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. Many 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 on 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 the largest of any of the 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 remains wild mainly in the country. If you catch a brook trout however, in the west. Chances are that 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: however, 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
Summer is officially here, and for anglers across the West, that means it's time to dust off the gear and head to the water. But before you plan your next trip, it’s worth taking a look at how this past winter’s snowpack and spring runoff are shaping up across the region. The 2024–2025 season brought a mix of conditions to the Rockies — from heavy snow in some areas to troubling drought signs in others — and that’s going to have a big impact on the quality and timing of fishing opportunities this summer.
In Idaho, a higher-than-average snowpack brought some welcome relief after several dry years. While that’s generally good news for rivers and reservoirs, it also means there was a higher risk of flooding during the runoff. Unusually warm temperatures in the late spring caused that runoff to come earlier than usual, which shifted the fishing timeline forward a bit. As a result, July is expected to offer some solid fishing conditions, but by August, many rivers will likely be running lower and warmer, making for a slower, more challenging month on the water.
Montana saw similar snowpack conditions, but it’s dealing with even warmer water temperatures than Idaho heading into summer. The early heat has already triggered some fishing restrictions by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to protect stressed trout populations. Anglers should stay informed on local regulations and be prepared for potential afternoon closures or catch-and-release only zones, especially as water temps continue to rise.
Wyoming didn’t fare as well this winter. The state recorded a below-average snowpack, and with warmer temperatures arriving early, concerns over drought are growing. In addition to water shortages in some river systems, there’s also a heightened risk of wildfires, which could lead to restrictions on campfires or backcountry access in certain areas. Anglers planning to explore Wyoming’s waters this summer should come prepared for variable conditions and do some extra research before heading out.
Colorado, as usual, was a mixed bag. While parts of the state — like the South Platte — came in slightly above average at 104% of normal snowpack, other regions, such as the San Juan Mountains, saw only about 69%. Statewide, snowpack averaged out to about 90% of normal. That means most rivers won’t see quite the same peak flows as in heavier years. Anglers can expect good conditions in late June and early July, but as water levels drop and temperatures climb, late July through August may bring slower fishing in many areas, particularly at lower elevations.
Overall, the outlook for summer fishing in the Rockies is a bit of a mixed forecast. Timing will be everything this year — with many rivers peaking earlier than usual, the best windows may come and go quickly. Keep an eye on local reports, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to head for higher elevations or spring-fed streams if things get too warm down low. It’s shaping up to be a dynamic season, but with the right planning, there’s still plenty of great fishing to be had.
How you can help protect the enviroment while fishing
Fishing is one of the most enjoyable hobbies in the world. Millions of people each year flock to the oceans and rivers to enjoy America's pastime. However, being as fun as it is, it's important to fish in a way that keeps the environment in good shape. Not only for us, but also for the people who come after us. In this blog, I will be discussing easy things you can do to make sure we 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 for more to remain and reproduce. When doing this, don't touch this fish too roughly or too much. 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 might not seem like a big deal, but if you do not do this, you increase the risk of spreading invasive species that could cause a lot of harm to the fish you are fishing and their habitat. Things like algae and small organisms can cling to your equipment and then spread themselves from one body of water to another. When introduced to a new body of water they can mess up the local ecosystem. Just give your equipment a rinse or a scrub, and you're good to go.
It is also very important to practice leave no trace while fishing. Fishing line, especially, can cause significant harm as birds or other animals can get themselves entangled. Trash can cause significant damage to fish and other aquatic animals. Just make sure to either throw away your trash in appropriate locations or hold onto it until you can dispose of it.
You will also want to make sure 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 for their ecosystem to be as healthy as possible.
Lastly, make sure to check the regulations in the area you are fishing in. These regulations are put in place for a reason, and are not just there to ruin your fun, but are actually carefully set to make sure the populations are sustainable. Knowing these regulations allows you to fish responsibly and legally.
These pieces of advice are not meant to make fishing more of a chore, but rather make sure you are enjoying 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 affects 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:
