopped working. Recent efforts have Water Conservation District, U.S. nearby rivers including the Bear and focused on tributaries of the Portneuf, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Blackfoot), Bud formed a committee including Pebble Creek, an important Service, Sagebrush Steppe Regional of interested stakeholders and began spawning tributary for Yellowstone Land Trust, private landowners, conversations on how to enact greater cutthroat. Straightened stream chan- ranching families and the communi- change along the river. After initial nels have been restored to historic ties of Pocatello and Lava Hot Springs. meetings, the group formally orga- conditions, adding habitat complexity Those groups are all friends of the nized and attained 501(c)(3) status as in the form of riffles, pools, bends and Portneuf, but Bud Smalley is the river’s the Carriboo Conservancy. The group undercut stream banks. Native vegeta- best friend. soon formed a solid membership that tion such as sedges and willows were –R. Chad Chorney

TROUT SUMMER 2015 84

Taking part in a unique photo workshop in Chile with pro outdoor photographer Tim Romano. This spring, enjoy one incredible week of fishing at Magic Waters Lodge, while honing your own photographic techniques in one of the most stunning natural settings in the world.

Space is limited. Dates: April 2–9, 2016 S. LAURENT

+ For pricing contact [email protected]______

timromano.com • magicwaterspatagonia.com • chilepatagoniaflyfishing.com

Art of Angling [ By Dave Whitlock]

The Trout Fisher’s Nymph

THE NYMPH FLY WAS ORIGINALLY from the many dry-fly purists who unpopular and relatively ineffective considered an imitation of the imma- believed that fishing a fly below the because our trout waters (especially ture phase of Ephemeroptera (mayflies). surface was almost sacrilege, especially in the East) consist of streams that are Developed in Europe during the late from those privileged few who were very different from the English chalk 1800s and early 1900s, G.E.M. Skues is members of exclusive fly-fishing clubs streams. Likewise, these nymph flies most credited with the first impressionis- or royalty-owned chalk streams. The were not good imitations of the varieties tic nymphal flies and the initial methods fly-fishing literature then and in the of burrowing and crawling mayflies, of fishing them for trout in England’s 20th century has humorous and not-so- stoneflies and other aquatic insects southern chalk and limestone streams. humorous stories about fly fishers who that occur in our freestone streams. Skues’ observations of feeding trout and were caught fishing below the surface on The American nymph hybridization of study of their stomach contents led him these sacred dry-fly waters. Even today the first European nymphs, along with to correctly believe that trout feed most such subsurface trout flies are restricted a limited knowledge of the structure, consistently on subsurface food forms day- on certain private trout waters. texture, living modes of the various to-day, month-to-month important species, and season-to-season. TROUT FISHER’S NYMPH produced a series of Many decades later, this Parts and proportions of a basic mayfly nymph nymphal designs that method would eventually were quite unrealistic. replace surface fly fish- WING CASE I’ve included illustra- ing for trout in popu- TAILS ABDOMEN tions from some of the larity and effectiveness HEAD early American tiers: both on the European Hewitt, Burke and continent and in the Bergman. The result U.S. It’s often said that was a period of nymphal Skues’ first nymph book, imitation limbo until Minor Tactics of the Chalk the mid-20th century Stream should be retitled LEGS when improving ento- Major Tactics. mological knowledge of Although Skues’ Nymph fly proportions may vary aquatic insects began considerably depending on what insect is work received the most being imitated. Generally, thorax equals THORAX to inspire such notable recognition, others in 1/3 body length and abdomen is 2/3 of angler-tiers as Art Flick, body length. Tails and legs are usually that period were con- about 1/2 the nymph body length. Polly Rosborough, Al tributing to the devel- Troth, George Grant, opment of imitating John Atherton, Al subsurface insects and invertebrates. A Skues and one of his most respected McClane, Ted Trueblood, Doug “Dr. Bell” was paralleling Skues’ line of nymph-fly disciples, Frank Sawyer, Prince, Doug Swisher, Carl Richards, reasoning on English stillwaters, but Bell believed that only the abundant, swim- Al Caucci, Randall Kaufmann, Bob was imitating immature chironomids ming mayfly nymphs found in chalk Nastasi, André Puyans, myself and (midges) and sedges (caddis flies). Bell streams were practical to imitate. As you others, to create imitations that looked, developed the midge emerger “Bell’s can see in my illustrations, Skues’ and felt and fished like the major, nymphal Buzzer” and the caddis emerger known Sawyers’ favorite nymph patterns were aquatic insects across North America. as the “Amber Nymph.” very simple, impressionistic designs. Nymphing here also became easier Skues and the nymphing method he When these flies and the nymphing and more popular after I developed developed came under much criticism technique came to America, they were and wrote about the strike indicator.

TROUT SUMMER 2015 86

THE FIRST THREE HISTORIC ERAS OF NYMPHS (LEFT TO RIGHT, FROM TOP)

Samples of earliest nymph fly development G.E.M. Skues: Medium Olive Dun; Blue Wing Olive; Iron Blue Dun Frank Sawyer: Grey Goose; Pheasant Tail Nymph

Early North American nymphs George Hewitt: Flat-Bodied Nymph Ray Bergman: Number One; RB Translucent Green Nymph Ed Burkes’ Nymph

“Third era” nymphs Art Flick: March Brown John Atherton: Number Three Dark Nymph Doug Prince: Prince Nymph; Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Dave Whitlock: Red Fox Squirrel Nymph; S & R Hexagenia Wiggle Nymph Polly Rosborough: Damsel Nymph And ré Puyans: Black Beaver Nymph Randall Kaufmann: Black Stone Al Troth: Pheasant Tail Nymph

87 TROUT SUMMER 2015

The successful nymph flies of this last summer, I tested some of the most complex and popular way to fly fish time had several things in common: realistic stonefly nymphs I’d ever seen, for trout. I’d like to recommend that They were impressionistic, and had the along with my favorite impressionistic TROUT readers find a copy of Masters on the correct sizes, color patterns and densities stonefly nymphs, on the Madison and Nymph. It features an amazing lineup of to attract trout in streams throughout Yellowstone Rivers. My success ratio was now-historic and 20th century experts North and South America. Many of always better when using the impres- that accurately capture the full essence these flies were, and continue to be, sionistic imitations. and scope of the nymph fly’s creation, extremely successful at enticing trout. As I see it, there are four generations development and popularity in our Early on, most were mayfly and stonefly of nymph flies: Those very sparsely-tied, sport of fly fishing for trout. imitations. Caddis and midges, which impressionistic nymphs from the Skues are sometimes referred to as nymphs, and Sawyer era; the early American Yours for fly fishing, have a larva and pupa stage instead of nymphs (those from the mid-to- end Dave a nymphal form, and so were not con- of the 20th century tied mainly with sidered for imitating by most. I’ll cover soft, natural materials such as feathers Masters on the Nymph by J. Michael Migel caddis and midge flies in another issue. and animal fur dubbings); and then and Leonard M. Wright Jr., 1979. Nick Although modern fly-tying materials those of this current era which tend Lyons Books-Doubleday. Illustrated by and techniques allow tiers to sculpture to be constructed of hard, brightly- Dave Whitlock nymph imitations that look precisely colored materials, which I will discuss like the live forms, these beautiful, in another issue. Prints of this and other art appearing in time-consuming imitations are often Trout nymphing in North America TROUT magazine are available at www.___ not as effective at catching trout. Just is, in my estimation, the most effective, davewhitlock.com.

