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June was a big month for fly fishing—on the water, in Washington, and across the gear world. While some headlines made waves, others slipped by quietly. Here’s everything you need to know from June 2025: wins, trends, challenges, and where we're heading next.

In June 2025, fly fishers across the Eastern United States found themselves facing more than just tight lines and tricky casts, they were staring down one of the most intense heatwaves on record.

Date:  June 28–29, 2025 Location:  U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. In a dramatic and high-stakes late-night session, the U.S. Senate narrowly protected America’s public lands from being sold off in a last-minute legislative twist. The vote on the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," officially known as the Budget Reconciliation Act of 2025, passed 51–49 around 11:45 PM. One of its most controversial provisions—the potential sale of federal public lands—was removed just before the vote, thanks to coordinated advocacy and procedural rulings. What Was at Stake Buried in the initial draft of the 900-page bill was a clause authored by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) that would have allowed states to assume control of certain federal lands, enabling them to sell off millions of acres of BLM lands, national forests, and wildlife corridors. Fly fishers, hunters, backpackers, and conservationists quickly recognized the risk: access to cherished public waters and wilderness could disappear. The proposal aimed to exploit a budget reconciliation loophole, bypassing normal debate and requiring only a simple majority. Though framed as a revenue-positive move, many argued it was an unprecedented step toward privatizing federal lands. How Close It Actually Got The land sale language very nearly survived negotiations. Throughout Saturday, Senate Republicans debated intensely. Senators including Rand Paul (KY), Tommy Tuberville (AL), and Lisa Murkowski (AK) threatened to withhold support unless their priorities were addressed. Multiple sources indicated that several senators were willing to accept the land provision in exchange for Medicaid reforms or infrastructure guarantees. Two developments shifted the momentum: The Senate parliamentarian  ruled that the land sale clause violated the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in a reconciliation bill. Because the sale wasn't primarily budget-related, it was ineligible. Internal GOP dissent  emerged. Senators like Todd Young (IN) and Susan Collins (ME) voiced concern, and former Interior Secretary and current Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) publicly condemned the clause. Facing growing resistance and no viable path forward, Sen. Lee withdrew the proposal. The Public's Response The reaction from the public was immediate and powerful. Over 33,000 people  contacted their senators in 24 hours through platforms like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. Hashtags  like #KeepItPublic, #NoLandSellOff, and #NotOneAcre gained traction across social media. Outdoor brands, conservation organizations, fly fishing guides, and independent voices  aligned in a rare show of unity. Veterans organizations  such as Project Healing Waters voiced their opposition, emphasizing the therapeutic value of public lands for those who served. This coordinated pressure campaign proved decisive in influencing lawmakers. What Comes Next: The Vote-a-Rama Begins With the land sale provision removed, the budget bill now proceeds to the next phase: a vote-a-rama. This is a fast-paced, 20-hour session where senators propose and vote on a series of amendments. The session is scheduled to begin Sunday, June 30 and conclude by Tuesday, July 2. While the land sale clause has been stripped, similar policies may be reintroduced under new language. Advocates are monitoring the amendment process closely to ensure no last-minute rewordings reintroduce the issue. If the bill passes the Senate, it will move to the House for reconciliation before the July 4 deadline. Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for the bill in its current form, without land sale measures. Why This Matters to Fly Fishers Public lands are the backbone of American fly fishing. They offer access to rivers, lakes, and remote wilderness areas that are often unavailable on private property. If these lands had been sold, it could have marked the beginning of a long-term shift away from public access. This vote was about more than politics. It was about protecting a way of life, defending community access, and preserving the natural places that mean so much to so many. The message is clear: advocacy matters . And staying informed is the first step. Sources: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) The Salt Lake Tribune Washington Post Politico Sierra Club Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) Evergreen Action U.S. Senate proceedings

