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Reading the River Differently In the age of rapid environmental change, tracking fish populations has always been a logistical nightmare. Boats, nets, electrofishing, and visual surveys can be costly, time-consuming, and often miss the bigger picture.

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.   Kevin Wolfe | Sunday Cast | Casts That Care What Counts as Trespassing on a River? Let me start by saying this: if you have a pond—or even a lake—that starts and ends within your property, I get it. That’s yours. It doesn’t flow. It doesn’t cross boundaries. It’s a contained thing. But a river? A river doesn’t respect fence lines. It starts in one place, flows through another, and ends somewhere else entirely. And yet somehow, we’ve let each state decide its own rules on who owns what when it comes to water. What we end up with is a system so fragmented it makes a topographic map look straightforward. If you fish across multiple states, you’re likely operating under entirely different definitions of “trespassing.” Same River, Different Rights Take the Colorado River , for example. It flows through both Colorado  and Utah , but the rules change dramatically across the border. In Colorado , floating through private land is legal as long as you don’t touch the riverbed or riverbanks. The water is public, but the land underneath often isn't. This legal gray area has led to numerous court cases, and the Colorado Supreme Court has made it clear: step out of your boat, and you're in tricky territory. Colorado River, Utah Now go downstream to Utah , where things were once more generous. Before 2010, Utah followed a Montana-style model that gave anglers the right to wade and walk below the high-water mark. Then came the Public Waters Access Act, pushed by private landowners. Now, in Utah, the landowner can own the streambed and bar you from walking or anchoring, even if you're in the water. In Montana , anglers still enjoy access below the high-water mark on streams and rivers, whether the stream runs through private property or not. And in New Mexico , streambeds can be entirely private, access depends on landowner permission. Back east, it’s no better. In Pennsylvania , landowners who own both banks of a non-navigable stream can claim the water itself as private. But larger, navigable rivers, like the Susquehanna, are public. New York  takes a different tack: if a waterway has ever been used for commerce, it’s generally open to the public, even if it runs through private land. All of this creates an impossible reality: the same river could technically be public in one state and private in the next. And no one knows what’s legal unless they’ve already read the lawsuit. Not Picking Sides—Picking Clarity This isn’t a pro-public rant or a private-property sermon. If you forced me to pick, I’d say: if you’re in the water, you’re not trespassing. I’d even go a step further and offer anglers a 3–5 foot grace zone along the bank in case they need to get out and walk it back. But that’s not really the point. The real problem is that nobody knows the rules , and the rules change from one side of the mountain—or river—to the other. You shouldn’t need a legal degree and a GPS just to know whether you’re breaking the law by fishing a river you’ve fished for years. Themes Across the Country There is a general trend if you zoom out. Out West , where public lands dominate, access tends to be more generous—though states like New Mexico and Utah have pushed back on that. In the East , especially the Mid-Atlantic  and South , private land rights are often more rigidly protected, and many waterways are posted with little clarity. Meanwhile, Midwestern  states like Michigan  and Wisconsin  often favor public trust doctrine, meaning rivers held in trust for the people are generally open to fishing, wading, and boating—up to the ordinary high-water mark. But there’s no consistency. Same river. Different rules. Different enforcement. Different culture. Rivers Move. The Law Should Too. Trying to chop a living, moving body of water into 50 different legal interpretations is not just confusing—it’s hostile to everyone who cares about rivers. Landowners should feel protected. Anglers should feel confident. Right now, no one does. Make It Make Sense This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about keeping people from fighting over misunderstandings. There are anglers who’ve been screamed at for simply standing in the water. There are landowners who have no idea what their actual rights are. There are police officers and wardens who don’t even enforce the law the same way. If we had a universal trespass law for rivers, this all gets easier. Whether it favors access or property, at least we’d all know where we stand. Until then, we’ll keep checking state regs like we’re filing taxes—and hope that wherever we wade, we’re not unknowingly crossing a line that changes every 30 miles. Want more unfiltered fly fishing talk? Subscribe to Casts That Care . Free every Sunday, daily if you want it. And 50% of paid subs go to conservation charities.

A Scorching Month with Ripple Effects May 2025 was the hottest start to the month on record in the United Kingdom—and with it came something most anglers wouldn’t associate with the British Isles: wildfire.