SOME GUIDES PUT MORE THAN CAUGHT FISH BACK INTO OUR RIVERS… Fish with a TU Business member – part of the TU team. Derek Young Emerging Rivers Guide Services Snoqualmie, WA TROUT SUMMER 2015 Become 88a TU Business Member: www.tu.org/business BUSINESS

CLASSIFIEDS

OUTFITTERS & GUIDES Cedar home next to Rochester Creek, rural Accord FOR RENT N.Y. in the Catskills, two hours from NYC. Two acres, 2 BR, EAST loft, 2 decks, screen porch, beautiful location, $275,000. WEST Exclusive Fly Fishing Club in western N.C. Enjoy (914) 220-2289, [email protected] Big Hole River, Montana – Nicely furnished, post & over a mile of private trophy trout stream all to yourself! Unique opportunity: “Serendipity,” finest location on beam cabin, 4 bdrm, 2.75 baths, prime river frontage. www.hollerfarm.com Penns Creek special-regulations area: 150 yds. to rail-trail $1,450.00 weekly (303) 489-1607 www.montana-rental. __com/ Pennsylvania Guide Service, Sky Blue Outfitters, ½ parking lot. 2.72 acres streamside. Email ______PennsSerendipity@ day, full day and overnight trips available. Penns, Spring, gmail.com for information. Letort, Lehigh, Pine and many more. Call 610-987-0073 FOUR SEASON LOG CABIN IN JAY, NY. 3BR/1BA or visit www.skyblueoutfitters.com for details. on four tranquil acres with deeded rights to the AuSable Advertise in TROUT Classifieds FLIES & GEAR River. $99,900. Call (518) 281-0420 for more information. Reach more than 150,000 anglers for just $2.25/ word ($2.05/word for members). Send text of ad and Caylor Custom Flies Showcase quality trout flies at SOUTH payment to: sensible prices. Contact Roger Caylor at Caylor Custom Homosassa Fl.– World Record Tarpon On A Fly! – 7.89 TROUT Classifieds Flies Phone: 850-957-4071 Email: ______roger@caylorcustom- acres comprising two adjoining lots each over an acre 1777 North Kent Street, Suite 100 ____flies.com Order online at caylorcustomflies.com buildable- 100+ IPE dock with metal roof boathouse- Arlington, Virginia 22209 Buy and selling flyrods and reels Bamboo and graphite Direct Gulf Access to outstanding tarpon, scalloping, Ads may be faxed to (703)284-9400 or e-mailed to rods lots of fly reels 410-296-1746; CCP 8307 Alston Rd redfish, grouper and snook fisheries. Property adjoins the [email protected]. Towson, MD 21204 31,000 acre Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Classifieds must be prepaid. Count phone number, comprised of saltwater bays, estuaries and marshes. 65 fax number, ZIP code, street number, abbreviations and BAMBOO RODS Buy Sell Consign miles north of Tampa Airport electric and underground email or website address as one word each. www.coldwatercollectibles.com (616) 554-6239 water utility, paved boat launch and drive. Building permit Fall Deadline August 1 and geotechnical investigation completed for 3,800 sq. To request a media kit for display advertising, call The most complete line of exquisite, hand-woven ft. home. Would consider a tax free exchange for a fly (703)284-9422 BlueSky Furled Leaders plus our expanded selection of fishing riverfront property out west. $459,000- phone accessories. We’re the leader in furled leaders. Ph/Fax 920- (352)476-3439 or [email protected] 822-5396 blueskyfly.com White River home between Gastons and Bull Shoals COLLECTORS REELS, BOGDAN 0 AND HARDY Dam at Lakeview, Ark. Large home, 2-story dock, restored PERFECT 3 1/8 AGATE LINE GUARD, BOTH LHR, NEW, log cabin,guest house, pool. www.whiteriverdreamhome. NEVER USED. 707-843-6993 __net 870-431-8205 The Original Rodrule measuring trout with accuracy. WEST Guide tested, angler approved. www.rodrule.com A River Runs Through It. For Sale: Acreage adjacent to Fishing Stories – The best way to fish when not on a river: Gallatin National Forest and the famed, Gallatin River, filmed in Letters to Mack, A trilogy by Tom McCoy – Go to www.__ the River Runs Through It. Gorgeous, private mountain build tomsfishingstories.com site convenient to Bozeman or Big Sky, MT. $560,000 ___www. Golden Trout Lanyards Quality Fly Fishing Lanyards Visit LeahOlson.com Berkshire Hathaway MT Ranch Properties. us at www.goldentroutlanyards.com Exquisite custom Western Red Cedar log, stucco and New and Vintage Bamboo Rods. Unsurpassed quality natural stone home on 35 acres in the heart of Colorado workmanship; renown for honesty and integrity. Professional Gold Medal fishing. LINDA MATTSON, C-21 CANON Restoration, repair and appraisal services too. One-on- LAND & INVESTMENTS 719-784-4003 office, 719-276- one bamboo rod-making workshops. New rods featuring 4226 cell; http://www.century21.com/property/1739-cr- traditional actions (Payne $ Dickerson) starting at $1500. ______21a-canon-city-co-81212-C2123318476?k=1 Kretchmanflyrods.com. Fred Kretchman- Rod Maker 603- 801-5745 MONTANA Fishing Property Blue Ribbon Trout Stream Land for Sale. Big Sky, Bozeman & Canyon ® Aquabot is great for cleaning fish, gear and you. Plus it will Ferry. www.LeahOlson.com [email protected] keep you hydrated and cool. www.lunatecgear.com

ART Fisherman’s Haven: Step out your door to the exquisite Stillwater River, known for its clear water and Blue Trout Art: originals, prints, tiles by published Colorado Ribbon trout fishing, a fly fisherman’s paradise. This quaint artist Nora Bushong Larimer www.rockrungallery.com Buena cabin on 5 acres with 459 feet of Stillwater River front- vista, CO 719-966-5185 age is the perfect venue for rest and relaxation. Lying at the base of the Beartooth Mtns.,Close to National FOR SALE Forest. $365,000 Contact Jen France 406-321-2071 or [email protected] EAST Fisherman’s delight! Don’t miss your opportunity to North Georgia, true trout stream properties , starting ______own this custom 5400’ home located on a 2.4 acre lot in at $75k, 2 ac to 100 + ! Existing homes also available! Absarokee, MT with over 200’ of Stillwater Riverfront in Call Gene 706-455-5640 www.cabinsonthestream.com your own backyard. Contact Jill Exner, Broker 406-321- www.flyfishblueridge.com 0832 or [email protected]