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: GIRLTALK15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation efforts. In a sport known for being quiet, serious, and sometimes downright unwelcoming, Girl Talk Live  is none of those things. And that’s exactly the point. It’s loud. Messy. Hilarious. Supportive. Emotional. And very, very fishy. It’s a digital campfire for women in fly fishing—and a reminder that this world isn’t just for those with the right waders, the right lineage, or the right zip code. It’s for whoever shows up. “Girl Talk Live was born out of pure homesickness for my fishy gal pals,” says founder Jessica . “We were all scattered across the country, and I missed the chaos, the laughs, and the way we could talk flies and feelings without any pretense.” So she went live one night. No script. No sponsors. Just a phone, a vice, and an idea. And that one decision turned into a full-blown community. More Than a Livestream At a glance, Girl Talk Live  might look like a quirky fly-tying show. But it’s not really about the flies. It’s about creating a space that doesn’t feel performative or polished. A space that feels like friendship. “The vibe is ‘come as you are’—messy bun, mystery beverage, unfinished fly and all... If someone joins just to laugh or feel less alone in this sport, that’s a win.” The aesthetic? She calls it a Lisa Frank fever dream meets chaotic fly box —all sticker-covered coolers, unhinged colors, and inside jokes you learn just by hanging out. It’s fun because it’s real. It's scrappy because it’s honest. And somehow, that chaos has become a magnet for connection. Culture Shift in Real Time There’s been a lot of talk about inclusion in fly fishing over the past few years, but Girl Talk Live  isn’t talking about it—it’s just doing it. Jessica has built a space where new fly anglers, especially women, feel not just welcomed but celebrated . “The DMs I’ve gotten from young women saying, ‘I didn’t know this kind of space existed’—that’s why I keep doing it.” “It’s goofy, but it’s also a lifeline for some of us.” The show blends technical conversations with off-the-wall humor, personal stories with honest vulnerability. Some episodes end in laughter. Some end in tears. The best ones end in both. And it’s not just women tuning in. It’s people who are tired of the gatekeeping and the gear-flexing. People who want fly fishing to feel like a community again, not a club. Not Everyone Gets It—And That’s Fine Of course, not everyone knows what to make of Girl Talk. Jessica’s had her fair share of critics—those who question whether it’s “serious enough” or “respectable” for the industry. “Oh yeah—we’ve definitely gotten the ‘Is this even serious?’ comments. But that’s kind of the point.”“We are serious about fishing—but we’re also serious about making it fun, inclusive, and ours.” That refusal to tone it down is what makes Girl Talk Live  work. It’s also what makes it stick. Fly fishing has long had a culture of restraint. Girl Talk  blows that wide open. It’s not disrespectful—it’s just joyful . And in this space, joy is allowed to lead. Stories That Matter Jessica’s favorite episodes aren’t about gear reviews or elite destination trips. They’re about people. “Anytime someone tells a story and we all end up crying or laughing uncontrollably—that’s my favorite episode.” And her dream guest? “Honestly, it’d be rad to get a multigenerational episode—someone who’s been fishing 50 years and someone who just started yesterday.” Because Girl Talk Live  isn’t just about what happens on camera—it’s about what happens when people see themselves in the frame. The Road Ahead (and Maybe Flame Visors?) So what’s next for Girl Talk? A merch line? Maybe. A film series? Possibly. A live tour of fly shops, guide services, and women-owned lodges across the country? That one’s already percolating. “World domination feels inevitable. We’re just pacing ourselves.” The show has grown quickly—but Jessica is in no rush to turn it into something slick or over-produced. The scrappy vibe is part of the magic. “We’re thinking flame visors. But we’ll figure it out.” A Word to Anyone Watching from the Sidelines If you’ve been hovering near the edge of fly fishing—unsure if you belong, if you’re good enough, if you’re welcome—Jessica has a message for you: “You absolutely belong here. It’s okay to be a beginner. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Laugh at yourself.” “Find your people—or come hang out with us until you do.” She’s quick to give credit to every guide who didn’t condescend, every fly shop that hired a woman, and every girl who tagged Girl Talk  after tying her first fly. Because it’s not just about the person in front of the camera. It’s about what happens behind the screen. The ripple effect. The moment someone feels seen. Why Girl Talk Matters This isn’t a rebrand of fly fishing. It’s a reclamation. It’s about laughter in a space that once demanded silence. It’s about stories in a sport that often only told one kind. It’s about turning “Why not me?” into “Hell yes, you.” So whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone who just bought your first bobbin, know this: There’s a loud, colorful, supportive space for you.And the fishy girlies are already popping off. Follow Girl Talk Live 📍 Instagram: @girltalklive This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscription fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: GIRLTALK15  for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to women-led conservation and youth fishing nonprofits.

A tri-state plan with trout-sized stakes. This spring, the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife  launched a landmark initiative to restore Eastern brook trout  across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Backed by a $3.5 million America the Beautiful Challenge  grant, the effort is part of a growing regional partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission , New York DEC , Trout Unlimited , Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (EBTJV) , and several federal agencies.

