Different Factors that Disrupt a Trout’s Ecosystem
Freshwater trout are one of the most sensitive fish that humans come into regular contact with. This is why it is so important to know how to handle fish when you fly fish. However, humans are not the only factors that impact freshwater trout. In this post, I will address both abiotic (nonliving) factors and Biotic (living) factors that impact freshwater trout.
Let’s start with abiotic factors. An abiotic factor is a chemical or physical component of an ecosystem that affects organisms within that ecosystem. Many abiotic factors impact trout in their ecosystem. One of the most critical factors for a healthy ecosystem is water temperature. Trout thrive in colder water ranging from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also rich in oxygen. This means cold moving water, such as a mountain stream, is the ideal habitat for freshwater trout. The next most important factor is likely the pH level of water. The pH level, or scale, indicates how acidic or basic the water is. Trout, unsurprisingly, thrive in neutral water with a pH around 7. The final critical abiotic factor that is worth highlighting is water flow. A strong water flow is important for fish because strong currents bring oxygen and food. However, if a current is too strong, it has a negative impact on trout reproduction, as eggs wash away. The best water flow for fly fishing is around 100-400 cfs (cubic feet per second).
Now, let’s address Biotic factors. A biotic factor is any living component of an ecosystem. In a trout ecosystem, one of the most essential Biotic factors is the hatches of the insects around the water. A hatch is a mass emergence of small aquatic insects that are transforming from their nymph stage into the winged stage, i.e., flies. These hatches are critical as they provide an essential food source for trout. Understanding hatches is critical to success as a fly fisherman because, most of the time, they determine what fish are eating, and when they eat. Below is an example of a hatch, which I recorded on my phone.
Human activities are also a very important biotic factor. Urban development is a significant threat to freshwater trout as it destroys habitat and when it does not destroy the habitat it often impacts the ecosystem around the river, resulting in hatches not being as abundant. This leads to not only less healthy fish, but also fewer fish in general.
Differences Between an El Niño and La Niña and How They Can Affect Your Fishing
El Niños and La Niñas are global weather phenomena that typically happen once every 2 to 7 years. El Niños usually occur much more than La Niñas. Weather patterns in the United States are a result of the global wind patterns. El Niños and La Niñas directly affect the international trade winds, which are winds that blow from east to west from the poles to the equator. These standard wind patterns are what directly cause the weather patterns we typically see: cold and wet winters in the north, dry and warmer winters in the south. However, El Niño slows down and sometimes reverses these trade winds. This leads to warmer and hotter winters in the north, and colder and wetter winters in the south. A La Niña intensifies the typical wind patterns.
So what does this have to do with fishing? As we all know, snowpack affects water levels in fly fishing streams. During an El Niño, the snowpack will be far below average. This means that prime water levels will occur earlier than usual, as there will be less snow. This also means that there is a genuine drought concern later in the fishing season. This means that an El Niño is detrimental to fishing because it disrupts spawning, making it difficult for fish populations to remain stable.
The exact opposite can be said for a La Niña. A La Niña will cause there to be more snow in the north, leading to a much larger snowpack. This means that water levels will become prime much later in the season. There can also be a significant flood risk early in the season. A general sentiment is that this is better for fish populations because there are more nutrients in the water as a result. This can lead to healthier and larger fish, resulting in increased fish reproduction.
It is essential when planning a fishing trip in the Northern United States to see what weather patterns are occurring. Knowing and predicting a location's snowpack can be very beneficial to your ability to catch fish.
The Fabeled Trout of North America
Fly Fishing in North America is more about catching fish. It's about understanding an area’s past, understanding the ecosystem in which you surround yourself. Each species you are able to see has its own story. Knowing the different species will tell you if the fish you are catching is stocked or not. In this post, I will talk about the three major trout species in North America and their history.
Starting with the staple of North American fly fishing, the rainbow trout. The rainbow trout is the most well-known trout in North America. Although Native to the Pacific coast, the Rainbow Trout is the most stocked trout throughout North America. If you have ever gone on any sort of fly fishing trip in America, you have most likely caught one of the colorful fish. When catching Rainbow Trout, it is important to know where you are. If you are on the eastern coast and you catch rainbow trout, chances are the fish you caught is not wild. However, if you are on the western coast, chances are it is… not. Although native to the West Coast, the Rainbow trout populations are often depleted by overfishing, and the only reason they have a steady population is because of continued stocking. So if you catch one of America's most famous fish, chances are you caught a rude stocker.
