The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is set to induct two legends of the flats fishing world into its Circle of Honor on April 10, 2025, at the 12th Annual Florida Keys Dinner at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida. Captain Tim Carlile, a Florida Keys guiding icon, and Dr. Roy Crabtree, a leading fisheries scientist, will be recognized for their immense contributions to conservation and the sport of fly fishing.

In a significant move on January 7, 2025, Washington state officially banned open net pen aquaculture in its waters, joining California and Alaska in protecting marine ecosystems. Open net pens, a controversial method of farming fish like Atlantic salmon, have been linked to a range of environmental issues, including fish escapes, habitat destruction, and the spread of disease. One infamous incident in 2017 saw 250,000 salmon escape from a collapsed net, highlighting the risks of this industry.

Big news for anglers and conservationists alike—Trout Unlimited (TU) and partners have landed over 7 million in federal funding for conservation efforts across the Upper Colorado River Basin. This funding, part of a 8.3 million dollar  initiative from the Bureau of Reclamation, will support crucial river projects in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.

Fall in Idaho and Montana marks a key time for migratory bull trout as they make their way through mountain lakes, rivers, and streams in search of cold, clean water to spawn. This iconic species is at the heart of conservation efforts, with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) working hard to protect them for future generations.

In late 2020, New York state halted stocking on Mongaup Creek, officially designating it as wild trout water. This was a key step in boosting the health of the creek's fishery, which already boasted a thriving population of wild brook trout. The latest restoration project, which involved the removal of a dam near the creek’s entry to Willowemoc Creek, has taken things even further. This dam removal opens up over 15 miles of prime trout habitat, significantly enhancing the wild fishery.

Research from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has shown that young tarpon and snook take advantage of storm surges to reach remote, semi-landlocked ponds. These ponds offer protection from larger predators like sharks and adult snook, allowing these juveniles to grow in a safer environment. Due to their ability to survive in low-oxygen waters, they are well-equipped to flourish until the next storm surge, when they can move to new habitats.

The removal of the Klamath River dams has led to a new era for salmon and steelhead, after years of restoration efforts, the fish are finally returning to their native habitats for the spawn.. This monumental moment in conservation was confirmed in August when the last barriers were taken down, and the first fall-run Chinook swam past the former Iron Gate dam site.