This piece is part of Sunday Cast , a weekly op-ed published in Casts That Care —our daily fly fishing newsletter. Each subscription helps support fly fishing charities, with 50% of fees donated every month, Join Us Here ! Read more. Think deeper. Fish better.   By Kevin Wolfe | Casts That Care A Bill with Big Consequences This summer, a new bill in the U.S. Senate is quietly setting the stage for what could be one of the largest sales of public land in modern history. Framed as a solution to the housing crisis and a fix for federal inefficiencies, the proposal would force federal agencies to identify millions of acres of land to sell off—whether or not the public actually wants it gone. It’s not the first time the idea has surfaced. Versions of the bill have been introduced, denied, reintroduced, and renamed—making it confusing and hard for the public to track. It was previously shut down in the House, but now it’s back in motion in the Senate. The Housing Mirage On paper, it sounds like a reasonable strategy: sell off underused or "inefficient" public land to raise revenue and free up space for housing. But in reality, it opens the door to a cascade of unintended consequences. And the kicker? Much of the land they want to sell isn’t anywhere near where housing is actually needed. Proponents say the land will help fix the affordable housing shortage. But only a tiny fraction—less than 2%—of federal land managed by the Forest Service or BLM sits near urban centers where people are struggling to find places to live. The vast majority of the parcels being considered are remote, arid, fire-prone, or ecologically sensitive. This isn’t housing land. It’s hunting land. It’s trout stream land. It’s the kind of land that, once sold, doesn’t come back. Catch-22 Conservation The bill pushes agencies to sell land that’s difficult to manage or far from existing infrastructure. But that very remoteness is often why those places still have wild value. They’re home to elk migrations, native trout, and quiet trailheads. Selling them off may seem pragmatic on paper, but it undermines the long-term public value that’s harder to quantify in dollars. Even worse, once it’s sold—it’s gone for good. There’s no mechanism in the bill for reacquisition. No off-ramp. Just a one-way trip to privatization. The Public with No Path In many cases, the lands up for sale don’t even have public access roads—meaning the average hiker, angler, or hunter might not even know they were public in the first place. But once they’re gone, that access is permanently sealed off. Some parcels might seem small or insignificant. But across the West, tiny checkerboard sections of public land often hold the key to stream corridors, seasonal wildlife habitat, and recreation routes. Lose them, and you lose the entire puzzle. A Fast Track to Nowhere The bill would force federal agencies to identify lands for sale every 60 days, with no requirement for public hearings or stakeholder input. That’s not reform—it’s a fire sale. Local communities, tribes, and conservation groups get a consultation—but no veto. That includes tribal lands, some of which hold cultural or ancestral significance. The bill doesn’t require tribal approval—just a courtesy conversation. And then the sale goes forward. Affordable for Whom? Even in the rare instances where land is sold near towns, past examples show the outcome isn’t always affordable housing. It’s often bought by developers or investors for luxury homes, private hunting properties, or short-term rentals. So we’re solving a housing crisis… by selling remote land… to buyers who build $3 million second homes. The Bottom Line Selling public land might seem efficient. But the costs—ecological, recreational, cultural—are too high for what we get in return. There’s no guarantee the money will go to housing, and no guardrails to keep the land accessible. Fly fishers, hunters, backpackers, and guides don’t just need water and game—we need access. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Let’s not sell the ground beneath us just to say we sold something. Sources: Greater Yellowstone Coalition Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Outdoor Alliance High Country News reporting Congressional Research Service

