Free falling –a Fly Fishing Documentary on Baltic Salmon in Sweden
Free falling is a spiritual sequel to Home rivers recycled, a documentary released by Undefined flyfishing project tellingthe success of the Baltic salmon. It was a classic comeback story on how the salmon went from being almost extinct to inhabit the northern rivers in such a way that the Torneälven was considered one of the most prolific Atlantic salmon River system in the world. Home rivers recycled ended with a pledge, to re-visit the story in 25 years but solely 2,5 years later it looks like the salmon populations in the Baltic Sea are free falling.
“The Fish Thief”: Uncovering the Great Lakes’ Biggest Mystery
A gripping new documentary, THE FISH THIEF: A Great Lakes Mystery, narrated by Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons, is set to premiere on January 31, 2025. This powerful film explores the near-catastrophic collapse of the Great Lakes fishery, the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world, and the relentless efforts to uncover and address its cause.
Montana’s Smith River Faces Uncertain Future as Supreme Court Backs Mining Permit
In a decision that has drawn widespread concern among Montana fly anglers and conservtionist, the Montana Supreme Court has upheld the water-use permit granted to Sandfire Resources by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. This decision paves the way for the controversial Black Butte Copper Mine in Meagher County, which plans on pumping and impounding substantial amounts of groundwater—up to 457 acre-feet annually—to facilitate its operations.
Keeping White Marlin on the Map | The Skillie Project in Action
Led by The Billfish Foundation (TBF), The Skillie Project initiative combines cutting-edge science, dedicated local captains, and a passionate Nantucket fishing community determined to preserve the iconic White Marlin (or Skillies) for future generations.
Back in the 1980s, Nantucket’s waters became a hotspot for these larger-than-average marlin. By the late 20th century, anglers were landing Skillies in record numbers. But in recent years, their annual return has been spotty, raising concerns for their future.
Conservation and Colorado: A Winning Combo for Trout Unlimited
If you’ve ever wished you could hug your favorite stream, Trout Unlimited has the next best thing. Their Embrace A Stream program has been funding grassroots conservation projects since 1975. We're talking over million toward 1,200 volunteer-led projects. Big moves like this need big support. TU’s getting it from some heavy hitters, including Mayfly Outdoors, the crew behind Abel, Ross Reels, and other top-notch brands. Their Native Reel program—like the Colorado Cutthroat and Rio Grande reels—is pouring funds into stream restoration across the country.
How Sharks Are Impacting Florida Keys Fishing | Insights from BTT Research
At Fly Life Media, we know the tug is the drug—but not when a lemon shark cuts in! Findings from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) reveal that shark-angler interactions in the Florida Keys are on the rise, frustrating anglers and threatening fish populations. From snook-snatching lemons to depredation hotspots mapped with local guides, the data shows sharp increases in these incidents since 2014. BTT’s Shark Depredation Project is working hard to find solutions, combining field research with community input to protect the flats fishery we all love
Restoring Washington’s Coastal Rivers: TU's Fight for Wild Salmon and Steelhead
In the wild rivers of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Trout Unlimited (TU) is working to remove migration barriers, reconnect floodplains, and restore critical habitats for wild salmon and steelhead populations that are on the brink of extinction.
Best Practices for Handling and Releasing Bonefish
Catching a bonefish is a bucket list achievement for most fly fisherman, you'll never forget your first bonner, but knowing how to handle these fish and how to release them is important to the future of the fishieries. Planning ahead is key; decide in advance how to record your catch and have your camera ready before lifting the fish. This preparation will streamline the process and minimize the time the fish spends out of the water.
Trout Unlimited and Wisconsin DOT Team Up to Reconnect Sandy Run Creek
Trout Unlimited (TU) has joined forces with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and several other agencies to enhance fish passage and flood resilience on Sandy Run Creek, a Class 1 trout stream in Douglas County, Wisconsin. Sandy Run Creek, which feeds into the well-known Bois Brule River, has been facing issues due to an old, perched culvert under Wisconsin Highway 27 that acts as a barrier to upstream fish movement.
