Articles

Of cutthroat, elk and pine

National monuments protect more than artifacts and historical sites.

by Johnny Carrol Sain - Sunday, Jul 9th, 2017

Photo: Johnny Carrol Sain

Following guide and owner of Taos Fly Shop Nick Streit along the banks of the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico isn’t easy. There are so many potential ankle-twisting scenarios—rocks, holes, steep and slippery mud banks—and so many distractions. For a curious nose like mine, it was smells that were distracting. The spice of sage mixed with smooth vanilla of ponderosa pine, and then a medley of something else I couldn’t identify. The fragrant richness was unexpected in such austere country.

When forests die: Climate change and our sporting heritage

A report from the front lines of climate change research

by William Anderegg - Tuesday, Jul 4th, 2017

Dying aspens in the Colorado Rocky Mountains near Fairplay, CO (photo: William Anderegg).

I grew up fishing and hunting in rural Colorado. My brother and I would fish all day for cutthroat and rainbow trout in the streams and lakes, long beyond when I’m sure my dad was ready to head home. I remember the sheer joy I felt as I unwrapped my first gun—a beautiful little .410 shotgun—and learned to shoot it, first at cans and then eventually upland birds. We had our favorite campsites nestled in the quaking aspens that we returned to year after year, where we’d chase chipmunks around with small bows.

Dry flies need slack

So give it to 'em, George Harvey style

by Domenick Swentosky - Friday, Jun 30th, 2017

Photo: Josh Stewart

Drag kills drifts. On the surface or under, it’s an enemy to every fly fisher, destroying the elusive dead drift and turning good presentations bad. Luckily, the right leader, tippet and casting stroke can beat drag long enough to trick even the fussiest fish.

Imitating a naturally drifting insect is at the heart of fly fishing and for many is the baseline approach. Let’s set aside swung wet flies, nymphs and streamers for a while, and deal with the roots— the top water game—the foundation of modern fly fishing.

Trump, Pruitt surprise exactly no one by doing what they said they would

Adminstration continues its efforts to eliminate protections on our streams, creeks, ponds and wetlands

by Chad Shmukler - Thursday, Jun 29th, 2017

EPA administrator Scott Pruit (photo: Gage Skidmore).

As part of Trump’s clearly stated, ongoing mission to rollback regulations that stand in the way of increased fossil fuel and other industrial development, the administration yesterday revealed more about its plans to eliminate rules that protect our nation’s streams, creeks, rivers, ponds and wetlands from pollution.

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