Articles

The only dam in the world without even an alleged purpose

Conservationists have waged a 57-year battle to free “the sweetest water-lane in the world” by tearing down an unnecessary dam. Their efforts have seemed hopeless—until now.
The Rodman Dam blocks the migration of numerous species, from American eels to endangered shortnose sturgeon, and also prevents manatees from reaching important winter habitat (photo: Florida Defenders of the Environment).

Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River is the only dam in the nation without even an alleged purpose. It is a 57-year-old vestigial appendage of what would have been America’s greatest boondoggle.

Influential angler and conservationist Flip Pallot dies at 82

Another icon is fishing the best flats of them all
Photo: William Hereford.

The fly-fishing world lost yet another icon this week, when legendary angler and conservationist Flip Pallot died after complications from a surgery on Tuesday. Pallot, the engaging host of "Walker's Cay Chronicles", which had a 14-year, Saturday-morning television run from 1992 to 2006, and introduced millions to saltwater fishing, was 82 at the time of his passing.

Review: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

Our review of Fishpond's waterproof carry-it-all backpack
Photo: Chris Hunt

Editor’s note: As we ask today’s gear to do more, last longer, and come in at a price that makes sense for a quality gear investment, it can be difficult for consumers in search of specialty items in the fly-fishing space to find the right piece of equipment for the right set of circumstances. Such is the case for waterproof backpacks. We’re launching a multi-part series on these items that are asked to do much more than just “keep stuff dry.” Following is the fourth review in the series.

Skwala intros new 3-in-1 Fusion Tactical midlayer hoody

Layering performance built specifically for wader-wearing anglers
Photo: Skwala Fishing.

Layering is a necessity for virtually all anglers and others who spend long days outdoors in varying conditions. It's the only practical way to get through a full day while staying comfortable. You start the day with all the layers, gradually pare them down until, by mid-afternoon, you’re left with just a mid-layer. By the time the sun has dipped to the horizon, you’ve piled them all back on. Most of the time, your mid-layer is the one constant in the whole setup, the one piece that’s with you all day. That’s likely why there is no shortage of technical mid-layers out there.

Moving day for a rare Colorado trout

Ahead of a raging wildfire, biologists capture hundreds of a rare trout subspecies
Photo: CPW.

A rare subspecies of Colorado River cutthroat trout found only in the headwaters of the Dolores, Gunnison and Colorado river basins got a helping hand from wildlife officials this month before a wildfire could sweep through and cook the upper reaches of the small stream they call home.

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