Trojan Male Trout Introduced to Colorado Streams in Historic Effort to Save Cutthroat Trout
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is taking a groundbreaking step to save the native cutthroat trout In a couple small streams in middle park Colorado . On September 17, CPW stocked 480 Trojan male brook trout (also known as YY brook trout) into Bobtail and Steelman creeks in Grand County. This innovative technique is designed to eradicate non-native brook trout that have been decimating the cutthroat population for years.
Salmon and Steelhead at Risk: Why Current Efforts Are Falling Short on the Lower Snake River
It's time to acknowledge that we've made a critical miscalculation—salmon and steelhead cannot thrive in the highly altered environment of the lower Snake River. Despite decades of mitigation efforts, Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sockeye in the Snake River basin continue to struggle, with no real signs of recovery.
Flats Conservation in Mexico: BTT Teams Up with Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca Lodges
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is teaming up with Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca, two of Mexico’s top fly-fishing lodges, to push forward science-based conservation efforts that will benefit the region’s precious flats fishery. The plan? A mix of research projects that will guide future conservation decisions and educational programs to promote proper fish handling.
Against the Odds: The Historic Recovery of the Apache Trout
More than a century ago, when Arizona marked the western edge of the American frontier, Apache trout and thrived in over 700 miles of rivers and streams. These waters, though vast, are an often-overlooked trout habitat, particularly in a state better known for its deserts than its cold-water fisheries. Over the years, however, their numbers dwindled due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and the introduction of non-native species.
River Rebel: 83-Year-Old Angler Fights for Public Access in Colorado’s Waterways
Roger Hill, an 83-year-old Colorado fisherman, has reignited his decade-long fight for public access to privately owned stretches of Colorado rivers. Hill, a retired physicist, returned to the Arkansas River last weekend, risking arrest in an attempt to gain legal standing in his ongoing battle for the right to fish in navigable rivers, which are public in other Western states like Montana and New Mexico. Although Hill didn’t catch any fish, he also wasn’t arrested, leaving his legal case in limbo.
7 Conservation Practices Every Angler Should Adopt in 2024
Fly fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s a commitment to the natural world. As we wade into an uncertain future, it’s time to reel in our conservation efforts and cast a line toward a more sustainable future. Here’s a fun yet informative guide on the top 7 conservation practices every angler should adopt this year. Let’s make sure we’re not just catching fish out there but also making a positive for the environment!
"Win Back Our Water": Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Campaign for Florida's Water Quality
This campaign aims to raise awareness and support surrounding three key issues affecting Florida's water quality:
EP 154 The Marlin Fly Project, Hannah Trotter and Joe Gugino | SoFly Fishing Podcasts
The So Fly Crew sit with Hannah and Joe from Costa to talk about The Marlin Fly Project. This is a very cool undertaking to help researchers begin to learn more about striped marlin in Mag Bay. The project brought together a group of incredible fly anglers and scientists to tag fish, all with the goal of discovering different lifestyle habits of these beautiful creatures.
Preserving Paradise: Voices and Perspectives from the Jefferson River Basin | Frogwater Productions
The long-term health of one of the world’s best trout fisheries (Jefferson River Basin - which includes the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Ruby Rivers) is in question according to the population data collected annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Sustainable Solutions: TU's Innovative Approach to Water Flow Restoration | Scofield Dam Modification - Utah
The Scofield Dam Restoration Project, a joint effort led by Trout Unlimited and partners, aims to revive Lower Fish Creek by addressing issues of reduced winter water flows that have threatened the river over the last 5 years. Through some innovative approaches and lots of teamwork, the project seeks to restore the river by boosting the trout population while helping to rejuvenate its ecosystem
Fly fishing, Conservation, and Community Building | “Reel Change (2024)" Press Release
A new documentary film, "Reel Change," takes audiences on a captivating journey into the heart of fly fishing, conservation, and community building. The film follows a group of dedicated fly fishers from the White Clay Fly Fishers, a dedicated non-profit group of anglers who work passionately to transform a modest trout stream into a wild trout haven after an ecological setback. Through collaborative conservation efforts, they navigate challenges to repopulate the stream, showcasing the powerful impact of community-driven stewardship.