News

As drought deepens across Western rivers, a new web tool aims to tell anglers and managers where the next closures are coming before the water gets there. Called TroutCast, it launched June 1 and pulls together weather data, historic trout population counts, and streamflow records to forecast drought risk, population trends, and the likelihood of...

This Tying Tuesday opens with the Shaggy Bunny from Spawn Fly Fish, a big, adaptable streamer for bull trout, bass, and pike. Adjust the color and size to match whatever trophy fish swims your home water. Up next is Pass's Dirty Bird, tied by Captain Michael Passalacqua of Bird Dog Fly Fishing for Ole Florida Fly Shop. This modern splay-tail tarpon fly is...

The Conservation Angler has named Dave McCoy, owner of Seattle's Emerald Water Anglers, as the first member of a new Ambassador Program. The organization emphasizes the program isn't what the word usually means in fly fishing. Photo courtesy The Conservation Angler Most ambassador rosters exist to move product. The one TCA announced June 8 from its base in...

Revelyst Inc. has named Dave Mellon president of Simms Fishing Products and Revelyst Outdoor Performance, the parent company announced. Mellon, who held leadership roles at Simms from 2012 to 2014 and most recently served as a CEO within Kian Capital's private-equity portfolio, officially began the role on May 18 and is relocating to Bozeman. Dave Mellon...

This Tying Tuesday starts with Ryan from Trident Fly Fishing and the Electric Chicken Flatwing. He ties the chartreuse-and-pink streamer as a Maine smelt pattern, an ice-out fly for landlocked salmon and brook trout chasing baitfish in the shallows. Up next is the Henry's Fork Foam Stone with Mike Lawson. This high-floating stonefly pattern mimics a golden...

The annual Soque River Fly Fishing Festival, sponsored by the Modern Fly Fishers, returns to the North Georgia mountains on Saturday, June 13. It's a single day built to pull anglers of every age into one place along the Soque, recommended for ages 10 and up and designed for families and seasoned anglers alike. The stated aim is to grow the local community...

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Public Land & Water Access Association Partners have filed suit in Montana's Lewis and Clark District Court, asking a judge to rule that corner crossing is legal in the state. Photo: Gregory Johnston/Adobe Stock The complaint covers roughly 871,000 acres of Montana public land that OnX mapping has catalogued as...

We kick things off with Martyn White's Gartside Gurgler, a topwater fly that can be waked, skated, and for a more aggressive presentation, popped. Iridescent flash combined with the white body makes for easy locating if you happen to throw this near shaded structure. Following up with Charlie Craven's Food Stamp: not a "clean and pretty" fly, as he puts it...

Trout Unlimited president Chris Wood testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday, May 21, against rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The hearing came as the U.S. Department of Agriculture moves through the rulemaking process on H.R. 7695, with a final decision expected by the end of 2026. USDA had previously...

Winston has a new owner, the first in 35 years. The Twin Bridges, Montana rod maker announced on May 14 that the company has been sold to Lance Robertson, a businessman and engineer who, as it happens, lives just outside Twin Bridges and is described in the announcement as a "passionate fly fisherman." Photo courtesy R.L. Winston Rod Company The deal closes...