Ask MidCurrent: Is Social Media Ruining Our Best Waters?

Sweet solitude: Image by Kent Sanders

Question: I’ve been fly fishing for three decades and have watched social media transform our quiet sport into something unrecognizable. Places I once had to myself—spots earned through years of exploration and trial-and-error—are now overrun after being geo-tagged and shared online. While I understand the enthusiasm to share catches and beautiful places, the instant broadcasting of fishing spots feels at odds with fly fishing’s contemplative nature and tradition of earned knowledge. How can we address this growing issue while still welcoming newcomers to the sport?

Answer: What we’re talking about here is hotspotting—the practice of revealing specific fishing locations online or through social media. While sharing information can help newcomers and create camaraderie, the consequences often outweigh these benefits. Increased pressure on specific locations can lead to overcrowding, damage to fragile ecosystems, and disruption of fish populations. When fish are constantly pressured in a particular spot, they become more wary and difficult to catch—diminishing the experience for everyone. This impact is particularly severe in fragile environments like streambeds and riparian zones, where concentrated fishing activity can damage bankside vegetation and disturb critical habitat.

Environmental Complexity

The problem with hotspotting becomes even more significant when we consider it alongside other environmental stressors. Climate change is already affecting our waterways—altering water temperatures, nutrient availability, and fish behavior. Some fish populations are living close to their upper-temperature limits, making them particularly vulnerable to additional pressure. When we combine these environmental challenges with intense fishing pressure from social media-driven crowds, we risk pushing some fisheries past their breaking point.

The Ethics of Information Sharing

The debate around sharing fishing locations touches on a fundamental tension in our sport. On one side, publicizing certain destinations can raise awareness about their ecological importance and potentially encourage conservation efforts. When more people connect with a fishery, they may be more inclined to support initiatives protecting it from pollution, habitat destruction, or other threats. However, this same visibility often leads to what some call a sense of entitlement among anglers who feel they have the right to access any spot they find online—regardless of private property rights, local regulations, or the fragility of the resource.

The Role of Regulation

While there are no specific rules against hotspotting in most fishing destinations, many areas have begun implementing measures to manage increased pressure. Some public lands now restrict the number of anglers allowed in particular areas or designate certain zones as catch-and-release only. However, these traditional management approaches may need to evolve to address the unique challenges of the social media age. Dynamic access restrictions—adjusted based on conditions—could help prevent overcrowding while maintaining reasonable access.

Finding Solutions

The answer isn’t necessarily to stop social media’s influence entirely (an impossibility) but rather to practice and promote responsible information sharing. When posting about fishing adventures, focus on the experience rather than the exact location. Share the wonder of moving water, the beauty of a wild fish, or the satisfaction of figuring out a challenging hatch—not coordinates. For those seeking guidance, suggest they visit local fly shops, join conservation organizations, or connect with experienced anglers who can mentor them properly. These relationships naturally foster an understanding of both technique and etiquette—something that’s often lost in social media’s instant gratification culture.

Conservation Through Community

The most effective approach to addressing hotspotting combines education, regulation, and individual responsibility. Support local conservation organizations working to protect vulnerable fisheries. Practice catch-and-release fishing to help maintain healthy populations. Most importantly, work to cultivate a culture of stewardship among both new and experienced anglers. This means not just teaching proper fishing techniques, but also helping others understand the complex ecological relationships that make good fishing possible.

A Path Forward

Remember that your “secret” spots weren’t really secrets—someone likely shared them with you, whether directly or indirectly. The key is teaching the next generation to be mindful stewards of these special places, not just consumers of fishing content. By being thoughtful about the information we share, minimizing our environmental impact, and respecting local regulations, we can help ensure the long-term health of our fisheries while preserving the sense of discovery and connection that makes fly fishing special. The future of our sport depends on finding this balance between sharing our passion and protecting the resources that make it possible.