The next fish is the beloved Brown Trout. Brown Trout are widely considered the favorite among anglers. This is due to many reasons. Brown Trout often grow to be one the largest trout in North America, and also put up the best fight. They are also considered one of the hardest fish to catch. Many experienced anglers call them the smartest fish, as they are often wild, and stocking is limited. If you come to North America to fly fish, chances are you are chasing a brown trout.
The last trout I want to talk about today is the Brook Trout. Brook trout are a fabled classic among North American fly fishermen. Found mostly in the eastern United States, a brook trout is beloved for its striking beauty and colorful pattern of orange, yellow, and red dots. The largest Brook Trout caught on record is 14lbs 8 ozs. Brook Trout remain wild mostly everywhere in the country. If you catch a Brook Trout, however, in the west, chances are that it is a stocked fish.
Understanding Different Types of Flies
The most important thing about fly fishing is knowing what bugs are landing on a water at a particular time. Matching the hatch is the base of fly fishing: if you cannot correctly match the hatch, then you will find little luck. Different bugs emerge at various times, depending on weather conditions and the time of year. There are two main stages of a bug's life: a nymph and dry fly stage. A nymph imitates the larva stage of a fly. This is before the bug hatches and begins to float on the water. It is a good idea, often to fish nymphs during warmer times, as fish will be more lethargic and less likely to eat on the top water where dry flies are present. Dry fly fishing on the other hand, is far more popular than nymphing as the strikes (eats) are far cooler due to the nature of being able to see the fish eat. There are four main dry fly patterns: the mayfly, caddis, stonefly, and terrestrial. Mayflies are often represented by popular patterns such as the Adams fly, as seen below.
Caddis flies are one of the more popular patterns and is most famously represented by the elk hair caddis. It is named this because the artificial fly is made out of elk hair. The elk hair caddis can be very productive when a caddis hatch is occurring.
Stoneflies can also be a very popular pattern of fly. However, these flies are much more situational and are not nearly as diverse. A popular pattern of this fly is the Stimulator.
Lastly terrestials. Terrestrials portray different insects found on land, such as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. These bugs often find their way onto the water due to the wind. So, during a hot, windy day, it is wise to use one of these flies.
What to Expect on The River this Summer
The summer is officially here, and for anglers across the country, that means that it is time to get the gear out of the basement and get on the water. The past winter was unusual across the western United States, as different areas experienced varying amounts of snow and temperatures. This will have a significant impact on where you choose to fish this summer, but in this blog, I will help you out by sharing what I know about the conditions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Anglers in Idaho should be optimistic. During the 2024-2025 season, Idaho experienced a snowpack that was higher than average. This would typically be good and bad news for anglers in the region. The good news is that the region has a series of dry years, so it is suitable for the area to get more than average snowpack. However, there is potential for flooding during runoff. Temperatures were also higher than usual in the late season, causing runoff earlier than normal. This means that July should be an excellent time for fly fishermen to get on the water; however, once August arrives, water levels and flows will be low, and fish will be less active, making fishing much more challenging.
Montana is experiencing something similar. Like Idaho, the snowpack ended up being higher than expected; however, Montana is experiencing higher water temperatures due to the warmer end of the season. This has already prompted Fish and Game to create certain fishing restrictions for the season in order to help the population. For fishermen, this means planning is key. Before going fishing, make sure to check that you are allowed to fish in the area you desire.
Wyoming, unfortunately, did not experience a good snow year and recorded a below-average snowpack. Combining this with warmer temperatures, the fear of a massive drought spreads across the state. This has also led to a large wildfire risk in the area, which could impose restrictions on campfires while camping. Anglers should be prepared for water shortages in certain areas of the state.
Colorado had a very different year from all of the other states. Certain areas, such as the South Platte, recorded a snowpack 104% of the usual; however, areas such as the San Juan experienced 69% of the normal. Statewide, it recorded a snowpack of 90% of the usual. Anglers should expect water flows not to peak as high as usual. The area should experience a good late June, early July; however, as water temperatures begin to rise, late July to early August will not be as promising.
At the end of the day, this should pose no real surprise to anyone who fishes this region. Each year, conditions are different, and different challenges present themselves. One piece of advice I have for anyone fishing this area to be patient and persistent. The more you fish and try new water, the more success you will have.
How You Can Help Protect the Enviroment While Fishing
Fishing is one of the most enjoyable hobbies in the world. Millions of people flock to the oceans and rivers each year to enjoy this American pastime. However, being as much fun as it is, it's essential to fish in a way that maintains the environment in good condition. Not only for us, but also for the people who come after us. In this blog, I will discuss some easy things you can do to help protect our waters and wildlife.
