A recent incident on Montana’s legendary Blackfoot River has sparked outrage among anglers, conservationists, and river users alike. A viral video showing a SHERP all-terrain vehicle driving directly through the River Junction Hole has raised serious concerns over habitat destruction, water quality, and regulatory oversight.
We spoke to Kyle Rausch, a fly fishing guide who first shared the footage of the vehicle operating in and across the river repeatedly, stirring up mud, moss, and debris with each crossing. Kyle spoke to the fact that this is the first time he has ever seen anything like this in his 25 years of guiding in the area. “I had the pleasure of playing leapfrog with it for a couple of hours as the amount of debris this machine was kicking up was making it hard for my clients to fish”. He wrote “All the weed control businesses I know use boats and rafts. This was tearing up the river so bad we had to wait every time it would cross upstream of us. I would share this and get the word out—we don’t want this kind of crap tearing up our river!”
The area in question, River Junction Hole, is not only a popular section for fishing but also a sensitive stretch of habitat for native fish and aquatic species. Kyle had just got done showing his clients a school of pre-spawn bull trout that were staging up in the hole shown in the video. Kyle also informed us about “hoot owl restrictions” which are fishing restrictions put in place after 2pm in order to protect trout from high water temperatures during the most sensitive times of the day. Driving heavy equipment through it, particularly without proper permits, can do serious damage to the stream bed, displace wildlife, and degrade water quality downstream.
No Permit. No Excuse.
Shortly after the video began circulating, Montana Trout Unlimited issued a public statement:
“We’ve received multiple messages about a recent video circulating regarding a vehicle driving in the upper Blackfoot. The group in question were contractors performing weed control for Powell County, but were using the vehicle in the river without a permit. [Montana FWP] is investigating the incident for potential citations and the work has been stopped.”
The operator of the SHERP initially stated that they had permission from the Powell County Sheriff’s Department and were even bragging about the purchase of their new machine. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is now reviewing the case and may issue citations for illegal stream bed alteration. According to state law, any modification to a stream or its banks, especially when involving heavy machinery, requires a 310 permit from the local Conservation District.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about muddy water. Stream bed alterations, especially unauthorized ones, can have lasting ecological consequences, including:
Destroying spawning gravel for trout and other native species
Increasing sediment load and reducing water clarity
Disrupting aquatic insect life critical to the food chain
Setting a dangerous precedent for future misuse
The Blackfoot River, immortalized by A River Runs Through It, is more than just a fishing destination, it’s a symbol of Montana’s wild heritage and a crucial watershed worth protecting.
How You Can Help
Stay vigilant and speak up when you see potential violations.
Report illegal stream bed or bank activity to Montana FWP and your local Conservation District.
Support organizations like Trout Unlimited that are working to protect our coldwater fisheries.
This event is a reminder that conservation doesn’t just happen on the policy level—it starts with people on the water, paying attention, and demanding better.
“Save your flies,” Russ Maddin says. “Lamp that thing. It’s better than a photo.”
He means it, literally. Russ has several lamps at home covered in flies he’s fished, each one saved as a memory. They’re not trophies. They’re tools that worked. Trophies that earned their keep. A kind of living journal. That might sound strange unless you’ve talked to Russ or fished one of his patterns.
Known for creating the Circus Peanut and pioneering streamers and topwater flies long before they were cool, Russ Maddin doesn’t just tie flies; he tests them. Not in a tank. Not in a YouTube video. On the river. Under pressure. With real fish and real problems to solve.
In a conversation that ranged from his first foam mouse to growing up outside of Detroit to the evolution of the Scorpion, Russ offered more than just stories. He gave a glimpse into the philosophy that has shaped four decades behind the vise and on the river. It’s raw, it’s funny, and it’s grounded in one thing: the river tells you what to tie. You just have to look.
A LIFE IN FLY TYING: FROM COTTON BALLS TO STREAMER REVOLUTIONS
Russ tied his first fly before he ever cast a fly rod. He was nine years old. His parents were out of town, and a babysitter gave him a sunrise vise kit and taught him how to lash pipe cleaners to hooks.
By thirteen, Russ was working in a fly shop in Detroit. By eighteen, he was guiding full-time. His early years were shaped by a long list of influences: fly shop owners, Alaska guides, steelhead mentors, and eventually anglers like Kelly Galloup, with whom he worked alongside while helping to redefine the modern streamer game. But just as much as mentorship mattered, Russ’s own internal drive played a central role.
