Seeing more fish with science
One TU chapter is recruiting citizen scientists to locate hidden Brook Trout in the NYC suburbs, using state-of-the-art eDNA sampling. Can they help me find a winter steelhead?
CFSers,
It was a moody morning yesterday, wet, but not too cold. I had tromped up the river and was swinging a fly fruitlessly through a newly-scoured run in my local, hoping to find a fish, when my mind started wandering. It was across the continent, with a recent post from CFS member Chuck Grimmett, all about a Trout Unlimited-led eDNA sampling program in the NYC suburbs.
The mission? Obtain samples from Fairfield, Westchester, Putnam counties, and on Long Island, to find out whether brookies still exist in many places that haven't been surveyed in decades.
Their plan is to cover 400 miles of streams, starting with locations where there was historic Brook Trout presence, but no recent state sampling. Then expand to include other streams to find previously unknown populations. This will help guide TU in restoring and protecting the habitat for these native salmonids.
I know there are steelhead in our Oregon rivers, even if they're seldom-seen by me. What would it be like if the detection of salmonid DNA brought others into closer content with the habitat in their backyard? Would they care more? Would they be willing to give more of their time to stream restoration, or their dollars to groups doing habitat work? I think so.
eDNA is making hidden populations visible. The University of Washington is implementing the technology to help count salmon. Programs in Massachusetts are finding all manner of fishy life in urban streams.
We care so much about the blue ribbon water, the famous water, and the all star species. If all anglers and river lovers had a local stream in our lives we cared about, and knew it held those famous fish, the care would compound.
As my fly swung, I daydreamed about rivers and creeks and streams of all kind with new caretakers and guardians, eager to clean up trash and fix culverts because they knew there was a population there, even scientific phantom traces, waiting for a chance to thrive.
Then, I felt a tug. Could it be? I set, sweeping my rod to the bank and I felt a fish pulling line.
Then, I gripped on too tightly. The dream came unpinned. I was left with a bent hook, but a sense of hope restored.
High fives for secondhand gear ✋
How two Michigan pals launched a fly fishing gear marketplace
Their goal? Create an online marketplace to help fly anglers connect with each other around quality secondhand fly equipment.
How to buy a used fly rod: Six steps to get started
In addition to CastBack there are other sources you can scour—online and off—to get a great deal on a used fly rod. Read our six tips, and get a checklist to follow when evaluating a used rod.
Register for the Maupin Meetup!
The salmonfly hatch and all the beauty of late spring in the high desert will be upon us soon. Join CFS May 28-31 in Maupin, Oregon, for some classic big bug fishing and the TroutFest celebration.
Leaders ➰
I'm letting the Leaders aquifer recharge this week (I was fishing) so only the best of the best.
Tools 🎣
Tenkara-curious? Friend of CFS Amanda Hoffner is talking at a Tap Talk event from the Marys River Watershed Council Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 at Common Fields. Hoffner, who writes Lady Tenkara Bum and recently relocated to the Willamette Valley, will will be talking about her tenkara approach, tying traditional flies, and more. If you're not in the Corvallis area to attend in person, she's a great follow anyway. (Instagram)
Technique 🤺
Access to satellite imagery has changed how we scout for fly fishing spots. Open-source intelligence educator Ben Strick introduces six free satellite imagery tools that can be really useful in scouting places to fish. From looking at historical ice-out dates for high mountain lakes, watching changes from floods, or river meander development, finding fishy spots before you leave your desk has never been easier. (YouTube)
📽️ This week's video pick is a playful chat with Tom Rosenbauer from Orvis on what to do when things aren't working out as planned. It's called "How to Get Skunked." You may already feel like an expert (if there's anything I know...), but this quickie is worth watching. Because even His Holiness Tom gets skunked, in Patagonia no less. (YouTube)
Conservation 🌲
On March 5th, CalTrout is leading a tour of floodplain habitat improvements on the lower Sacramento River to aid juvenile salmon. Sactown and Bay area readers may want to check this out. (caltrout.org)
That's it that's all! Current Flow State is a weekly newsletter from me, Nick Parish.
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"A unfished river has no friends" - Barry Thornton