89 TROUT SUMMER 2015

______

Support Trout Unlimited’s Business Members

Orvis Retail Store Jeff Glaspy Photography Conejos River Anglers Fishing Manager Mr. Jeff Glaspy Pat Blankenship Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Gerber, CA 96035-0547 Antonito, CO 81120 Trout Unlimited Business (480) 905-1400 (530) 332-0352 (719) 376-5660 www.orvis.com [email protected] [email protected] members are TU ambassadors www.jeffglaspy.com www.conejosriveranglers.com Peace Surplus, Inc. in protecting, restoring, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Joseph Family Vineyards Crystal Fly Shop reconnecting and sustaining (888) 779-4521 Hillsborough, CA 94010-6607 David Johnson [email protected] (707) 473-0665 Carbondale, CO 81623 North America's coldwater [email protected] www.peacesurplus.com ______(970) 963-5741 fisheries. To become a TU www.josephfamilyvineyards.com [email protected] Matt Heron Fly Fishing www.crystalflyshop.com Business member contact ARKANSAS Walt Gasson at (307) 630-7398 Matt Heron Cutthroat Anglers Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher Olympic Valley, CA 96146 Jim Buckler or [email protected].______Steve Dally (518) 225-6587 Silverthorne, CO 80498 Cotter, AR 72626 [email protected] (970) 262-2878 BUSINESS (870) 435-6166 www.mattheronflyfishing.com [email protected] Outfitters Guides Lodges [email protected] Mendocino Redwood Company www.fishcolorado.com www.theozarkflyfisher.com LLC Duranglers Flies & Supplies McLellan's Fly Shop Calpella, CA 95418-0390 John Flick and Tom Knopick Fayetteville, AR 72703 (831) 479-9414 Durango, CO 81301 (479) 251-7037 www.hrcllc.com (970) 385-4081 ALASKA Classic Casting Adventures Noseeum Lodge [email protected] Miner Family Winery [email protected] www. duranglers.com Adventure Denali/Fish Denali Tad Kisaka John Holman www.mcflyshop.com Dave Miner Kirk Martakis Sitka, AK 99835 King Salmon, AK 99613 White River Trout Lodge Oakville, CA 94562-0367 Dvorak Fishing and Rafting (907) 232-0729 Cantwell, AK 99729-0127 (907) 738-2737 (800) 366-9463 Expeditions (907) 768-2620 [email protected]______(800) 791-1529 Jo Anna Smith [email protected]______Bill Dvorak [email protected] www.flyfishsitka.com [email protected] Cotter, AR 72626 www.minerwines.com Nathrop, CO 81236 www.noseeumlodge.com www.fishdenali.com Copper River Lodge (870) 430-5229 Mountain Hardware and Sports (719) 539-6851 (800) 824-3795 Airventures Alaska, Inc. Pat Vermillion Painter Creek Lodge [email protected] Bran Nylund Iliamna, AK 99606 Jon Kent www.whiteriverlodge.com Truckee, CA 96160 [email protected] Casey Long www.dvorakexpeditions.com Wasilla, AK 99687 (406) 222-0624 Pilot Point, AK 99649 (530) 587-4844 (907) 631-3377 [email protected]______(907) 248-1303 CALIFORNIA [email protected]______Fishpond, Inc. [email protected] www.copperriverlodge.com [email protected] www.mountainhardwareandsports. Ben Kurtz www.paintercreeklodge.com American River Resort www.airventuresalaska.com Crooked Creek Retreat com_ Denver, CO 80223-1346 Tom Van Noord (303) 534-3474 Alaska Alpine Adventures Dorothy Baker Rainbow King Lodge North Coast Solar Coloma, CA 95613 ______benkurtz@fishpondusa Dan Oberlatz Kasilof, AK 99610 Iliamna, AK 99606 Brian Hines (907) 260-9014 800-458-6539 (530) 622-6700 www.fishpondusa.com Anchorage, AK 99518 www.americanriverresort.com Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (907) 301-9997 [email protected][email protected]______(707) 575-3999 Freestone Aquatics, Inc. [email protected] www.crookedcreekretreat.com www.rainbowking.com Bix Restaurant and Supper Club [email protected]______Clint Packo www.alaskaalpineadventures.com Crystal Creek Lodge Royal Coachman Lodge Douglas Biederbeck www.ncsr.com Littleton, CO 80127 San Francisco, CA 94133 (303) 807-7805 Alaskan Angling Adventures Dan Michels Pat Vermillion Pacific Watershed Associates, 415-433-6300 [email protected]______LLC. King Salmon, AK; 99613 Dillingham, AK 99576 Inc. (907) 357-3153 406-222-0624 [email protected] www.freestoneaquatics.com Mike Adams www.bixrestaurant.com Danny Hagans Cooper Landing, AK 99572 www.crystalcreeklodge.com [email protected] Arcata, CA, 95518 Freestone Outfitters, LLC (907) 595-3336 [email protected] www.royalcoachmanlodge.com Bowman Bluewater Guides & (707) 839-5130 Clint Packo

[email protected] Denali Fly Fishing Guides Tikchik Narrows Lodge Outfitters [email protected]______Littleton, CO 80127 www.AlaskanAnglingAdventures.com Rick McMahan Bud Hodson Conway Bowman www.pacificwatershed.com (720) 448-5621 Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007-1819 Cantwell, AK 99729 Anchorage, AK 99522 Rise Up River Trips [email protected] Alaska Fly Fishing Goods (619) 822-MAKO www.flyfishfreestone.com Bradley Elfers (907) 768-1127 (907) 243-8450 Monica Stark [email protected][email protected] [email protected]______Juneau, AK 99801 www.bowmanbluewater.com Placerville, CA 95667 Front Range Anglers (907) 586-1550 www.denalifishing.com www.tikchiklodge.com (530) 957-9148 Steve McLaughlin [email protected]______EPIC Angling & Adventure, Wilderness Place Lodge Buff, Inc. [email protected] Boulder, CO 80302 Santa Rosa, California 95403 www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com LLC Jason Rockvam/Cory Wendt riseuprivertrips.com (303) 494-1375 (707) 583-8991 [email protected] Alaska River Adventures Rus Schwausch Anchorage, AK 99519 Rodney Strong Vineyards Alaska Peninsula, AK (877) 753-3474 [email protected]______www.frontrangeanglers.com George Heim www.buffusa.com Kim Sayre Cooper Landing, AK 99572 (512) 656-2736 [email protected]______Healdsburg, CA 95448-9523 The High Lonesome Ranch (888) 836-9027 [email protected]______www.wildernessplacelodge.com California Fly Shop (800) 678-4763 [email protected]______www.epicanglingadventure.com Women’s Flyfishing San Carlos, CA 94070 www.rodneystrong.com Scott Stewart/Scott Bystol (855) 289-3597 www.alaskariveradventures.com Expedition Broker Cecilia “Pudge” Kleinkauf The Trout Spot DeBeque, CO 81630 Greg Schlachter Anchorage, AK 99524 [email protected] (970) 283-9420 Alaska Sportsman’s Bear Trail www.californiaflyshop.com Richard Desrosiers Jr. Haines, AK 99827 (907) 274-7113 Arnold, CA 95223 [email protected]______Lodge www.thehighlonesomeranch.com Nanci Morris Lyon (907) 766-3977 [email protected]______Cedar House Sport Hotel (209) 795-4540 King Salmon, AK 99613 (877) 406.1320 www.womensflyfishing.net Jeff and Patty Baird (800) 822-7129 Mirr Ranch Group Lodge: (907) 246-2327 [email protected]______Truckee, CA 96161 [email protected] Kenneth Mirr Cell: (907) 469-0622 www.expeditionbroker.com (866) 582-5655 www.thetroutspot.com Denver, CO 80209 ARIZONA [email protected] [email protected] Grizzly Skins of Alaska ______(303) 623-4545 ______Cole Wealth Management www.fishasl.com/naknek/ Rochelle Harrison and www.cedarhousesporthotel.com [email protected]______Martin T. Cole COLORADO Phil Shoemaker Florio Restaurant www.MirrRanchGroup.com Alaska’s Bearclaw Lodge Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Angler’s Covey King Salmon, AK 99613 Douglas Biederbeck North Fork Ranch Rob Fuentes (480) 275-6354 David Leinweber (907) 376-2234 1915 Fillmore Street Dean and Karen May Dillingham, AK 99576 (480) 205-7435 Colorado Springs, CO 80904 [email protected]______San Francisco, CA 94115 Shawnee, CO 80475 (907) 843-1605 [email protected]______(800) 753-4746 [email protected]______www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com (415) 775-4300 (303) 838-9873 www.colewealth.com [email protected][email protected] www.bearclawlodge.com Keen Eye Anglers (800) 843-7895 Imus Wilkinson Investment www.anglerscovey.com Kyle Kolodziejski www.floriosf.com [email protected] Alaska’s Legend Lodge Management Cooper Landing, AK 99572 Fly Fishers Club of Orange County Boulder Boat Works, Inc. www.northforkranch.com Jack Johnson Eb Wilkinson Steven R. Ehredt (541) 851-1143 John Williams OneFish Engineering, LLC Bemidji, MN 56601 Tucson, AZ 85718 Longmont, CO 80501 [email protected]______Santa Ana, CA 92711-3005 Suzanne Huhta (281) 586-3313 (520) 777-1911 (303) 678-0055 www.keeneyeanglers.com (915) 415-9920 Fort Collins, CO 80521 [email protected][email protected][email protected] [email protected] (970) 237-0739 www.legendlodge.com Naknek River Camp www.imuswilkinson.com www.boulderboatworks.com Jim Johnson www.ffcoc.org [email protected]______Brightwater Alaska, Inc Lees Ferry Anglers King Salmon, AK 99613 His and Her Fly Fishing Colorado River Outfitters www.onefishengineering.com Chuck Ash Terry and Wendy Gunn Paul Killino and Jim Brunjak (907) 439-2895 Frank Shelby Palace Hotel Anchorage, AK 99516 Marble Canyon, AZ 86036 Bond, CO 80423 [email protected]______Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Fred Klein (907) 344-1340 (800) 962-9755 (970) 653-3474 www.naknekrivercamp.com (949) 548-9449 Salida, CO 81201 [email protected][email protected][email protected] (877) 508-9449 ______(719) 207-4175 www.brightwateralaska.com www.leesferry.com www.coloradoriveroutfitters.net [email protected] [email protected] www.hisherflyfishing.com www.SalidaPalaceHotel.com