A new kind of conservation funding is giving life back to rivers—and bringing native trout with it. Across the American West, something unusual is happening: people are building beaver dams. Not actual beavers, but human-made structures that mimic their natural architecture. These "beaver dam analogues" (BDAs) are becoming a cornerstone of modern stream restoration—and now, a new fund is helping accelerate their reach.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: DABOYS15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to youth fishing programs around the country. Every once in a while, a kid goes fishing, catches a big one, and the whole world notices. That’s what happened to Joe , the face behind Fishing With Da Boys —a viral moment turned movement that’s bigger than just one cast or one clip. If you’ve scrolled Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen him: rod in hand, pure joy on his face, and the now-iconic line: “I’m lowkey so proud of myself.” Turns out, so is the entire internet. From Justin Bieber  to The Rock  to ESPN , Joe’s big catch got picked up by just about every corner of the online world. But this story isn’t about algorithms or influencer deals—it’s about something refreshingly simple: fishing with your friends and falling in love with it. The First Cast Joe started fishing two years ago when his Uncle Danny  gave him his first rod. Like most kids, he didn’t have a fancy boat or high-end gear, just a $20 setup and a neighborhood pond full of bluegill and bass. They moved in 2024, so he had to pause the hobby for a while. But once the lines were wet again, things clicked fast. Joe caught four  fish the day he filmed the video that changed everything. The last one, his biggest ever, is the one that sparked it all. “Some guy said I should make a video of it,” he told us. “Then Justin Bieber posted it… that’s when I knew.” From there, it spread like wildfire. ''' My friends from Minnesota called me on a group call to tell me they had seen me online." Fishing, Football & Viral Fame Joe’s not just a fisherman—he’s a football player, a die hard Bears, and Huskers fan, and a kid with a real curiosity about the world. So when ESPN picked up his video, it hit different. “I play football, so I watch ESPN. To see myself on their page with all the athletes was awesome.” He’s already brushed digital shoulders with Post Malone , and Jake Owen . And thanks to some gear hookups and support from fishing brands, Joe’s been able to chase even bigger adventures, like shark fishing in Marco Island and a full-on Florida Keys trip with the crew from Saltwater Experience . Still, he’s keeping it grounded. “I usually go fishing with my brother and neighborhood buddies. But I’m hoping to turn it into something bigger and meet a lot of new people all over the world.” The dream? Fish all 50 states. And maybe get a few NFL players on the water while he’s at it. No Flash, Just Fun Joe’s message is simple, and it cuts through all the noise. “Get outside and have fun. It’s way better than video games.” That hits harder than you'd expect in a world that’s constantly trying to sell the next shiny thing. Joe doesn’t care about trends. He just likes fishing. And he wants other people—especially kids—to know they don’t need expensive rods or perfect technique to start. “You don’t have to have the most expensive equipment to fish. The first rod I bought was $20.” That’s it. That’s the spirit. Pure. Unfiltered. And surprisingly rare. What’s Next for the Boys Right now, Fishing With Da Boys  is casual—just clips, memories, and moments. But the momentum is real, and Joe’s thinking about launching a YouTube channel  to share longer videos and behind-the-scenes content. He’s already landed a podcast interview with Tom Rowland, he’s got 36,000 followers and counting, and he’s been invited on trips, collaborations, and more. But he hasn’t forgotten where it started—or who helped. “I want to thank my mom and dad, my brothers, my friends, my football coaches, and my teammates on the Knights. I’m hoping to take my team fishing with me soon.” Whether it’s a backwater pond or the Florida Keys, Joe’s turning fishing into something way bigger than content. He’s turning it into a community. Be Lowkey Proud of Yourself This isn’t a story about follower counts or viral fame. It’s about how quickly the outdoors can bring people together. It’s about the power of a genuine smile, a first fish, and the kind of humble pride you can’t fake. It’s about Fishing With Da Boys —literally and metaphorically—and how that one simple idea can ripple across the internet and into the real world. So the next time you catch something big—or small—or just make a memory that matters... Go ahead. Be like Joe. Be lowkey so proud of yourself. Where To Follow Joe: TikTok: @FishingWithDaBoys Instagram: @FishingWithDaBoys This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world—all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: DABOYS15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to youth fishing nonprofits.

We’ve been following this story from the beginning. Here’s where it stands now, and why fly anglers across the U.S. should be paying close attention. When the U.S. House of Representatives tried slipping a public land sale into their budget bill earlier this spring, it sparked a storm of protest. That version was ultimately stripped from the final legislation, thanks to major pushback from conservation groups, outdoor industry leaders, and even members of Congress from both parties. But now, the idea is back—and the Senate version is much  larger.

Every year, USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlights some of the country’s finest destinations—and in June 2025, they dropped a list close to every fly angler's heart: the top 10 rivers for fly fishing in the United States. Read Full Article HERE

In recent years, fly fishing has found an unexpected spotlight far from the streambanks: the world of fashion and high-performance outdoor design. From the runways of Tokyo to the floors of the June 2025 Outdoor Retailer event, the aesthetics and ethics of fly fishing are becoming part of a larger conversation about sustainability, mindfulness, and style.