There are many things you can do to practice safe fishing while out on a trip. Firstly, you can practice catch-and-release. Not every fish needs to be kept. In fact, practicing Catch and release is essential, as it allows more fish to remain and reproduce. When doing this, avoid touching the fish too roughly or excessively. Also, always get your hands wet so you don't damage the fish’s protective coating. Using a barbless hook also makes it much easier to release the fish without hurting it. In doing this, the ecosystem in which they live will become healthier and stronger.
It is also very important to clean your fishing equipment before and after you fish. It may not seem like a significant issue, but if you fail to do this, you increase the risk of spreading invasive species that could cause considerable harm to the fish you are targeting and their habitat. Things like algae and small organisms can cling to your equipment and then spread to other bodies of water. When introduced to a new body of water, they can mess up the local ecosystem. Rinse or scrub your equipment, and you're good to go.
It is also crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles while fishing. Fishing line, in particular, can cause significant harm as birds or other animals can become entangled. Trash can cause substantial damage to fish and other aquatic animals. Just make sure to either dispose of your trash in the designated locations or hold onto it until you can do so.
You will also want to avoid overused or sensitive areas. In these areas, fish need time to recover, reproduce, and stay healthy. By avoiding these areas, you are allowing the fish to flourish and alleviate pressure. This allows their ecosystem to be as healthy as possible.
Lastly, be sure to check the local regulations in the area where you are fishing. These regulations are put in place for a reason, and are not just there to ruin your fun; they are actually carefully set to ensure the populations are sustainable. Knowing these regulations allows you to fish responsibly and legally.
These pieces of advice are not meant to make fishing a chore, but rather to ensure you enjoy what you love responsibly.
The Pros and Cons of the construction of the Bolivar Roads Gate System, as mentioned in the documentary “Chasing the Tide”
Overview
What was the key issue mentioned in episode two of “Chasing the Tide”? The problem mentioned was the construction of a gate system in Galveston Bay, also known as the Bolivar Roads Gate system. This system is part of a more significant Texas Coastal Project, known as the “Ike Dike.” The gate system of Galveston Bay is proposed to combat pre-storm surges that occur during intense weather systems, such as hurricanes. This storm surge has been a persistent problem in the area for decades, most recently evident on the Bolivar Peninsula after Hurricane Ike made landfall as an intense Category 2 hurricane.
Reasons why people do not support the project
So why would anyone be against a project that could save hundreds of lives? Environmentalists, such as those with the Galveston Bay Foundation, identify numerous problems associated with constructing a gate of this magnitude. The Corps of Engineers' most recent estimates indicate that significant permanent damage to the bay would result if the gate were built. The Corps estimates that water flows into the bay may be restricted by anything from 10 to 30%. If true, this restriction of water flow would have extensive consequences on the wildlife in the area. Since the gate would heavily limit the amount of fresh water entering the bay, environmentalists are most concerned about the water quality of the bay and the loss of the wetlands. Since the project would require an extensive amount of concrete and artificial island, members of the bay association are worried that the water quality of the bay would deteriorate as a result. The wetlands around the bay would also disappear if flows are restricted.If the water quality were to deteriorate, fisheries would be vastly impacted. Since fish can not survive in poor water conditions, it is feared that a large population of fish would die. In turn, this would affect wildlife far inland of the bay. Many birds in the area rely on these fish for food and a source of protein. So if a large number of the fish die, it can be inferred that a large number of shore birds would die as well. The seafood industry, which relies on Galveston Bay, would practically disappear as the overall quality of the seafood would decrease severely. The gates, as well, are only projected to help prevent the surge associated with a category two storm. Many do not think it would be worth risking the bay and $ 50 billion to build a project that only combats category two hurricanes.
Reasons why the project has support
Although there are numerous negatives associated with building this gate, there are also several positives. The primary purpose of this gate is to combat the storm surge water that enters Galveston Bay. If the gate is able to accomplish this, thousands of homes and facilities would be safe from these dangerous rising waters, particularly critical infrastructure, such as the petroleum refineries that exist along the bay. The Port of Houston, as well, would be protected, which could face up to $ 100 billion in damages if a severe storm produces a catastrophic storm surge. In building this gate, many think it would benefit both the economy and national security. Other ports, such as those in New Jersey, Boston, Charlotte, and Miami, have been in contact with those associated with the building of this gate, as they are also interested in protecting the assets that lie within their ports.
My personal opinion
Personally, I believe that this system should not be built. I fear that the consequences of building the system far outweigh the positives. I believe that the money allocated for installing the gate should be used to strengthen the infrastructure itself. There are many better ways to protect the industries around the bay that do not come at the cost of the bay itself.
