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What’s your vote for America’s ‘national fish?’
The author's choice? The smallmouth bass. USFWS photo. It’s a silly question, but it’s fun. And it’s Friday. If you were to vote for a national fish, what would it be? The brook trout currently holds the title of most revered freshwater “state fish” with nine states—including Michigan, Pennsylvani and New York—making it their choice.…
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The 117 degree Kern River melting pot
What rainbow trout can teach us about engaging native fish, salads, diversity and river towns Daniel Ritz is fishing across the Western United States this summer in an attempt to reach the Master Caster class of the Western Native Trout Challenge, attempting to land each of the 20 native trout species in their historical ranges of the 12 states in…
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Everything you wanted to know: Kern River rainbow trout
Kern River Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gilberti) Species summary and status: Kern River rainbow trout look similar to Coastal rainbow trout, have a slight gold hint. They have many fine, irregular spots all over their bodies, and larger fish may have a rosy streak along their sides. They can also be identified by the distinctive…
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Everything you wanted to know: California golden trout
California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) Species summary and status: The state fish of California, California golden trout once occupied about 450 miles of stream habitat in the upper South Fork Kern River and the adjacent Golden Trout Creek. Currently, the trout is native only to two high-altitude watersheds in California’s rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains. The…
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TU Business members stand strong on Lower Snake
For months now, we’ve been featuring Trout Unlimited Business members who are supporting our efforts to Remove the Lower Four. We’ll continue to do so for some time to come. There are hundreds of these great businesses who are proud to stand with us on this, and we’re grateful for them. They come in all…
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What’s the most important piece of gear when going boating?
Is it your PFD? Probably. What about a spare oar? We all know what happens when you forget that important piece of equipment. First-aid kit? That's an obvious one. What's not as obvious, easily forgotten and potentially dangerous is forgetting the spare key. Dude, wait. Where are the keys? I'd argue it’s almost as important…
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Time in the field brings balance into focus
by Tasha Sorensen We must give due consideration to the tenuous balance between fish and wildlife conservation and energy development and update our antiquated public land energy policy before it’s too late. Our public lands help sustain America’s energy needs, host a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and provide healthy habitats to support some of the last strongholds of native fish and wildlife. As a mom, aunt…