91 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Support Trout Unlimited’s Business Members

Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout CONNECTICUT Fincognito, Inc. Eldredge Bros Fly Shop & MICHIGAN GOLD LEVEL Richard Johnson Doug Faude Guide Service Country Anglers ii Blackfoot River Woodland Park, CO 80866 J. Stockard Fly Fishing Sagle, ID 83860 Jim Bernstein Jack Ford Outfitters, Inc. (719) 687-8690 Kent, CT 06757 (208) 610-3320 Cape Neddick York, ME 03902 (877) 359-8946 Saginaw, MI 48609 John Herzer and Terri Raugland [email protected] [email protected]______(877) 427-9345 ______(989) 280-3238 Missoula, MT 59808 www.rainbowfallsmt.com [email protected]______www.fincognito.com [email protected] [email protected] (406) 542-7411 www.jsflyfishing.com www.eldredgeflyshop.com ______Rancho Del Rio Henry’s Fork Lodge www.countryanglers.com [email protected] Jeff Gibson Mill River Fly Rods Island Park, ID 83429 Great Northern Vacations www.blackfootriver.com Bill Lanzoni Wolfe Outfitters Bond, CO 80425 (208) 558-7953 Wallingford, CT 06492 Capt. Ben Wolfe Bozeman Reel (970) 653-4431 [email protected] David Surprenant (203) 815-2414 office Beulah, MI 49617 Dan Rice [email protected]______www.henrysforklodge.com Greenville, ME 04441 (203) 506-6600 mobile (231) 883-4265 (406) 548-2858 www.ranchodelrio.com (207) 745-5330 [email protected] The Lodge at Palisades Creek (877) 442-4294 Bozeman, MT [email protected] Rep Your Water www.millriverflyrods.net ______www.wolfeoutfitters.com [email protected]______greatnorthernvacations.com Garrison Doctor Justin Hays [email protected]______www.bozemanreel.com Lafayette, CO 80026 Irwin, ID 83428 L.L.Bean Inc. Budget Host Parkway Motel (720) 883-4645 FLORIDA (866) 393-1613 Chris McCormick MINNESOTA Vanessa Haines [email protected]______A Fishing Guide [email protected] Freeport, ME 04033-0002 Livingston, MT 59047 www.repyourwater.com Steve Friedman www.tlapc.com (207) 865-4761 Lewiston Area Trout Guides (406) 222-3840 Riffle and Rise Outfitters Islamorada, FL 33036 Middle Fork River Expeditions www.llbean.com Mark Reisetter [email protected] John Bocchino (305) 393-3474 James Ellsworth Red River Camps Lewiston, MN 55952 www.budgethostparkway.com [email protected] (507) 523-2557 (970) 641-4828 Stanley, ID 83278 Jen Brophy-Price The Complete Fly Fisher Gunnison, CO 81230 www.afishingguide.com (800) 801-5146 Portage, ME 04768 [email protected]______www.minnesotatrout.com David Decker [email protected] Costa [email protected] (207) 554-0420 Wise River, MT 59762 www.riffleandrise.com Marguerite Meyer www.idahorivers.com [email protected] Namebini (406) 832-3175 Rio Outfitters Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Quadrant Consulting www.redrivercamps.com Carl Haensel [email protected]______Brent Cranfill (386) 274-4000 Steve Sweet Weatherby’s Duluth, MN 55804 www.completeflyfisher.com (800) 447-3700 (218) 525-2381 South Fork, CO 81154 Boise, ID 83705 Jeff McEvoy CrossCurrents Fly Shop (719) 588-7273 www.costadelmar.com (208) 342-0091 Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668 [email protected] www.namebini.com [email protected][email protected] (207) 796-5558 Chris Strainer www.riooutfitters.com www.quadrant.cc [email protected] GEORGIA Craig, MT 59648 Ripple Creek Lodge Tight Line Media www.weatherbys.com MISSOURI (406) 235-3433 GOLD LEVEL Dan and Kerri Schwartz Kris Millgate [email protected]______ii Atlanta Fly Fishing School Fishing Guide Branson Meeker, CO 81641 Idaho Falls, ID 83405-0242 MARYLAND John Sappington www.crosscurrents.com (970) 878-4725 Mack Martin (208) 709-0309 Cumming, GA 30040 Ecotone, Inc. Branson, MO 65616 DL Smith Fly Rod and Guiding [email protected][email protected] (417) 434-2823 Dustin Smith www.ripplecreeklodge.com (770) 889-5638 www.tightlinemedia.com Jim Morris [email protected]______Jarrettsville, MD 21084-0005 [email protected] Livingston, MT 59047-4712 www.flyfishingguide.com Mr. Scott Shuman www.atlantaflyfishingschool.com GOLD LEVEL (410) 420-2600 (406) 570-3446 Eaton, CO 80615-8255 [email protected] MT Guide 15906 (Patrick Straub (406) 656-7500 Escape to Blue Ridge LLC, ii WorldCast Anglers Outfitter #7878) Mike Dawkins www.ecotoneinc.com MONTANA [email protected]______Blue Ridge, GA [email protected]______www.hallandhall.com Pamela Miracle Victor, ID 83455 Savage River Lodge A Lazy H Outfitters www.dlsmithflyfishing.weebly.com Alpharetta, GA 30023 (800) 654-0676 Mike Dreisbach Joseph Haas Scott Fly Rods (866) 618-2521 [email protected] Frostburg, MD 21532 Choteau, MT 59422 Fishtales Outiftting LLC Montrose, CO 81401-6302 (706) 413-5321 www.worldcastanglers.com (301) 689-3200 (800) 893-1155 Michael Stack (970) 249-3180 Sheridan, MT 59749 [email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected] www.EscapetoBlueRidge.com www.savageriverlodge.com www.alazyhpacktrips.com (406) 842-5742 www.scottflyrod.com ILLINOIS [email protected]______Waterwisp Flies Fly Fish Blue Ridge Innate Fly Fishing Company LLC Absaroka Beartooth fishtalesoutfitting.com Steamboat Flyfisher Jim Greene Gene Rutkowski Benjamin Glick Outfitters, Inc. John Spillane Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Flyvines Cherry Log, GA 30522 Libertyville, IL 60048 Cameron S. Mayo Steamboat Springs, CO (706) 455-5640 (800) 462-2935 Big Timber, MT 59011 Erin Kane (970) 879-6552 (847) 337-7580 429 S 1st Street [email protected][email protected]______(406) 579-3866 [email protected] [email protected]______www.flyfishblueridge.com www.waterwisp.com [email protected]______Missoula, MT 59801 www.steamboatflyfisher.com www.innateflyfishing.com (406) 671-7462 River Through Atlanta Guide www.aboadventures.com [email protected]______Steel City Anglers Service MASSACHUSETTS Angler’s Roost Ben Wurster IOWA www.flyvines.com Chris Scalley Deerfield Fly Shop John Cawley Pueblo, CO 81003 Coldwater Guide Service Gallatin River Lodge Roswell, GA 30075 Mike Didonna Hamilton, MT 59840 (719) 778-3059 Rod Woten Steve Gamble (770) 650-8630 South Deerfield, MA, 01373 (406) 363-1268 [email protected]______Stuart, IA 50250 Bozeman, MT 59718 [email protected]______(413) 397-3665 [email protected]______www.steelcityanglers.com www.riverthroughatlanta.com (515) 491-5712 (888) 387-0148 [email protected]______www.anglersroost-montana.com/ [email protected] [email protected]______Tenkara USA Southern Highroads Outfitters ______www.deerfieldflyshop.com Angler's West Flyfishing Daniel W. Galhardo www.coldwaterguideservice.com www.grlodge.com Outfitters Boulder, CO 80305 Fly Fish the Deerfield Guide David Hulsey Matson Rogers Glacier Anglers (888) 483-6527 Service Darwon Stoneman Blairsville, GA, 30512 LOUISIANA Chris Jackson Emigrant, MT 59027 [email protected] (706) 781-1414 West Glacier, MT 59936 Gator Tail Lodge Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 (406) 333-4401 www.tenkarausa.com info@southernhighroadsoutfitters. (406) 888-5454 ______Brent Cenac (413) 325-1677 [email protected]______Telluride Outside com_ [email protected]______Houma, LA 70361 [email protected]______www.montanaflyfishers.com John Duncan www.southernhighroadsoutfitters.com www.glacieranglers.net (985) 858-5950 www.flyfishthedeerfield.com Beartooth Capital Telluride, CO 81435 [email protected] Lauren Cummings Healing Waters Lodge (970) 728-3895 GOLD LEVEL ______High Hook Oregon Wines Bozeman, MT 59715-4695 Greg and Janet Lilly [email protected]______ii Unicoi Outfitters T. Mark Seymour (406) 551-4073 Twin Bridges, MT 59754 www.tellurideoutside.com John Cross MAINE Leverett, MA 01054 (406) 684-5960 Helen, GA 30545 413-218-0638 [email protected] Trout’s Fly Fishing Appalachian Mountain Club Maine [email protected]______(706) 878-3083 [email protected] www.beartoothcap.com Tucker Ladd www.hwlodge.com [email protected]______Wilderness Lodges www.fishhookvineyards.com Beartooth Flyfishing Denver, CO 80218 www.unicoioutfitters.com Shannon Leroy Dan and Nancy Delekta Journey Rent-A-Car (303) 733-1434 Overwatch Outpost Greenville, ME 04441 Cameron, MT 59720 Taylor Hartzheim [email protected] Charles Ricko ______(207) 695-3085 (406) 682-7525 Bozeman, MT 59718 www.troutsflyfishing.com IDAHO [email protected]______Charlemont, MA, 01339 (406) 551-2277 (413) 339-8800 [email protected]______North 40 Fly Shop www.outdoors.org [email protected]______Willowfly Anglers [email protected]______www.beartoothflyfishing.com Three Rivers Resort Calvin Fuller www.journeyrentacar.com Bowlin Camps Lodge www.facebook.com/ Big Hole Lodge Almont, CO 81210 Ponderay, ID 83852 Tom Scala OverwatchOutpost______Craig Fellin GOLD LEVEL (888) 761-3474 (208) 255-5757 Patten, ME 04765 Wise River, MT 59762 [email protected][email protected]______(207) 267-0884 Vedavoo ii Linehan Outfitting (406) 832-3252 Company www.willowflyanglers.com www.north40.com [email protected]______Scott Hunter Lancaster, MA 01523 [email protected]______Tim Linehan Far and Away Adventures www.bowlincamps.com (307) 399-0780 www.bigholelodge.com Troy, MT 59935 Middle Fork – Salmon River Chandler Lake Camps [email protected] (800) 596-0034 Sun Valley, ID 83353 ______Bighorn Angler Jason Bouchard www.vedavoo.com Steve Galletta [email protected] (208) 726-8888 Ashland, ME 04732 www.fishmontana.com [email protected] Fort Smith, MT 59035 ______(207) 290-1424 (406) 666-2233 www.far-away.com [email protected][email protected]______www.chandlerlakecamps.com www.bighornangler.com TROUT SUMMER 2015 92

Long Outfitting Stillwater Anglers Fly Shop Ramsey Outdoor Due South Outfitters Royal Treatment Fly Fishing UTAH Matthew A. Long and Outfitters Marty Brennan Patrick Sessoms Joel La Follette Livingston, MT 59047 Chris Fleck Succasunna, NJ 07876 Boone, NC 28607 West Linn, OR 97068 Camp Chef (406) 222-6775 Columbus, MT 59109 (973) 584-7798 (828) 355-9109 (503) 850-4397 Steve McGrath Hyde Park, UT 84318 [email protected]______(855) 785-5987 [email protected][email protected] [email protected] ______(435) 512-5001 www.longoutfitting.com [email protected]______www.ramseyoutdoor.com www.duesouthoutfitters.com www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com www.stillwateranglersmt.com [email protected]______Madison Valley Ranch, LLC GOLD LEVEL Hunter Banks Company Soul River Runs Deep www.campchef.com Elizabeth Warren & Dan Larson The Stonefly Inn and Outfitters Frank Smith Chad Brown ii Shannon’s Fly and Falcon’s Ledge Ennis, MT 59729 Tackle Shop Asheville, NC 28801 Portland, OR 97217 (800) 891-6158 Dan “Rooster” Leavens (828) 252-3005 (503) 954-7625 David Danley Jim Holland Altamont, UT 84001 [email protected] [email protected][email protected] Twin Bridges, MT 59754 Califon, NJ 07830 ______www.madisonvalleyranch.com www.hunterbanks.com www.soulriverrunsddep.com (877) 879-3737 (406) 684-5648 (908) 832-5736 [email protected] [email protected] Missoula River Lodge [email protected] Jesse Brown’s Outdoors www.falconsledge.com Joe Cummings www.thestoneflyinn.com www.shannonsflytackle.com Bill Bartee PENNSYLVANIA Fall River Fly Rods Missoula, MT, 59808 Sunrise Pack Station Charlotte, NC 28210 (877) 327-7878 Shane McClaflin (704) 556-0020 Aquatic Resource Restoration Jason Zicha Lee Irwin Midway, UT 84049 [email protected] Belgrade, MT 59714 NEW MEXICO [email protected] Seven Valleys, PA 17360 (208) 240-0028 www.montanaflyfishingguide.com (406) 388-2236 Brazos River Ranch www.jessebrowns.com (717) 428-9368 [email protected] adventures@sunrisepacksta- Bo Prieskorn ______Missouri River Ranch, Inc. ______Lillard Fly Fishing Expeditions lee@ar_____rc1.com www.fallriverrods.com ___tion.com Las Vegas, NM 87701 Chip Anderson Will Lillard www.arrc1.com Craig, MT 59648 www.sunrisepackstation.com (505) 453-1212 Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 Fish Tech Outfitters (406) 235-4116 Sweetwater Fly Shop [email protected] (828) 577-8204 Arnot Sportsmen’s Assoc., Inc Byron Gunderson Ron Signor Salt Lake City, UT 84121 [email protected]______Dan Gigone www.nmoutfitter.com [email protected] ______Arnot, PA 16911 (801) 272-8808 www.missouririverranch.com Livingston, MT 59047 Dos Amigos Anglers www.lillardflyfishing.com (570) 638-2985 [email protected]______(406) 222-9393 Wayne Thurber Montana Angler Fly Fishing Nantahala River Lodge [email protected]______www.fishtechoutfitters.com Brian McGeehan [email protected] Taos, NM 87571 Mickey and Annette Youmans Bozeman, MT 59718 www.sweetwaterflyshop.com (575) 758-4545 Topton, NC 28781 Gleim Environmental Group Flaming Gorge Resort Stephanie Rider Kevin Clegg (406) 522-9854 business Sweetwater Travel Company [email protected]______(912) 596-4360 Carlisle, PA 17013 Dutch John, UT 84023 (406) 570-0453 cell www.dosamigosanglers.net (800) 470-4718 (717) 258-4630 (877) 348-7688 [email protected] Dan, Jeff & Pat Vermillion Land of Enchantment [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.montanaangler.com Livingston, MT 59047 Guides www.nantahalariverlodge.net www.jwgleim.com www.flaminggorgeresort.com Montana Fishing Outfitters (888) 347-4286 Noah Parker Gogal Publishing Company Flare Construction, Inc. [email protected]______Velarde, NM 87582 OHIO Pat Straub and Garrett Munson www.sweetwatertravel.com (505) 629-5688 Michael Gogal Jeremy Richins Alert Stamping &Mfg. Company Warrington, PA 18976-2114 Coalville, UT 84017 Helena, MT 59601 Triple-M-Outfitters [email protected]______(215) 491-4223 (435) 336-2888 (406) 431-5089 Mark Faroni www.loeflyfishing.com Bedford Heights, OH 44146 (440) 232-5020 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]______Dixon, MT 59831 The Reel Life [email protected] www.gogalpublishing.com www.montanafishingoutfitters.com (406) 246-3249 Nick Streit ______Park City Fly Shop www.alertstamping.com Chris Kunkel Montana Troutfitters [email protected]______Santa Fe, NM 87501 Innovative Reel Technologies, Ltd. Brian J. Lengel Park City, UT 84098 www.triplemoutfitters.com (866) 804-7335 Artifex Financial Group ______Doug Kinsey Pine Grove, PA 17965 (435) 645-8382 Justin King Trout On The Fly [email protected] (570) 915-1500 [email protected] Bozeman, MT 59715 Nate Stevane www.thereellife.com Dayton, OH 45419 [email protected] www.parkcityflyshop.com (406) 587-4707 Outfitter #8533 (855) 752-6644 GOLD LEVEL www.irtreels.com [email protected] Butte, MT 59701 [email protected]______Park City Outfitters ii Taos Fly Shop www.troutfitters.com (406) 580-7370 www.artifexfinancial.com Brandon Bertagnole Nick Streit [email protected]______OutdoorMetrics Jim’s Sports Center Park City, UT 84098 Montana Trout Stalkers Taos, NM 87571 Terry Malloy Joe Dilschneider www.montanatroutonthefly.com Steve Vickner (866) 649-3337 (575) 751-1312 Clearfield, PA 16830 [email protected] Ennis, MT 59729 Wild Trout Outfitters Columbus, OH 43219 [email protected]______(814)765-3582 www.parkcityoutfitters.com (406) 581-5150 J.D. Bingman (614) 551-1916 www.taosflyshop.com [email protected][email protected][email protected] Outfitter #614 www.jimssports.com R.A. Smith Custom Fly Rods www.montanatrout.com Big Sky, MT www.outdoormetrics.com Ross Smith NEW YORK Tall Man Outfitters Nemacolin Woodlands Fountain Green, UT 84632 PRO Outfitters (406) 995-2975 [email protected]______North Flats Guiding Graham Stokes Resort & Spa (435) 445-3497 Katie Boedecker Mike Steiner Helena, MT 59624 www.wildtroutoutfitters.com David Blinken Gambier, OH, 43022 [email protected]______East Hampton, NY 10028 (740) 501-3180 Ohiopyle, PA, 15470 www.bamboosmith.com (406) 442-5489 (724) 329-6771 (917) 975-0912 [email protected]______Red Canyon Lodge [email protected] NEVADA [email protected] www.prooutfitters.com [email protected]______www.tallmanoutfitters.com Mark Wilson Nevada Cattlemen’s Association www.northflats.com www.nemacolin.com Prudential Montana Real Estate Tight Lines Jewelry Dutch John, UT 84023-9732 Stephanie Licht Bryan C. Atwell, Realtor One More Cast Renee Schatzley Gall (435) 889-3759 Elko, NV 89803 Bozeman, MT 59718 John McMurray Toledo, OH 43606 TENNESSEE [email protected] (775) 738-9214 (406) 579-7616 Oceanside, NY 11572-2603 (419) 290-5573 A.D. Maddox Studios, LLC www.redcanyonlodge.com [email protected] [email protected] ______(718) 791-2094 (419) 535-8888 Nashville, TN 37219-2394 Rising ______www.nevadacattlemen.org www.bryanatwell.com [email protected] [email protected]______(307) 699-3912 Dylan Rothwell Patagonia Outlet Reno www.nycflyfishing.com www.tightlinesjewelry.com ______Salt Lake City, UT 84119 Riverside Anglers, Inc. [email protected] Reno, NV 89523 Alice Owsley The Smoke Joint Time Timer, LLC www.admaddox.com (855) 771-3474 (775) 746-6878 MT Outfitter #9435 Brooklyn, NY 11217 - 29 66 David Rogers River’s Way Therapeutic Fishing [email protected]______(800)523-9597 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (718) 797-1011 Cincinnati, OH 45243 www.risingfish.com www.patagonia.com Center (406) 640-1698 [email protected]______(877) 771-8463 Bryan Ulrich RodsReelsandGear.com [email protected][email protected] www.bcrestaurantgroup.com Bluff City, TN 37618 Wayne Hamilton www.timetimer.com www.riversideanglers.com NEW HAMPSHIRE Tailwater Lodge (423) 538-0405 Orem, UT 84097 (800) 390-9343 Ruby Springs Lodge Lopstick Lodge Chris Tucciarone [email protected]. Alder, MT 59710 Roderick de Greef Altmar, NY 13302 OREGON www.riversway.org [email protected]______www.RodsReelsandGear.com (406) (406) 842-5250 Pittsburg, NH 03592 (315) 298-3434 H&H Outfitters South Holston River Lodge [email protected] (603) 247-4647 [email protected]______Alex Hudjohn Jon Hooper RoundRocks www.rubyspringslodge.com [email protected] www.tailwaterlodge.com Forest Grove, OR 97116 Bristol, TN 37620 Trent Hamblin www.lopstick.com Sportsman and Ski Haus Zero Limit Adventures [email protected] (423) 878-3457 Logan, UT 84321 Joe Rudolph Michael D. De Rosa www.hhoutfitter.com [email protected] [email protected]______www.southholstonriverlodge.com www.roundrocks.com Kalispell, Montana 59901 NEW JERSEY Webster, NY 14580 The Hook Fly Shop (406) 755-6484 585-766-2421 Sunriver, OR 97707 Spinner Fall Guide Service GBW Insurance [email protected][email protected] Glenn Tippy (888) 230- HOOK TEXAS Scott Barrus www.sportsmanskihaus.com www.zerolimitadventures Dutch John, UT 84023 Flanders, NJ 07836 (541) 593-2358 Action Angler Sportsman and Ski Haus (800) 548-2329 [email protected] (877) 811-3474 Chris Jackson [email protected] Chris Edelen [email protected]______NORTH CAROLINA www.cascadeguides.com ______New Braunfels, TX 78132 www.spinnerfall.com Kalispell, MT 59901 www.gbwinsurance.com/ Clearwater Memories Press Pros (830) 708-3474 (406) 755-6484 Alan Folger Bend, OR, 97701 [email protected] [email protected]______Hendersonville, NC 28739-9644 (541) 389- 7767 www.actionangler.net www.sportsmanskihaus.com [email protected][email protected] www.clearwatermemories.com www.presspros.com

93 TROUT SUMMER 2015

Support Trout Unlimited’s Business Members

VERMONT Silver Bow Fly Fishing Grand Teton Fly Fishing Two Rivers Emporium CHILE UK Sean Visintainer Quimby Country Lodge and Scott Smith and Mark Fuller Mike Kaul Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Jackson, WY 83002 Pinedale, WY 82941 Magic Waters Patagonia ENGLAND Cottages (509) 924-9998 307-690-4347 (800) 329-4353 Eduardo Barrueto Ray Dagile Coyhaique, Chile Fly Fisher Group, Ltd. [email protected][email protected] [email protected] Averill, VT 05901 ______Peter Rippin ww.silverbowflyshop.com [email protected] www.2rivers.net 056-67-241532 (802) 822-5533 [email protected] Great Barrington, Burford www.grandtetonflyfishing.com ______Oxfordshire OX18 4UR [email protected]______Sportsman’s Warehouse #210 Uncle June’s Lightning Beads www.magicwaterspatagonia.com www.quimbycountry.com Hydro Logic, LLC Brian Childers +44(0) 1451 844609 Nick Vannater [email protected] Federal Way, WA 98003 Carla Rumsey, P.H. Cheyenne, WY 82007 ______Laramie, WY 82073 (307) 256-7058 HONDURAS www.flyfishergroup.com VIRGINIA (253) 835-4100 nvannater@sportsmanswarehouse.______(307) 399-2094 [email protected]______Guanaja Getaways WALES 44 Outdoors, Inc _com [email protected]______www.lightningbeads.com Steve Brown Llyn Guides Art Major www.sportsmanswarehouse.com http://hydrologicusa.com/ Wind River Outdoor Company Portland, OR 97206-3654 Winchester, VA 22601 (800) 970-8407 J. Noel Hulmston JD High Country Outfitters Ron Hansen Nefyn, PWLLHELI LL53 6LF (540) 905-0031 Lander, WY 82520 [email protected][email protected]______WEST VIRGINIA Jackson, WY 83001 www.flyfishguanaja.com T Int + (0)1758 721654 (307) 733-7210 (307) 332-4402 C Int + (0)7774 610600 www.44outdoors.com Angler’s Xstream [email protected][email protected] [email protected]______Parkersburg, WV 26101 Cabins at Rose River Farm www.highcountryflies.com www.windriveroutdoorcompany.com www.llynguides.co.uk Douglas Dear (877) 909-6911 SPAIN [email protected]______Live Water Properties Wyoming Newspapers, Inc. Syria, VA 22743 Mike Jensen Salvelinus (703) 930-8229 anglersxstream.com Macye Maher Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 632-5666 Ivan Tarin [email protected]______Cheyenne, WY, 82009 50008 Zaragoza Spain www.roseriverfarm.com/ (866) 734-6100 WISCONSIN [email protected] ______mjensen@wyomingnewspapersinc. (003) 469-6164 [email protected]______Fontana Sports Specialties www.livewaterproperties.com com_ http://www.salvelinus.es/ Duck Down Inn John Hutchinson Lisa Powell The Lodge at Jackson Fork ______fly_fishing/further.html Madison, WI 53717 Ranch Rockville, VA 23146 (608) 833-9191 INTERNATIONAL (804) 240-1559 Bondurant, WY 82922 [email protected] (866) 953-1290 www.duckdowninn.com www.fontanasports.com [email protected] ARGENTINA Dunburn Farms Bed and Tight Lines Fly Fishing www.jacksonfork.com Breakfast Carrileufu Valley Lodge Tim Landwehr Maven John Lentz De Pere, WI 54115 Pancho Panzer Glade Spring, VA 24340 Brendon Weaver El Bolson, Rio Negro (8430), Get Involved… (920) 336-4106 Lander, WY 82501 (276) 475-5667 [email protected]______Argentina For information on TU’s Business [email protected]______(800) 307-1109 +54-9-2944-330254 www.tightlinesflyshop.com [email protected]______www.dunburnfarms.com [email protected] Members program, or to update www.mavenbuilt.com www.carrileufuvalleylodge.com Flies by Two Brothers WYOMING your listing, please contact Mason and Palmer Kasprowicz North Fork Anglers Fly Dreamers, LLC Reston, VA Arrow Land and Water, LLC Tim Wade Nicolas Schwint Walt Gasson at [email protected][email protected]______Chad Espenscheid Cody, WY 82414 C1061AAO, Buenos Aires, Argentina fliesbytwobrothers.com Big Piney, WY 83113 (307) 527-7274 +54 11 5217 7645 (307) 231-2389 [email protected]______Matt Miles Fly Fishing [email protected] [email protected] www.northforkanglers.com Matt Miles ______www.flydreamers.com Lynchburg, VA 24504 Bear Basin Adventures Reel Deal Anglers JH, Inc. Nervous Waters Fly Fishing Rhett J. Bain (434) 238-2720 Heath & Sarah Woltman Jackson, WY 83002 [email protected] Fort Washakie, WY 82514 Capt. Martin Carranza (877) 744-0522 www.mattmilesflyfishing.com (307) 349-4630 (786) 266-5068 (307) 840-3579 (cell) [email protected] Mossy Creek Fly Fishing [email protected] [email protected] www.reeldealanglers.com Colby Trow www.nervouswaters.com www.bearbasinadventures.com Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Rock Creek Anglers www.chimelodge.com Clark Smyth (540) 434-2444 Cottonwood Ranches Patagonia River Guides Saddlestring, WY 82840 [email protected]______Freddie Botur Travis Smith & Rance Rathie (888) 945-3876 www.mossycreekflyfishing.com/ Big Piney, WY 83113 Patagonia, Argentina (307) 730-8000 [email protected]______Tangent Outdoors USA: (406) 960-4066 [email protected]______www.rockcreekanglers.com Steve Phlegar Argentina: 011 54 2945 48 0407 Rocky Mountain Ranch Pembroke, VA 24136 Drift [email protected] (540) 626-4567 John Blumenthal Management www.patagoniariverguides.com [email protected]______Saratoga, WY 82331 Jim Broderick www.newrivertrail.com 307-223-2042 Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 690-9189 AUSTRIA Wynn Cane Flyfishing [email protected] www.saratogaflyfishing.com [email protected] Association Die Bewirtschafter Daniel Wynn www.rockymountainranch c/o Clemens Gumpinger Wise, VA 24293 Dunoir Fishing Adventures, LLC management.com Tb Gewässeroekologie 276-393-2247 Jeramie Prine Snow King Resort 4600 Wels [email protected]______Lander, WY 82520 Austria / Europe www.wynncaneflyfishing.com 307-349-3331 Jim Goslin Jackson, WY 83001 436648333208 [email protected] [email protected]______www.dunoirfishing.com (307) 733-5200 WASHINGTON [email protected]______www.diebewirtschafter.at Extreme Surveys, Inc. www.snowking.com GOLD LEVEL Neil Neumeyer BAHAMAS ii Emerging Rivers Guide Dubois, WY 82513 Steady Stream Hydrology, Inc. Services (307) 455-2796 Cheryl Harrelson Deep Water Cay Derek Young [email protected] Sheridan, WY 82801 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315-3566 Snoqualmie, WA 98065 www.extremesurveys.com (307) 674-6010 (888) 420-6202 (425) 373-6417 [email protected][email protected]______Fish the Fly Guide Service [email protected]______www.steadystreamhydro.com www.deepwatercay.com www.emergingrivers.com & Travel Jason Balogh Sweetwater Fishing Flycaster Brewing Company Jackson, WY 83001 Expeditions, LLC CANADA Jeremy Eubanks George H. Hunker III (307) 690-1139 Frontier Farwest Lodge ______Kirkland, WA 98034 [email protected] Lander, WY 82520 (206) 963-6626 (307) 332-3986 Derek Botchford www.fishthefly.com Telkwa, BC V0J 2X0 [email protected][email protected] www.flycasterbrewing.com Four Seasons Anglers www.sweetwaterfishing.com (877) 846-9153 John Blyth [email protected] Sea Run Pursuits Laramie, WY 82070 Turpin Meadow Ranch www.bulkleysteelhead.com John C. Hicks Ray Wojcikewych (307) 721-4047 Scott Lake Lodge Lacey, WA 98503 [email protected] Moran, WY 83013 (360) 870-0520 (307) 543-2000 Rhinelander, WI 54501 www.fourseasonsanglers.com (888) 830-9525 [email protected][email protected]______www.searunpursuits.com www.turpinmeadowranch.com [email protected]______www.scottlakelodge.com

TROUT SUMMER 2015 94

plus a brand new saltwater outfit from

RODS

photo by matt jones photography

Enter your HATCH2015 Photo Contest photos for a chance to win one of over $10,000 in prizes. in the MAGAZINEFull contest details at www.hatchmag.com/win. 95 TROUT SPRING 2015

H&L FLIES

H&L was Ike’s Favorite and One of Ours, Too BY PAUL BRUUN PAUL BRUUN PAUL

ly bins today lack the marvelous histories of so many 1950s. Some stories report because the fly caught fish Fearlier trout patterns. Will future anglers ever care all over the place that its proponents referred to it as the from whence proliferated all those foam-packed hoppers, “House & Lot.” Ike’s popularity and well-publicized enthu- Chernobyls and stones? siasm for the pattern generated enough prosperity that it Such is not true with one particularly nostalgic hair- allowed the teacher to purchase his now esteemed cabin wing dry that can still occasionally be spotted in corners property on the Frying Pan River affectionately known as of modern fly arrays, especially in Colorado. “Coffman’s Corner.” I’ve always referred to it as “The Eisenhower Fly,” Enthusiastic Aspen-area trout guide Kirk Webb’s mar- a remark guaranteed to baffle any nearby Millennials. velous piece: “A Dirtbag Fly Fisherman’s Dream” in the Dwight D. Eisenhower’s leadership abilities as a five-star Glenwood Springs Post Independent about his H&L passion General, the Supreme Allied Commander and ultimately and the opportunity to cast the pattern during a visit to the 34th U.S. President are etched in American history. Coffman’s storied riverfront location with its current owner, Later in life, especially on favorite golf courses and is an archival event. “I examined lots of Coffman’s original trout streams, Ike’s eyesight required assistance, optically flies and they were nothing like what we call the H&L today,” and otherwise. On tumbling, un-dammed Colorado explains Kirk, a Taylor Creek Fly Shop manager in Basalt. Rivers such as the Blue, South Platte and the Fraser, such In a Life magazine photo article I devoured as a trout- aid took the form of the H&L Variant, a highly visible crazed kid in which President Eisenhower’s Colorado dry fly first equipped with a long tail and wings of white fly-fishing adoration was featured, the House & Lot fly impala hair, tied by noted Colorado fly fisherman Ralph pattern received special mention. (R.C.) Coffman. My H&L devotion has continued ever since. A middling Coffman was a Denver high school teacher whose selection of standard ties fitted with heavy peacock herl angling interests aided in his becoming a prominent thorax and calf body wings and tails as well as improved commercial fly tier. In searching for a highly floatable versions by Charlie Craven (Charlie’s Fly Box, Arvada, pattern Coffman developed his Red Quill Variant but Colo.) and Richard Parks (Parks Fly Shop, Gardiner, later adopted the white wing/tail combo for better visibility Mont.) is mandatory in both vest and boat boxes. This and gentler landings. Coffman’s patterns were favorites H&L support pales to my wife Jean’s zeal for the baby 16’s of Denver banker Aksel Nielsen, Ike’s financial advisor and 18’s. This allegiance, I suspect, comes naturally from and longtime buddy, who also reportedly renamed the her Colorado fly-fishing roots. H & L variant. Adding an H&L to a tippet, however, will never hap- Ike often retreated from the Denver White House to pen again without remembering the little sign Kirk Webb a cabin on Nielsen’s ranch and regularly fished St. Louis mentioned seeing on a cabin wall along the Frying Pan: Creek, a tributary to the Fraser River, during the mid “If Coffman twists them, fish can’t resist them.”

TROUT SPRING 2007 96

WHAT’S YOUR

SIX TAPERS. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES. ONLY $49.95

With three ﬂoating tapers and three sinking tapers, the line choices are simple, but your possibilities are limitless. Frequency lines are meant to be used wherever you are. Day after day. Fish after ﬁsh. Cast after Cast. Season after season.

ADVANCED SHOOTING FRONT WELDED TECHNOLOGY LOOP scientiﬁcanglers.com/frequency