Father’s Day is here, so we figured, what better time to celebrate the dads of fly fishing? We’re not talking about your actual dad (though shoutout to him for yelling “Rod up!” on every trip). We’re talking about the guys who helped invent, shape, and popularize this sport — the original fly fishing father figures. So grab your vest, crack a cold one, and let’s cast back in time to meet the men who built fly fishing brick by brick. (Or should we say… rod by rod?) Sorry. Dad joke quota: engaged. Izaak Walton: The Philosophical Father Let’s start with the guy who literally wrote the book on it. Izaak Walton  dropped The Compleat Angler  in 1653 — part fishing manual, part poetic nature guide, part “two dudes walk into a river” philosophy scroll. It was basically the Ted Lasso  of the 1600s: oddly deep, kind of funny, and full of heart. Walton wasn’t teaching you to double-haul or bomb streamers. He was preaching patience, reverence for nature, and the kind of chill that only comes from sitting by a river with good company. And yes — he may have invented the “it’s not about the fish, it’s about the moment” line long before Instagram did. Lee Wulff: The Gear Dad You know that one dad who’s always tweaking the lawnmower, re-rigging his fishing setup, or engineering a better way to hang the garden hose? That was Lee Wulff , but make it fly fishing. This guy did it all: invented new flies (hello, the Wulff series), pioneered catch and release, designed the modern fly fishing vest, flew planes into remote fisheries, married Joan Wulff (an icon in her own right), and founded the Wulff School of Fly Fishing. In short: he was the dad who showed up, taught the entire Little League team how to cast, built the field himself, then flew a floatplane to Alaska before dinner. Joe Brooks: The “Let’s Go Anywhere” Dad Every friend group has that one dad who’s like, “Let’s just load the car and head north.” That’s Joe Brooks . Joe helped turn fly fishing into something bigger — and wilder. He was one of the first to bring the sport to saltwater, tossing flies at tarpon when most anglers thought you needed dynamite to land one. He wrote endlessly about new destinations and mentored a young Lefty Kreh (no big deal). If fly fishing ever became “cool,” it probably started with Joe. He made it accessible, exciting, and full of possibility — kind of like when your dad let you steer the truck down a gravel road. Lefty Kreh: The People’s Dad If Lee Wulff was the tinkerer dad and Joe Brooks was the wild uncle, Lefty Kreh  was the dad who taught everyone  in town how to cast. Lefty wasn’t just one of the most influential fly anglers in American history — he was approachable . He believed fly fishing shouldn’t be elitist. That it should be fun, accessible, and available to anyone with a $50 rod and a little time. He fished with presidents and celebrities, sure. But he also gave casting lessons at local parks, answered letters from beginners, and treated a 10-year-old beginner with the same respect as a tournament guide. He helped invent the Lefty’s Deceiver , one of the most versatile streamer patterns ever tied. He pioneered saltwater fly techniques. And he probably did more to teach fly casting in plain English  than anyone who ever lived. Joe Humphreys: The Eternal Coach You ever meet a dad who talks like a coach, teaches like a professor, and still runs up a hill faster than you at 70? That’s Joe Humphreys . Joe is one of the greatest educators  in fly fishing history. A former Penn State wrestling coach and professor of angling (yes, that was his job), he turned fly fishing into a language anyone could learn — and he did it with grit, humor, and heart. He helped develop and teach the tight line nymphing techniques  that are now essential to modern trout anglers. His “Night Game”  techniques helped anglers catch monster browns in the dark. And his films and books? Timeless. But maybe most of all, Joe is beloved because he’s still doing it . In his 90s. Still fishing. Still teaching. Still telling stories that make you want to grab your boots and go. The Fatherly Thread What ties all these legends together? It’s not just technique or tradition. It’s care . They cared about fish. About rivers. About passing on what they knew. And if that’s not the most dad thing of all, we don’t know what is. So this Father’s Day, whether you’re fishing with your dad, remembering him, or just thinking about the guy who handed you your first rod — know that this sport was shaped by father figures who wanted it to last. And if all else fails, just remember: “It’s called fly fishing, not fly catching.” – Dad, probably. Bonus: 3 Things to Do This Father’s Day Tie a fly and give it to your dad with a hand-written note. Share your favorite fishing memory online and tag @theflyboxllc. Read The Compleat Angler  — or at least pretend to and fall asleep in a hammock.