Becoming a Well-rounded Angler

Becoming a Well-rounded Angler

Today, becoming a “well-rounded” angler not only means you can row a boat, hike to alpine lakes, tie your own flies and fish various techniques to different species (dry flies, nymphs, streamers, spey rods etc.)–but it also means you’re aware of the interconnectedness of our natural resources and are willing to roll up your sleeves and help preserve these often fragile places.

The short film “Lifeblood” explores how a group of young anglers is working with the Bureau of Land Management and other partners like Trout Unlimited to restore and revitalize Muddy Creek in Wyoming, which is part of the elaborate headwaters system that feeds the Colorado River.

By creating beaver dam analogs (which will, over time, be adopted and augmented by real beavers), they’re slowing the creek currents, which ultimately leads to a more sustained source of cooler, cleaner water. This literally pumps life back into the river system. The impacts of this work will still be felt when these young anglers’ great grandchildren are fishing the Colorado system.

This is one of many examples of how Generation Next is redefining what it means to be a well-rounded angler in America.

Today, the well-rounded angler…

Is also a conservationist.

They understand how river systems work, and realize that every impact is felt for miles downstream.

They put back into rivers more than the fish they catch.

They realize that working with nature is often more fun than trying to conquer it.

The people you see in this short film “Lifeblood” by Trout Unlimited are all champions, and that has nothing to do with records of fish caught. – Kirk Deeter

Castwork Profile: Dave Faltings

The heart of the Silver Creek waterway originally was owned by Averell Harriman, the same railroad baron who owned much of this region, including what would become the famous “Railroad Ranch” section of the Henry’s Fork. The Creek eventually came under ownership of the Sun Valley Company, and by 1975, it had suffered under years of ranching, hunting, and fishing overuse, and was placed on the market. It was Jack Hemingway, then Idaho’s Fish and Game Commissioner, who spearheaded an effort by the Nature Conservancy to acquire the land and water. The Conservancy took control in 1976, and now holds the Creek in trust, opening it to the public under carefully regulated conditions.

But the story did not end with the acquisition. Since that time, the Conservancy aggressively has acquired adjacent land, and also sought and received the donation of conservation easements from neighboring landowners. The net result has been the all-inclusive preservation of the watershed: the Creek, its tributaries, and the wetlands that impact this environment. Today, over 20 miles of stream and thousands of acres are safeguarded by this private initiative. It is a unique and lasting example of what locals, conservation groups, fish and game agencies, and sportsmen can accomplish, working together, to protect more than one single resource, for one special interest. Papa Hemingway may have started us all thinking about the sporting life. His son Jack gave us a place to experience it.

Says Dave: “When I go other places in the West and eventually return home, I look at Silver Creek, and I’m the happiest guy in the world. To think about the number of people who had to join together to make this effort possible is incredible. Everyone here is very proud of, and very committed to saving the Creek.”

Read the entire essay from Castwork: Reflections of Fly Fishing Guides and the American West (2002). More on Fishing Silver Creek from Todd Tanner.

For those who didn’t know, Dave, or “Super Dave” passed away in 2016 from ALS.

Product Buzz

We review the highly-hyped Scientific Anglers Magnitude Textured Infinity Salt Full Clear Fly Line and the COAST LED 155 Multi-Tool. From Outside: The Best Performance Flannels of the fall. Flylords reviews the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio: “This device is meticulously designed for outdoor enthusiasts who push boundaries and require a reliable way to communicate in the backcountry.” The Flyfish Journal tests the NRS Approach 120 Raft: “Their team of designers and boaters built the Approach for those that want a light, customizable and very portable boat and freedom from a few of those typical break-out-another-thousand-dollars problems.” Costa Sunglasses rolls out some new frames in their fall line: The Finlet and Clipperton join Costa’s performance line as “fresh designs built with functional features and available at an entry level price point.” GearJunkie reviews the Best Hunting Knives of 2024. FlyLords takes a deep dive into the Benchmade Knife Company’s Water collection. From Epic Fly Rods: some great tips on fly selection and tactics to outsmart wary fish.

Fly-fishing News

Check out the BONEDALE FISHING REPORTS seventeen and eighteen, featuring legendary guide, Kea Hause, from Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. From Outside: “The Battle for Campsites Is Out Of Hand. Is it Ever OK to Steal One?” From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): “Higher temperatures caused by anthropogenic climate change made an ordinary drought into an exceptional drought that parched the American West from 2020-2022,” according to a new study by UCLA, NOAA and CIRES scientists. Deschutes River steelhead: Professional snowboarder and fishing guide Curtis Ciszek and the Nam Products crew swing flies on the lower Deschutes for a promising run of fish. In positive news for the fishery, the 2024 steelhead run is one of the brightest in decades. Kelly Galloup, the Slide Inn streamer king and iconoclastic personality, talks about streamer fishing, but also being a technically well-rounded angler, on the Mill House Podcast.

Recent Press

“I enjoyed the article ‘There’s no such thing as a perfect cast’ and wanted to share a couple of thoughts: As an FFI Certified Fly Casting Instructor, I agree focusing on making a perfect cast vs. good presentation isn’t worth the trade off in most fishing situations.” – George, Flylab Fan

“I’m a new member, but have followed you for a while–love the site, format and concept.” – Chris, Flylab Fan

On partners and discounts: “Market partners with a brain, not those looking to expand the Instagram hero market. You also should be able to stand on your own merit and forget the discounts. When you bring the transaction down to price, you’re acting like the world's oldest profession.” – Anonymous Fly Shop

At our core, we’re trying to help anglers cut through the nonsense and identify the gear, angling insights and destination providers that matter. Access to discounts is simply intended to help the consumer make some gains against inflation. We know it’s hard to please everyone.

We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.

Scouting Report

We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of.

Zen Tenkara

Based in Colorado, Zen Tenkara is the oldest independently owned tenkara fly rod company in the U.S. They design, manufacture and sell a broad range of high quality tenkara rods, lines and accessories. The company has a reputation for modernizing this fixed-line method and creating a “fusion” of traditional fly fishing with tenkara to target not only small species, but also large, powerful fish not typically associated with the method.

Flylab discount: 35% off all regularly priced products, excluding gift certificates and lessons.

Partner Spotlight

Black Earth Angling Co.

Black Earth Angling Co. has been providing one-of-a-kind fly-fishing trips in southwest Wisconsin for years. From the secret limestone spring creeks of the Driftless region, to the picturesque Lower Wisconsin State Riverway and famous Black Earth Creek, their trout and warm water (smallmouth) trips offer the perfect setting for unique fly-fishing experiences. Whether it’s single-day outings, multi-day fishing camps, or destination travel, the BEAC team has you covered.

Flylab discount: 15% off your first day trip for new customers, 10% off single-day trips for existing customers.

If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.