Author: sdurrant

Big Hole River Update

The Big Hole River, in southwest Montana, has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for the past few years due to its rapidly-declining trout population. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP), scientists from Montana State University, and concerned guides and outfitters have worked together to study the Big Hole and offer potential solutions for...

MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Canvasback Seat Covers

One of my least favorite things is getting into my truck while still wet from the river. Whether it's my waders or wet-wading pants, I know some "river gunk" ends up worked into the seat fabric, and it certainly doesn't help my truck smell nice. I've added seat covers to other trucks, but they were always the on-sale items at AutoZone or O'Reilly's. They...

5 Best Fly Fishing Books

Anytime we talk about "the best," we're wading into subjective territory. That's why I hesitate to ever call a fly rod, or waders, or any other gear I review, "the best." They might be the best for me, but my experience isn't all-encompassing. So, it's interesting that Jasper Taback, over at Sports Illustrated, decided to pick the five best fly fishing...

Tying Tuesday: Slovakian Nymphs

This week's Tying Tuesday features yet another Sparkle Dun, but this one is a "Neversink" edition, which I think could come in handy. You'll also learn to tie a new nymph from Slovakia, and get a primer on fly tying thread. The Sparkle Dun is probably my favorite fly, ever. This thing flat-out produces when trout are at their pickiest during mayfly hatches...

Do "Artificial Only" Regulations Help Fish?

Wyoming's fisheries have been in the news recently, but this most recent event isn't related to regulating fishing guides. Instead, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department (WGFD) is proposing new limits on popular stretches of the North Platte River near Casper. The North Platte isn't just one of Wyoming's most storied rivers; it's a bucket-list destination...

Fly Fishing Helps Idaho Foster Youth

Most fly anglers are familiar with how healing fly fishing can be. From Project Healing Waters to Casting for Recovery, there is no shortage of groups using fly fishing to help those in need. In 2025, Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (IDHW) will be using fly fishing to aid children in extended foster care, according to a February 6 press release...

Fly Rods and Survival

If you had to rely on one fly rod in a survival situation, which would you pick? That's a broad question, because it obviously depends on where you're trying to survive. An island in the Caribbean? The Amazon? An alpine environment? Each situation would ask something else of your fly rod, especially if you depended on it the bring in the majority of your...

Chum Salmon Bycatch Limit Under Consideration

Bycatch—when one species of fish is caught by boats fishing for another species—is often cited as a contributing factor to salmon declines, especially in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. The trawling fleets that fish for pollock in the Bering Sea are allowed a certain number of fish per year as acceptable bycatch; for example, if too many king salmon...

Nautilus Announces New GTS Reels

Nautilus Reels has announced the release of their new GTS 5/6 reels. This new size joins the previously-announced GTS reels in Nautilus' much-loved lineup. Nautilus introduced several advancements when releasing the GTS reels, including "effortless left-hand to right-hand conversion" and an expanded drag adjustment range. The GTS series replaces the NV-G...

New Lefty Kreh Film Announced

Fly Fisherman Magazine has announced the world premiere for a new film about the legendary Lefty Kreh. "The documentary is the story of Bernard 'Lefty' Kreh’s life, from his humble upbringings during the Great Depression, to his service with the U.S. Army in the Battle of the Bulge, and his role as fly-fishing’s greatest ambassador," Fly...