Helping Our Community
Figuring out how to stop the impacts of climate change can seem like too big of a job, but if all of do small things in our communities it can really make a difference. Little things add up, right? My family is very involved in nonprofit work and my mom founded a shelter in Houston that houses immigrant women and children who just entered the US. It’s called Casa Mateo. Shelters house a lot of people and aren’t always great at being “environmentally friendly” so I talked with their team to see if I could help out at their facility in a way that would improve their environmental impact. I learned that they would really like to build a community garden. I immediately agreed as I felt that a shelter of this size would benefit greatly from the ability to grow some of their own vegetables. They also told me that gardening and being outside can help people who have experienced a lot of trauma, so this was an easy decision.
So how does growing your some of your own food help the environment?
Takes away the need to drive to the grocery store which reduces carbon emissions from cars
No plastic containers. It takes a ton of fuel to make these things and then they are immediately thrown into the trash which ends up in landfills
No need for pesticides - which by the way can end up in our rivers and streams harming our fish and other wildlife.
After completing the garden boxes, I realized that irrigating them will use both energy and water. So we are now planning to build a rain-water collection system . This is going to help Casa Mateo reduce its irrigated water use, and thus energy consumption. Although the difference may seem small, many cutbacks like this go a long way in saving our planet. If we all do a few little things, it can make a big impact.
How Differences in Snowpack Impacts our Fisheries
The effect of climate change on fisheries
Climate change, as we all know, poses a real threat to fisheries and lands that people love to enjoy, especially outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of the effects of climate change have already been seen. According to the USDA, a severe increase in annual temperatures has already occured in states in the Pacific Northwest, such as Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Alaska, home of famous national parks such as Denali National Park, has seen sharply increased temperatures. In some areas of Alaska, temperatures have risen 6.2 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900.
So, how does this drastic change affect us? Fisheries, for starters, have been heavily affected by this change in temperature. A temperature rise reduces snowpack, and precipitation that would be snow quickly turns to rain. This mass increase in rain causes severe flooding, and the Washington government estimates that streamflow will increase by 25-34% by 2080. This means severe damage to not only human habitats but also fish habitats. The increase in streamflow eradicates calm water needed for fish to reproduce and survive.
Small towns such as Ketchum, Idaho, have seen major consequences from climate change. Drastic differences in snowpack year over year have made it almost impossible for the rainbow trout in the region to stabilize their population. Warmer water temperatures in small towns, such as Ketchum, make it even harder for fish to survive in these new, harsh conditions. As a result, these towns have experienced lackluster fishing seasons.
Consequences
Although seemingly minor, the consequences of climate change have had major impacts on these regions. An estimated 4 billion dollars will be lost in the economy due to new climate changes, as ski resorts have seen a snowfall decrease of 40% over the past 40 years. So, not only do these changes affect the world's outdoorsman, but they also affect regular consumers.
So, how can you help? For starters, irrigation plays a massive role in the fluctuation of river flows. For example, in the Wood River Valley of Idaho, the vastly important Big Wood River sections are arid due to irrigation. As seen in the photo below,
As you probably could have guessed, this majority disrupts the habitats of the trout in the region. It is another factor in the poor fishing seasons the area has experienced. You can help stop this damage by installing a rainwater collector in your yard. The rainwater collector can be used to water your plants, which you typically might have used a hose or a sprinkler system to water. Decreasing the amount of irrigated water you use can help contribute to the decline in water /from key waterways such as the Big Wood River.
Welcome to My Blog
Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Wilson Johnson, and I am a High School Junior. I started fly fishing with my family as a child, and over the last few years, it has become a passion. As a result, I have become increasingly interested in external factors that impact the fish and, therefore, fly fishing. This past summer, I worked as a junior guide in an Orvis-endorsed shop in Idaho, and I learned from the senior guides the effects of global warming on the sport. Before working in Idaho, I believed climate change would have minimal impact on fishing in a state in the Pacific Northwest. However, this belief was completely misplaced. The senior guides taught me how vital the snowpack was to fishing and the local ecosystem. They taught me that the seasonal snow was the lifeblood for the local fishery (and fly fishing) and that if that winter snow turned to rain due to rising temperatures (which results in irregular stream flows), it would be catastrophic for the fish. The guides then explained that the small rivers in their community had already felt the effects of climate change for reasons I explain in this blog. This surprised me, and I wanted to research these issues further. In addition, I found this newly acquired information so interesting that I decided to make a blog to share this information (and additional information I find) with the rest of the community.
Here is a picture of me:
