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Under the category of “that about sums it up” is Tom Bie’s article in the summer edition of The Drake chronicling the National Park Service’s prolonged “scientific” extermination of the brown trout on the Colorado River below Glenn Canyon Dam. The awesome might of the federal government mobilized to effectively degrade one of the world’s great Blue Ribbon trout fisheries in order to preserve the endangered humpback chub downstream. That's not hyperbole.
Over the years, volumes have been written about this controversial subject from every angle, but Bie’s articulate roundup of facts and figures reveals the remarkable story of a wildly expensive and overreaching government program run amok.
It’s a shocking story, literally. A flotilla of government boats outfitted with generators trolling the river at night electrocuting every living creature just to scoop up the brown trout. And then there’s the cash bounty of up to $50 for every brown trout harvested by citizen anglers. All you have to do is catch and butcher the fish, fill out a form, throw the grizzly remains in a plastic bag, drop the bag in a bin and presto, money arrives in your mailbox. One enterprising “incentivized angler” made nearly $30,000 in bounties. And that’s just one guy. More than a quarter million dollars in brown bounties were paid in just four months in 2022-23.
“Their bounty program was an ill-conceived, knee-jerk, hair-on-fire reaction by the National Park Service,” according to Lee’s Ferry guide and outfitter, Dave Foster. “Their contention that brown trout threaten the rainbow fishery was an attempt to incite anglers to get involved in that bounty program, by threatening that, if it didn’t work, more extreme efforts like electrofishing would be employed.” And it has worked; the brown trout have been nearly wiped out.
The question being asked now is when will it all stop? Sadly, probably never. It’s a jobs program. They’re currently ginning up for the invasive and voracious smallmouth bass. Could kayakers be next?
If you want to read Tom Bie’s complete “Tailwater Travesty” report in The Drake you’ll have to buy a copy; there’s no on-line edition. The magazine is for serious fly anglers and was “founded on the principle that too much contemporary outdoor writing gives away all the answers to people who never learned what the questions were.” As part of our mission to promote literacy for fly anglers, you can subscribe here.
Troutfest is coming! For the past few months we’ve been promoting Arizona Troutfest, an ambitious inaugural Arizona Trout Unlimited event that will showcase not only fishing, but everything Arizona outdoors. This update from Alec Young, our intrepid staffer and Troutfest coordinator.
Troutfest is officially seven months away! The date is Saturday, February 22 at Chase Field from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Excitement around the event continues to grow, as sponsors and exhibitors are joining the event weekly.
We would like to thank a few groups who have recently committed to being a part of the event; Central Arizona Project, Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, Casting for Recovery, Desert and Rivers Audubon Society.
Representatives from AZTU traveled to Denver last month to attend Troutfest Colorado. The event was a huge success and fun for all the attendees. Exhibits from a multitude of fishing outfitters gave everyone insight into the newest fishing gear, while numerous guides, contractors, and other entities spoke and promoted various aspects of outdoor activities.
Troutfest Arizona is a first of its kind event celebrating conservation, community, and fishing. Chase Field will provide a central location that is accessible to the entire state of Arizona at a familiar and recognizable site. Parking will be free. We are still seeking presenting sponsors and exhibitors as we move forward, please contact Alec Young (alec.young@tu.org) for more information.
Troutfest will be free to children under 18, with activities and amenities designed for all ages.
AZ Fly Shop is reprising its not to be missed Fly Fishing Film Tour on Sunday, September 22, 4-6 p.m. at Moon Valley Country Club, 151 W. Moon Valley Drive in Phoenix.
If you’ve never been to one of these fly fishing film tour events you might want to check it out. It’s always a fun time with fly fishing friends, fiends, food, suds and beautiful films of bucket list fly fishing expeditions guaranteed to max out your credit card. Get your tickets here.
Coming up in Zane Grey Land
Arizona Fly Casters' monthly meeting will be Tuesday, August 13, at the American Italian Club 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ. Speakers are Karen Gremminger and Patti Nix on Casting for Recovery.
Desert Fly Casters' monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, August 14 at the Elks Club, 1775 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler. Meeting starts at 7 p.m.
And, if you need to renew your TU membership you can do it here easily. This link should take you directly to the renewal page.
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