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Casts That Care | July 9, 2025 The Big Picture The world turned its eyes to Nice, France, where global leaders, scientists, and conservationists gathered for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference . Their mission? To rally support for the 30×30 goal : protecting 30% of Earth’s oceans by 2030.

Amazon Prime Day officially launches tomorrow, July 8, and runs through Thursday, July 11. For fly anglers, this annual shopping bonanza can be the perfect time to stock up on essentials, upgrade your gear, or support small fly fishing brands that sell through Amazon.

Happy Fourth of July from Casts That Care. Today, as we celebrate independence, freedom, and the enduring beauty of our public lands, we pause to reflect on one of the most quietly American traditions out there: fly fishing. From its colonial roots to its modern revival, the story of fly fishing in the United States is a story of exploration, craftsmanship, and conservation. Fly fishing didn’t originate on American soil. It was brought here by early European settlers, particularly the English, who carried with them knowledge, literature, and equipment. But once it landed, it evolved in distinctly American ways. Colonial Beginnings (1600s–1700s) Fly fishing first took hold in the colonies of New England and the Mid-Atlantic, where settlers pursued native brook trout in cold, clear streams. Without access to European gear, early American anglers used resourceful materials: horsehair for lines, hand-carved hooks, and feathers from local birds. While fishing was often a necessity, it was also a connection to home, and to nature. By the time the Revolutionary War began, fly fishing had become a subtle thread in the fabric of American life. The Birth of an American Style (1800s) In the 19th century, the Catskills of New York became the heart of a new American style of fly fishing. Theodore Gordon, often called the father of American dry fly fishing, adapted British techniques to suit American insects and fish. Here, the craft of fly tying flourished, with patterns developed to imitate native hatches. At the same time, American rod makers began building split-cane bamboo rods, establishing a tradition of handmade craftsmanship that endures today. Westward Expansion and the Rocky Mountain Frontier (Late 1800s–1900s) As the nation expanded westward, fly fishing followed. Anglers explored the vast and unpressured rivers of the Rockies, chasing native cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey helped romanticize the image of the solitary fly fisher on a wild river. The gear evolved as well—fiberglass rods and mass-produced flies became more common, opening the sport to a broader audience. Postwar Boom and the Rise of Conservation (1945–1990s) After World War II, fly fishing saw a surge in popularity. Returning veterans found peace and healing in quiet rivers and the rhythm of casting. This period also gave rise to a deeper conservation ethic, thanks in part to advocates like Lee Wulff, who famously declared, "A good gamefish is too valuable to be caught only once." Catch-and-release became a standard practice. Organizations like Trout Unlimited were born, as anglers took it upon themselves to protect the waters they loved. The Modern Era (2000s–Today) Today, fly fishing in America is more accessible, diverse, and connected than ever before. Anglers are just as likely to be casting in urban parks as in backcountry streams. Women, veterans, youth programs, and communities of color have expanded the reach of fly fishing far beyond its traditional image. The movement is deeply tied to mental health, clean water advocacy, and the preservation of public lands. And through social media and film, stories of local fly fishers are being shared across the world. The Spirit of the Fourth So today, we raise a rod to the rivers. To the traditions passed down from generation to generation. To the wild, fishable waters that remain free and public. Fly fishing in America is about more than technique—it's about freedom, access, and stewardship. As fireworks light the sky, remember that this land, these fish, and this tradition are worth protecting.

How a European native became a mainstay in American fly fishing and why it's still not considered "native." Origins: Brown Trout in Europe Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) have been swimming in European rivers for thousands of years. Native to a wide range of waters from the British Isles to the Balkans, these fish evolved in cold, clear, and well-oxygenated streams. In places like Germany, Scotland, and Norway, they became cultural staples—valued as both food and sport. But their story didn’t stay in Europe. The First Transplants: Brown Trout Come to America In the late 1800s, American fisheries managers and anglers were hungry for sportfish that could thrive in a wider range of waters. Native brook trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) were already beloved in the East, but they struggled in warmer or degraded streams, especially as deforestation and pollution increased. In 1883, the U.S. Fish Commission received brown trout eggs from Germany—specifically from the Black Forest region. These eggs were hatched and stocked in Michigan's Baldwin River, part of the Pere Marquette River system. The hatchery attempt was one of several in the 1880s and 1890s, and while some early introductions failed, others took hold. Soon, brown trout were stocked across the East Coast, Midwest, and eventually into Western rivers. Their adaptability made them ideal for the changing landscape of American waters. The Spread: From East to West Though they were first introduced to rivers in the East, brown trout were never considered fully native to North America. But they spread fast: Northeast & Midwest:  Stocking programs proliferated in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Rocky Mountains & West:  States like Montana, Colorado, and Utah began stocking them in high-country streams and tailwaters by the early 1900s. California:  By the early 20th century, they reached West Coast fisheries, though rainbow trout remained dominant there. Their success had to do with resilience: browns could tolerate warmer water, outcompete native fish in some systems, and even thrive in slightly polluted or modified environments. So Why Aren’t They Considered Native? Some anglers wonder whether brown trout, having reproduced in the wild for over a century, might now be considered native. But in ecological terms, nativity is not based on how many generations a species has been present. Instead, it depends on whether the species arrived without human intervention. Even a population of brown trout that has existed for dozens of generations in a single river system is still classified as non-native because it was introduced by humans, not nature. In contrast, "wild" simply means the fish were born in the stream—not hatchery-raised—regardless of species origin. Here’s how the breakdown typically works: Native:  Originated in the region naturally, without human interference. Non-native (or introduced):  Brought by humans, intentionally or not, but not necessarily harmful. Invasive:  A non-native species that causes ecological harm. Brown trout usually fall into the middle category. They're not invasive in every setting, but in some waters, they do outcompete or hybridize with native trout species like brook trout or cutthroat trout. The trend in freshwater non-native versus native capture fisheries landings by weight and wholesale value from 2007-2018. Adapted from DOF (2007-2018). Why Fly Fishers Love (and Debate) Brown Trout Fly fishers often prize brown trout for their size, selectivity, and wariness. They’re considered more challenging than rainbows, and more adaptable than brook trout. A big wild brown—especially one born, not stocked—is a trophy in nearly any water. But they’re also controversial: In Western states, brown trout have displaced native cutthroat trout in some systems. In some conservation circles, brown trout are seen as an obstacle to native fish restoration. However, in many Eastern and Midwestern waters, they fill a void left by declining native species. Final Cast Brown trout might not be native to the U.S.—but they’re part of our fly fishing story now. Their history is a mix of science, sport, and shifting ecosystems. Understanding where they came from—and what they’ve meant to fisheries across the country—is key to understanding both the legacy and future of American fly fishing.

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.