He wasn’t just trying to catch fish. He wanted to understand how things worked and why they did. That relentless curiosity is what drove him to experiment, iterate, and question every fly he tied.
“You tie flies to solve a problem. Not to impress anyone,” he says.
BUILDING THE SCORPION: DESIGN BORN FROM UTILITY
Russ Maddin’s Scorpion fly is a perfect example of his mindset: build functional flies that solve problems. He didn’t set out to invent it. The Scorpion began as a triple-foam ant, and his buddy jokingly named the Building 50 (after the local psych ward). But the idea stuck. Russ refined it, layering foam, adjusting rubber legs, and mixing in various synthetics. Eventually, it became something else: a topwater pattern that could pass for a moth, spider, frog, mouse, or river beetle.
“What makes it special is how it lands,” he said. “It’s not a plop. It’s soft. That matters, especially over pressured trout.”
He’s fished the Scorpion for trout, bass, and even cohos. He ties it in sizes from 12 to 1/0 and throws it day and night. It’s not flashy, it’s adaptable. Like most of Russ’s patterns, the Scorpion reflects his broader fly-tying philosophy: function first, art second.
NOT JUST ART: WHY REAL FLIES SOLVE REAL PROBLEMS
Russ doesn’t bash craft-focused tyers; in fact, he credits them for pushing innovation and creativity. But he draws a hard line between tying for aesthetics and tying for results.
“The arts-and-crafts guys turn the wheel,” he says. “But it’s the ones on the water who refine the ideas and make them work.”
He’s skeptical of tank testing and fly tying disconnected from real conditions. “If it doesn’t work, I’ll cut it off, figure out what went wrong, and tie something better.”
In Russ’s world, the fly is your last advantage, a response to the river, the season, the weather, and the fish. That means switching colors, reducing flash, downsizing a pattern, or tying something entirely new that night to meet the conditions the next morning.
LOOKING AHEAD: ADAPTATION WILL DRIVE INNOVATION
Russ talks about the importance of intention, not just tying something pretty, but tying something that works. His humor and blunt wisdom cut through the noise of trends and gear hype to remind anglers what matters most: function, adaptability, and time on the water. He’s optimistic about where things are headed. Materials are constantly evolving, and synthetics like various brush blends and matte flash are unlocking new forms of expression. Still, he believes the real innovation lies in how anglers use them.
“Go fish the damn thing,” Russ says. “Don’t take 50 slow-mo lawn-casting videos of it. Just fish.”
Russ sees a growing synergy between emerging fly lines, rod designs, and pattern development. The evolution of condition-specific rods and the rise of new technologies are opening doors for experimentation. But he emphasizes that it’s up to individual anglers to make meaning out of the gear.
It’s not about the flashiest setup. It’s about how a rod, a line, and a fly come together on your water. And how you adjust when it all changes.
RUSS’S RULES (THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO FOLLOW)
Save your flies. Lamp that thing. You’ll remember everything about it.
Match the river. Not your ego. Not the Instagram post – the river.
Adapt every day. If the water changed, your fly better have, too.
Cut it off. If it sucks, cut it off, throw it at your buddy. Start over.
Fish over flash. Presentation beats perfection every time.
END NOTE:
Russ Maddin makes it look simple, but there’s nothing casual about what he does. Every pattern, every tweak, every fly is backed by decades of experience, mistakes, and long hours on the water.
His patterns reflect that: honest, unpolished, and relentlessly intentional.
Because, as Russ says:
“If I’m going to feed my family, I’m throwing a Peanut. Or a Scorpion. And I’m damn sure I tied it the night before.”
Abbie Schuster doesn’t really do “still.” As a captain in Martha’s Vineyard, fly shop owner, mom of two toddlers, and vocal advocate for conservation and community, she’s always in motion, kind of like swift-moving bonito and false albacore she guides for every fall. In a world that often underestimates women on the water, Abbie has carved out her space not by demanding it, but by earning it—day in, day out, one cast at a time. With a fierce work ethic, infectious energy, and all-around great vibe, she’s become a pillar of her home fishery and a force in the broader fly fishing community.
Abbie started her guide service, Kismet Outfitters, in 2016 out of Edgartown, before opening a brick-and-mortar shop in 2020. Since then, her store has become a place that encourages everyone to get outside and go fish. Kismet Outfitters is a space where questions are celebrated, beginners are uplifted, and stewardship is front and center. I sat down with Abbie to talk about her journey as a woman on the water, and how it’s flowed into a career of inclusivity, advocacy, and downright, damn-good fishing.
Can you tell us about your background—growing up in New England, your time at the University of Montana, and how you found your path to guiding?
Abbie: I grew up in Connecticut and started fly fishing on the Farmington River and in Martha’s Vineyard with my dad—my grandma lived here year-round, so we were out here all the time. Then, I transferred to the University of Montana for college, and that’s where I learned you could become a guide professionally. Here, I went to Sweetwater Guide School and started guiding, working in fly shops through school. And from there, I just kept doing it—I worked in Alaska and then in Seattle for Emerald Water Anglers, and it was great. But I passionately missed East Coast fishing and the fishery I grew up with. So, I came home and started Kismet in 2016 and opened the fly shop in 2020.
What makes Martha’s Vineyard so special?
Abbie: It’s so, so fun. Even though I guide here every day, I never burn out because every day is so different. We have stripers from April through November, and there are so many ways to fish for them—the striped bass in the rips versus the fish on the flats are almost two different fish. Then, the bluefish come in around the end of June. In the late summer and fall, we have bonito and false albacore. Every day is just so different and dynamic. The Vineyard is unique, too, because it’s very accessible for shore anglers. You don’t need a boat to fish it—it’s really accessible for everyone.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the fly fishing world? How have you navigated them?
Abbie: When I was in college and my early 20s, I felt like people didn’t take me seriously. As a small, young blonde woman, I constantly had to prove my competence. There were more women guiding out west than in the east, for sure, but breaking into the industry wasn’t easy.
Then, when I returned to New England to guide, it was really hard to break into this community. Even though I grew up coming here and considered it my “home fishery,” I didn’t feel very welcome. Clients respected me more than when I was in college—I was older at this point and more established, but it took a long time for me to earn respect from the locals, and it bothered me for so long. I was the first female captain in Edgartown in a long time, and that made people skeptical.
My strategy was to put on imaginary “horse blinders” to put my head down and cut out distractions. I worked hard, didn’t engage with drama, and let my skills speak for themselves.
Now, it’s much better since I’m more part of the community and have established myself.
Do you think other female guides have had similar experiences?
Abbie: Yes, I think women have to prove themselves where men don’t. Sometimes I still feel like people don’t take me seriously compared to men, even with my knowledge of the fishery, running boats, or equipment. At trade shows, I’ve seen people automatically assume that my husband, Justin—who’s amazing, but who’s been guiding way less than I have—owns the business or is the only one in our partnership who knows how to fish. It’s very weird.
This was a big drive for starting a fly shop where everyone is welcome and no one feels judged. Kismet is an open environment. There are no stupid questions, and I treat everyone equally. I want this to be a community where everyone can walk into the store—kids, women, old men—and everyone’s treated with respect and excitement to build this amazing sport.
Tell me more about your guiding ethos. How do you integrate stewardship into your trips, and why is that so important to you?
Abbie: On top of inclusivity, the other thing I really hammer down on is conservation. We don’t keep any stripers, regardless if the client wants to or not. At Kismet, we have a deep understanding of what’s going on in the striped bass fishery, so we can talk to clients about it. And I find if someone wants to keep a striper, all I have to do is explain why we don’t, and they’re totally on board with throwing them back. As a guide, you have a responsibility to teach the client not only how to fish, but also about the resource we’re so lucky to use, and why we have to protect it.
Why stripers, specifically?
Abbie: The striper population has fallen before, and big actions were taken. Now, there’s even more pressure since recreational fishing has grown so much, but the population can bounce back if they’re protected. My quick spiel is that one fish isn’t just one fish—it could be a mama fish that can possibly lay a ton of eggs for future generations. That includes the smaller schoolies, too—without them, we won’t have a next generation to fish at all. One fish isn’t just one fish; it really does make a difference.
When we’re guiding, we care for all the different class sizes as best as we can, and keep them wet as long as possible. If folks are taking a photo, it’s a quick two-second snap, and the fish immediately goes back in the net (you should always fish with a net so you don’t have to handle them that much).
Martha’s Vineyard is a small island—how do you stay connected to your community?
Abbie: The community here is really amazing. We try to do at least two women’s events a month, like casting clinics and fly-tying events. I wanted to carve out a space just for women since co-ed spaces can be intimidating, especially for beginner anglers. We also work with a group on the Vineyard to do beach cleanups and give back since we use the beaches so frequently. It’s a great community out here, and if you give to the community, it gives back to you.
What advice do you have for women who want to get into the sport?
Abbie: Don’t be intimidated—you have every right to be on the water or in a fly shop as much as anyone else. Find other women to get out with that you connect with and who support you. I think one of the best things about the women’s events we’ve hosted is hearing about the genuine connections women have made there. This winter, I kept getting photos of women traveling the world and fishing together with friends they met at this two-hour event—I just got chills saying that. That’s really amazing to see.
And remember to just have fun, that’s what I always tell people. We’re not doing brain surgery; we are literally swinging a stick and string in the air. Some days, the fishing will suck, the wind will suck, the tides will suck, but at least you’re out there appreciating where you are! It’s okay if your cast sucks—who cares? It’s a lifetime sport; eventually, it’s going to click. Keep getting out there, stick with it, and have fun.
What gear do you never leave the dock without?
Abbie: Fishpond bags all the way for me. I’ve had my Fishpond backpack for probably 10 guide seasons now—it’s always stuffed with extra layers since I always get cold—and I’m borderline abusive to it. I leave it in my yard, on my boat, and it’s held up great. I’ve traveled all over the world with my Fishpond duffel, too.
And then I use Thomas & Thomas fly rods. Their Sextant rod is my favorite, in a 9- or 10-weight. In the fall, I almost always use a 10-wt because bonitos and albies don’t have swim bladders, so I want to get them to the boat as fast as possible so they survive. The Sextant is super lightweight; I can cast a 10-wt all day, no problem.
In the spirit of serious journalism, if you were a fish, what fish would you be?
Abbie: Well, I would want to be a striper because they’re so poised and mature, but I’m probably more of an albie. They’re high-energy and never stop moving and are maybe a little crazy, which might sum me up more than an elegant striper.
What about a fly?
Abbie: I would definitely be a pink squid fly. They have tons of glitter and glam. I love the way they jump out of the water and rule the roost—they appear when you don’t think they should. Yeah, I’m definitely a squid fly.
Any parting words?
Abbie: Always use me as a resource, especially if you’re a woman. I think the women in this industry are great, and the big thing that’s changed is that we help each other out more rather than tearing each other down. Any woman who has questions or problems or wants help on the water, I’m here.
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, a Republican, has announced that he wants to add nearly 100 miles of the Madison and Gallatin Rivers to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers system. Doing so would add more protections to these waterways, and enshrines current regulations into law.
Per Zinke’s office, “This bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to permanently protect key stretches of the Gallatin and Madison Rivers and tributaries Hyalite Creek and Cabin Creek while explicitly maintaining public access, allowing for emergency response, and preserving existing water rights and dam operations. Importantly, the legislation ensures that landowners’ rights are respected, and no land will be acquired without the owner’s consent.”
Zinke went fly fishing on the Madison earlier this week to highlight this bill, and spoke about the importance of maintaining water flows for its future.
“I think we should be concerned about growth along the Madison,” Zinke told KZBK News. “Making sure we have water flows and protect the very reason why we are in Montana.”
The American Rivers Action Fund, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and Gallatin River Task Force all voiced their support for the protection of the Madison and Gallatin under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers system.
The National Wild & Scenic Rivers system was created in 1968 to permanently protect rivers with “outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.” It does take an act of Congress to nominate these rivers for protection.
East Rosebud Creek, the Flathead River, and the Missouri River are the only three waters currently part of the program in Montana.
Sight-fishing redfish always gets my blood pumping—especially when bulls are in the mix. On this day, a good friend was pushing me along a grass flat when I spotted a mid-forty-inch redfish cruising through about three feet of water. I made a couple of false casts and then slid a beefed-up Clouser, tied in blue crab colors, right across its face.
The fish didn’t have to do much. It opened its mouth and ate without hesitation. It doesn’t always go that way, but this time it did—picture perfect.
After a few solid runs into the backing, we decided to hop out onto a nearby sandbar to land the fish. It seemed easier, and we had my six-month-old Boykin spaniel onboard—figured he’d likely find a way to get tangled up in the action if we tried to land it boatside.
We anchored up, hopped out, landed the fish, admired it for a moment, and then let it go. Watching a redfish that size kick away across a bright sand bottom is something that’ll stick with me for a very long
time.
Angler Story from Kirk Marks, be sure to follow his Instagram HERE!
North America, and the United States, in particular, is home to a wide array of native trout (and char) species. From the ubiquitous rainbow to the elusive Apache, these fish inhabit equally diverse ecosystems from the East Coast to the West. While some are common in nearly every freshwater stream, others have suffered at the hands of climate change and human activity. As anglers, we have a duty to understand, respect, and protect these species for future generations to admire and pursue. Thanks to groups like Trout Unlimited, we have seen innumerable conservation successes, all of which keep us happy, and the fish happier. Cheers to that. Below you will find 9 different native trout species in the United States.
1. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Voracious eaters and hard fighters, rainbow trout have earned their place as one of North America’s most prolific gamefish. Numerous subspecies exist within the rainbow trout family, including the redband and coastal species. While the species can be found throughout the United States and beyond, rainbow trout are originally native to the North Pacific. Their abundance in cold water streams is due in part to the high volume of fish raised in hatchery environments, from where they are released into watersheds nationwide. Rainbow trout thrive in cold, clear freshwater and feed actively on a variety of crustaceans, insects, and larvae. While the majority of subspecies are freshwater fish, the steelhead is a coastal rainbow trout that migrates from the sea into rivers for their annual spawn.
Redband Rainbow Trout. Photo: Toby Nolan
Rainbow trout can most easily be identified by their red or pink lateral stripe, whiter underbelly, and black or green spots on their back, fins, and tail. Like other trout species, these distinguishing elements can vary significantly based on the fish’s diet, climate, and season.
2. Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
Rio Grande Cutthroat. Photo by Cameron Cushman.
Beloved by dry fly enthusiasts, cutthroat trout epitomize the western fly fishing experience. From the Snake River and Westslope to the Lahontan and Rio Grande, cutthroats have a variety of subspecies, each possessing its own unique characteristics. The species, despite its variations, is native to the Pacific Ocean tributaries and the Rocky Mountain region of North America and can be found in numerous aquatic ecosystems. With more than 14 subspecies, cutthroat habitats range from high-mountain streams and western rivers to saltwater tributaries and alpine lakes throughout the American West.
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout. Photo by Cameron Cushman.
Cutthroats can be easily identified by their unique head shape and the vibrant slash of red on the lower jaw (hence the name, cutthroat). The head of a cutthroat is slightly more blunted than other trout species, and the jaw extends past the eyes – making these fish relatively easy to identify.
3. Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita)
Golden Trout Photo by Cameron Cushman.
The highly sought-after golden trout is the smallest of the trout species, and its limited geographical range also makes it one of the rarest. While originally native to California, the species has since been reintroduced to Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming, where they inhabit only the most pristine high-altitude water systems. Golden trout are considered an at-risk species and have suffered greatly after decades of mismanagement, environmental exploitation, and competition from other species.
Golden Trout Photo: Dan Towsley @dtowsley.
Like the other trout species, goldens feed on an assortment of larvae, crustaceans, and surface insects. However, as the smallest member of the trout family, golden trout rarely surpass 12 inches. As the name implies, these fish truly are golden in their coloration, and can be identified by their vibrant hues. Additionally, a red lateral line highlighted by distinct “parr marks” (usually 10 vertical ovals along the sides) helps to make this trout one of the most visually stunning species on the list.
4. Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Lake Trout. Photo: Oliver Ancans
A member of the char genus, lake trout (or “lakers”, as they’re commonly known), resides in deep water throughout the northern part of the United States. Lake trout are a common and popular sport fish, and are the largest fish in the char family. As the largest char, many fish reach a length of 30 inches, and true monsters can pass the 40-inch mark. While most lakers live an average of 20 years, the occasional 50-year-old fish has been found. Due to their longer lifespan, these fish mature at a much older age. Because it takes longer for these fish to mature and spawn, lake trout populations suffer a much greater risk of being overfished.
Lake Trout. Photo: Oliver Ancans
Like other species on this list, the lake trout has a few subspecies within it. However, despite slight variations in appearance, all can be identified by the pronounced forked tail. Similar to other char, lake trout have a dark body and spotting, ranging from dull to vibrant depending on the stage in the life cycle and time of year.
5. Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Brook trout are known for their insatiable appetites, making this species a favorite among fly casters. Native to the Northeastern region of the United States, “brookies” (as they’re commonly known) have been introduced to the western states as well. A member of the char genus of the salmonidae family, brook trout inhabit a variety of highly oxygenated waters but prefer spring-fed habitats, lush with vegetation and gravel bottoms. In the Northeast, habitat loss and competition with brown and rainbow trout have forced these fish to higher elevation environments. Out west, the fish has been attributed to the shrinking cutthroat trout populations and is occasionally targeted for kill-offs to rebalance native fish populations.
Argued by many to be the prettiest trout of them all, brook trout are unique in their appearance thanks to a unique characteristic called vermiculation. This worm-like pattern adorns the back of many brookies and is paired with red or yellow spots encircled in a blue ring found along the sides. Lastly, the pelvic fins have a distinct white line that helps to round out the stunning aesthetic of this amazing fish.
6. Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma)
A close relative to both the bull trout and arctic char, Dolly Varden is originally native to the Pacific coast of the United States. These fish can be found in the coastal waterways of the North Pacific and are primarily fluvial and lacustrine (meaning they mostly live in rivers and lakes). This lifecycle differs from that of the Dolly Varden species found further north in Alaska, which migrates from the sea to freshwater rivers to spawn. While both species are native to North America, habitats and life cycles differ dramatically.
While once considered an undesirable catch, Dolly Vardens now account for a sizable percentage of the fishing yield when Salmon are unavailable. Often mistaken for bull trout, the Dolly Varden’s gray or olive green coloration is often devoid of any distinct markings other than faint yellowish spots running the length of the body.
7. Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Photo: Reuben Browning, @reuben.browning.
Another member of the char genus, the bull trout is a rare and threatened species that exists in only the most pristine water systems of the Western United States. Currently found in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, these trout are often used as an indicator species for determining the health of water systems. As many bull trout are migratory and thus dependent on unobstructed waterways, the species has suffered from the results of logging, mining, and development. As such, the fish is listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
In its juvenile stage, bull trout feed primarily on chironomids before shifting their attention to bait fish. Their diet, spawning habits, and environmental demands allow these fish to reach sizes upwards of 41 inches long. However, while many bull trout are indeed anadromous, resident bulls are often significantly smaller. These fish, like brook trout, commonly have tailing white lines on their fins, but lack spots on their dorsal fins. Instead, bull trout often have yellow and orange spots that adorn their backs.
8. Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae)
Gila Trout. Photo: Trout Unlimited
One of the rarest trout species, the Gila is native to the Gila River tributaries in Arizona and New Mexico. While their geographic range was once wider, the species has been severely impacted by a loss of habitat. Wildfires, water diversion, development, livestock overgrazing, and various other ecologically harmful activities have greatly compromised the species, but thanks to USFWS efforts, the fish are coming back. Conservation efforts have allowed the Gila to be down-listed from endangered to threatened, with a provision allowing for limited sportfishing access.
Closely related to the Apache trout, the Gila is characterized by a yellow body with black spots. As the fish primarily reside in small mountain streams, rarely do they exceed 21 inches in length. Gila trout are similar to other species in both their diet and spawning practices, feeding on subsurface insects and most often spawning in spring.
9. Apache Trout (Oncorhynchus apache)
Apache Trout. Photo: Cameron Cushman
The state fish of Arizona, the Apache trout, is native to the upper Salt River and upper Little Colorado River watersheds of the Grand Canyon state. While it has since been reintroduced to remote Arizona streams, the species remains highly vulnerable to extinction. Federally classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, regional conservation groups claim the species is faring much worse. Cross-breeding with cutthroat and rainbow trout has significantly weakened the gene pool, while ecological destruction continues to compromise the Apache’s limited habitat. Thankfully, conservation efforts have allowed for the fish to exist in large enough populations, so limited fishing access is permitted.
Like the Gila, Apache trout have a yellowish gold coloration but are highlighted with a concentration of dark spots spanning the length of their body. The distinguishing feature are the two black spots that appear on either side of the pupil, giving the fish the appearance of wearing a black mask around its eyes.
Article by Jake Lebsack, an angler based in Denver, Colorado.
It was early July, and the Pale Morning Duns were thick enough to bring the biggest fish up to the surface. The hatch, per my buddy, was incredible, and if I’d made it to the river just a few hours earlier, I’d have been right in the thick of it.
The fishing’s always better the day before or after you leave the water, but there’s not much you can do other than fish it hard when you’re there. So, we set off for an afternoon float, and I kept my eye out for fish in eddies that might be snacking on spent mayflies.
The fish weren’t looking up, but we pulled a few out of deeper runs on nymph rigs. After the third or fourth, I realized the fish my buddy had released was having a tough time swimming off. I stuck my hand in the water and was alarmed at how warm it felt. A quick dip of the thermometer showed a reading of 69°F.
This was in a tailwater, and we were maybe six or seven river miles down from the dam. The water warms up here in late summer, but not early July. It never occurred to me that the water would be that warm, that early in the year. As much as we didn’t want to, we stowed the fly rods and soaked in the scenery.
A Fish Murderer
We never found a great PMD hatch on the rest of that trip, and I mentioned both the warm water and lack of bugs in one of the online forums I’m a member of. Another member came at me pretty aggressively, calling me a “fish murderer” because I said I quit fishing for trout when water temps hit 68°F.
That’s the number I’ve always been taught is the cutoff for trout fishing. Mark Taylor, who covers coldwater conservation and trout fishing for Trout Unlimited, says that 70 degrees is the cutoff point. The folks at Wild Trout Trust, a UK-based conservation group, pegs 68 as the magic number. And a new paper highlighted at KeepFishWet creates the idea of a “sliding scale” for safe angling temps, with 61 being the cutoff for rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout, while browns tolerate temps up to 66.
Montana, which is one of the few states to enact and enforce fishing bans based on water temperatures, only implements their hoot-owl restrictions when water temperatures spike at or above 73°F for three consecutive days. The North American Journal of Fisheries Management also says 73 is the cutoff for a marked increase in fish mortality during catch-and-release angling. Trout’s Fly Fishing marks 67°F as the temperature at which you should stop fishing.Yellowstone National Park closes fishing when water temperatures exceed 68°F.
I could find more examples, but you get the point. There seems to be only a consensus that warm water temperatures negatively impact trout, where exactly that starts feels far from settled.
What should you do?
Which brings us to an important question, especially in early August when many low-lying rivers are probably too warm to fish: when should we stop fishing for trout? It’s undeniable that warm water has lower amounts of dissolved oxygen. Trout caught in warm water have a harder time recovering and a higher chance of dying after release in water with less oxygen.
I wish I had an answer. All I know right now is that it’s important to take care of trout in any way we can. For me, that means I stop fishing when water temps hit 68°F. That number seems to be the most commonly accepted. I’m completely open to changing that threshold, though, if we can ever settle on one.
For now, I’ll enjoy some high-country fishing and leave the low-lying creeks alone. They’ll be back in shape in a couple months, anyways. And perhaps that’s the real lesson here: regardless of whether 67 or 68 is the magic number to stop trout fishing, these warm temps push us to explore the places that are really only fishable a few weeks out of every year.
These are the best ways to add a nymph under your dry fly. Check out this video from Peachy Fly Fishing for everything you need to know to optimize how you are adding nymphs under your dry fly.
The hard rock mine proposed for construction in the Everglades is up for its Florida Department of Environmental Protection permitting on August 11. This is the final step before construction of this mine can begin. Captains for Clean Water, a leading conservation organization in Florida, is calling on the public to write in and oppose the permit for this mining project.
The mine would be built just 1,000 feet from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a new project that will help curb the harmful effects of freshwater discharges throughout the Everglades from Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee’s water is laden with chemicals that, when discharged through the Everglades, cause red tides and toxic algae blooms along Florida’s coast.
According to Captains for Clean Water, pollution from the hard rock mines would essentially offset the savings that the EAA Reservoir provides. Both U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals, the two companies proposing the mines, contend the water in the EAA Reservoir would belong to them for irrigation, instead of being sent through the Everglades and out to the Florida coast.
“The [hard rock mine] project has been pitched as a water storage initiative, but we have serious concerns about the true agenda behind it, as it appears to be nothing more than a commercial mining operation primarily benefiting Big Sugar,” Captains for Clean Water wrote on their blog earlier this year. “We’ve put pressure on the proposal due to its potential to undermine Everglades restoration efforts, the special interest influence involved, and the lack of transparency throughout the process.”
You can learn more about the hard rock mine, its potential impacts, and why Captains for Clean Water is so opposed to it, here. But if you’re ready to voice your opposition to a mine in the Everglades, you can email in your opposition here.
Every year, All Anglers Fly Shop hosts its 25 On The Fly tournament in our home state of Colorado. It’s one of the few fly fishing tournaments in the country and one that encourages anglers to get out and explore new water. The goal of the tournament is to catch the most species (of the 25 available) in a two-day competition. Teams are then awarded a score based on the species caught and additional points earned (i.e., largest fish).
This year, Flylords’ own Wills Donaldson, as well as Kayla Lockhart, represented Flylords. The challenge of the tournament is finding new water with different species than we would typically fish for. Trying and guessing what waterbodies hold what fish is a sure way to waste time, so we got creative. This is where onWater came into play. Using the tools in the app, we made a game plan, plotted our route, and took off to compete in 25 On The Fly. These are the five tips we used to find new species and catch more fish during the tournament.
1. Utilize onWater’s Species Layers
The first and arguably the most important onWater feature to utilize are the species layers. These layers allow anglers to turn on generalized layers of areas where a particular species can be found. While these layers won’t give you exact locations where fish are present, they will allow you to cross-reference them with waterbodies for scouting. Prior to the tournament, we scouted new fisheries using this feature to hopefully find some of the harder fish species to catch.
Species layers can be turned on and off in the onWater app for particular fish you are targeting.
2. Talk to New Fly Shops in the Area
Regardless of whether you’re fishing this tournament or venturing to new areas, a fly shop is an exceptional resource. Ripe with local knowledge, the staff at fly shops can steer you in the right direction. That said, the shop is their livelihood, so it’s important to support them. If you’re asking about a certain species, buy some flies, leaders, and tippet that will help you catch that fish. You’ll not only have the proper gear, but chances are you’ll get better intel from the shop staff. If you’re new to an area, onWater can also help you find local fly shops.
3. Monitor the Weather, Water Temps, and Plan Accordingly
To be competitive in 25 On The Fly, you need to catch a lot of species. The biggest issue teams run into is finding those species in the allotted time. To get the most out of your time on the water, plan your stops with precision. The approach we took was to start early in the high country, knocking out a bunch of species in close proximity. This meant checking off as many trout species as possible before heading down to lower elevations.
These coldwater species are more likely to play early in the morning before water temperatures start to rise. In the afternoon, we switched to targeting warmwater species, hoping rising temps would mean more active fish. The onWater app can aid in planning your course with detailed elevation maps and weather forecasts. Monitor this info throughout your day on the water and adjust accordingly.
4. Know the Flows Before You Go
Just because a spot usually holds a fish doesn’t mean it’s in fishable condition. Flows, especially in Colorado, can change overnight. Factor in a heavy snow pack, and runoff could still be a factor in July. The onWater app allows anglers to monitor real-time flows through various USGS gauges directly in the app. You can cross-reference this with historical flows to get an idea of the status of the river prior to making the trek there.
onWater allows anglers to find and view live flow data.
5. Log Your Catches in the onWater Journal
The onWater Journal feature allows anglers to save locations, times, flows, and other useful info to never forget a spot.
Putting in the time to find new spots and different species can be a lengthy process. If your scouting and hard work pay off and you’re successful, you’ll want to bookmark that for later. The onWater app has a journal feature. Here, anglers can record exact locations, weather conditions, time, date, flies, and even photos. As you build out your log of spots, you can sort through them to make a game plan for a day of fishing, or in our case, 25 On The Fly.
Final Thoughts
The 25 On The Fly tournament was started to raise awareness around the other species Colorado has to offer. After fishing the tournament, it’s clear to see why. Using the onWater app as a tool, we were able to check off a few of these species from the list and make plans for future trips. So if you don’t see us on our local rivers this summer, there’s a good chance we’re on the road exploring everything Colorado has to offer.
Download onWater today and see for yourself how it will improve your fishing.
Abbie: 
