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The True Cast – Fly fishing through drought
Low water? Warm water? You still have options. But you also have responsibilities. It’s no secret that we’re experiencing some whacky, weird, often unfortunate, and sometimes downright devastating water conditions throughout the country now. Fly anglers understand that better than anyone. We are the “boots in the water,” the “canaries in the coal mine” as it…
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San Luis Valley, Colorado: A case study in trout and farm recovery
Nestled in south-central Colorado, the San Luis Valley boasts 14,000-foot peaks, Gold Medal waters, incredible biodiversity and even Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. As the largest alpine valley in the world, this area has been called home by the Navajo, Ute, Apache, Kiowa, Comanche and Spanish before becoming part of the United States. Today, that means the valley distinguishes itself…
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When the fish don’t show up, the river tells the truth
In May, I sat in the boat with my brother on the Clearwater River, fishing for spring Chinook. Our excitement had been brewing for a year, since last season ended. The river looked right. The water felt right. It was the kind of morning that reminds you why people in Idaho wait all year for these incredible fish to come home. But by the end of the day, we had not gotten a…
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The True Cast – The 3 “modes” of dry-fly fishing
Not all dry-fly fishing is the same. Seeing trout poke their heads above the surface might be the obvious clue that you can play the dry-fly game. But the savvy angler recognizes subtle situational differences that can and should dictate some basics, like which fly pattern you choose and how best to present it. I’ve learned…
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Video of the Week – The Golden Trout Project
If wilderness and pristine fishing areas resonate with you, it might be time to check out “The Golden Trout Project”. High in the southern Sierra mountains of California lives a beautiful native trout called the golden trout and now is a splendid time to explore the area. Trek there to see the numerous projects and habitat improvements made by Trout Unlimited and partners and…
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TROUT Tip – tame the wind
Even if you’re new to fly fishing, you can imagine the challenge that a windy day presents to the cast. But it doesn’t have to mean you have to pack it up and go home. It’s all about punching through that stiff breeze, so try these tips to do just that: Thumb on top Make sure to accentuate the power…
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Places Worth Protecting: Hot Creek, California
Hot Creek is a unique geologic site that’s as impressive for its natural beauty as its high quality and highly technical fishing. Join Trout Unlimited, the local community and other nonprofits to help permanently protect this place from mining.
Cresting the dirt rise from the parking on the south side of the canyon, the view comes into focus. The east side of the Sierra Nevada reveals its massive snow-covered flanks. A thin ribbon of clear water S-turns its way through the small canyon. Thick matts of bright green vegetation waving in the gentle current cover the streambed. Small rainbow and big…