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: "RomeroFlies15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts. Raised with a Rod, But Self-Taught at the Vise Mike Romero doesn’t remember a life without fishing. Mike Romero “It seems like as far back as I can remember, I’ve had a fishing rod in my hands... Probably before I could even walk!” But fly fishing, that came later. He was 12 years old, spending a day at a local pond, when an older gentleman handed him a fly rod and offered him a turn. That simple, spontaneous moment changed everything. “He asked if I wanted to try, and to me, that was a no-brainer answer. Of course I wanted to try!” Within days, his mom bought him a budget-friendly setup, and just like that, a lifelong obsession was born. Discovering the Vise Not long after picking up the rod, Mike stumbled across a friend’s dad tying flies. The idea that flies could be handmade, tied by real people rather than mass-produced, blew his mind. By Romero Flies "I didn't even know it was a thing until I saw a friend's dad tying and thought to myself, wait, you can tie your own flies for fishing? I just figured they were massed produce by some machine" Soon he was at the vise with a basic kit and a pile of materials, trying to figure it out on his own. “My mom bought a basic kit and some materials, and I went to work. At least, that’s what I thought,” His early flies were scrappy and awkward, but one rough bead-head nymph actually worked. Rusty Red Hares Ear Nymph - Romero Flies “It was just a hook with a bead head and some hare’s ear dubbing, a poor man’s hare’s ear nymph. But it caught a fish! And something clicked after that. I became a nymph-tying machine... [and] the trout just kept coming!” From Nymphs to Art Fast-forward to today, and Mike’s tying has moved well beyond simple patterns. He’s now a full-blown artist at the vise, known for elaborate deer hair creations that range from ducks and dogs to cartoon characters, monsters, and more. By Romero Flies "fly fishing had its own world of bass fishing my eyes were opened to a while new tying experience." He’s one of just a handful of tyers pushing fly tying into sculptural, expressive territory, and it all started with a few cheap materials and a lot of curiosity. "My passion for duck hunting and bass bugs had a moment where the two worlds combined, and the first deer hair mallard was born. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the start of something that would become bigger than anything I could’ve imagined.” Art at the Vise: How Creativity Takes Form Romero Flies didn’t begin with a business plan. It started with long hours at the vise, countless failed attempts, and a literal box labeled “Back to the Drawing Board.” Snowman - By Romero Flies "99 percent of what I tie is all freestyle. No plans or blue prints. Just by brain to my hands to the hook!" Sometimes, the spark comes from TikTok livestreams. A viewer might shout out a challenge "tie a dog," for example, and Mike takes it on. Dog - By Romero Flies His work has led to a whole range of larger, more ambitious pieces: articulated ducks, bass bugs, and pop-culture crossovers like Stitch, Sasquatch, and even Phil Robertson. Not everything makes it out into the world. Plenty of creations end up in that drawing board box. But the ones that work? They blur the line between traditional fly tying and modern sculpture, often looking more at home in an art gallery than a fly box. Breaking the Mold: Function Meets Expression While many fly tyers operate within long-established traditions, Mike has found joy—and success—by stepping outside the box. “There are only a handful of tyers doing what I do... and I love being part of that small group of tyers.” That’s not to say he’s abandoned tradition. He still ties trout nymphs, steelhead patterns, dries, and streamers. Mike And His " Deer Hair Guy, Derek Darst From Saint Marie's Flys But when he’s on a creative streak with deer hair, the results speak for themselves. So, in his opinion... is he a fly tyer or an artist? "It's definitely both. I consider myself a more advanced fly tyer that can tie anything... but I'm also an artist that can make fly tying more of an art form" That rare fusion of technical skill and expressive freedom has set him apart in a sport that’s often more about precision than personality. TikTok, Teaching, and The Power of Livestreams Mike’s creative world expanded exponentially when he began livestreaming his fly tying on TikTok. What started as a personal outlet quickly snowballed into a loyal community. It was nerve-wracking at first "Failing live in front of thousands of people? That’ll spike your heart rate." Now, those livestreams are a staple. Regulars check in. Strangers become fans. And every now and then, someone drops an idea that sparks his next masterpiece. His first live auction was a turning point—people bidding real money for one-of-a-kind pieces made right before their eyes. But beyond the business side, it’s the connections that matter most. Mike gets messages from people who caught their personal best on one of his flies, or from kids watching with their parents. Those moments mean everything. Teaching is a huge part of why he shares so openly. "I'm self taught for the most part and that definitely comes with frustration sometimes. Helping young tyers get past that frustration is a great feeling" Redefining Fly Culture Mike Romero isn’t just making flies. He’s challenging the entire aesthetic of modern fly fishing. "this sport and lifestyle has always seemed to be real quiet and not many people seemed to be interested because it's not "fun". I like making it fun." He’s all about injecting personality into a space that sometimes feels stiff. If a kid scrolls past his work, watches, and lights up, that’s a win. His long-term goal isn’t just visibility. It’s legacy. He wants to be part of a shift—toward more color, more personality, and more fun in the fly fishing world. Stay Connected and Show Support Whether you’re a collector, a fellow tyer, or someone just discovering the wild world of Romero Flies, you can explore Mike’s custom work and artistic creations at his online store: Here Be sure to follow him for behind-the-scenes content, livestreams, and the latest pieces straight from the vise: Instagram: @ romeroflies TikTok: @ romeroflies 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: "RomeroFlies15"  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to conservation efforts.

The Setup: A Meeting in Manchester

Scotland Reconsiders the Ethics of Angling In May 2025, the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) formally recommended that the Scottish Government review legal exemptions that allow recreational fishing to bypass standard animal cruelty laws. The goal is to assess whether common angling practices, including the use of hooks, catch and release, and fish handling, should be more tightly regulated in light of modern science surrounding fish sentience.

In early June 2025, as much of Canada finds itself locked in smoke, ash, and evacuations, the destruction isn’t just happening above the treetops—it’s running downhill, straight into the rivers.

Fly fishing isn’t slowing down—and neither is everything happening around it.  From major hatchery investments and new fishing regulations to exploding social media trends and game-changing gear launches, May 2025 packed a punch.

The American auto industry didn’t just put a nation on wheels, it quietly changed the way we fish. From backcountry access to bamboo rods built in Motor City, here’s how fly fishing hitched a ride with America’s car culture.

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. Kevin Wolfe | Sunday Cast | Casts That Care Let’s get something straight: most beginner fly fishing kits aren’t designed to help you fall in love with the sport. They’re designed to make you fall in love with the brand , and drain your wallet before you even know where to cast. You crack open the box and find a rod that feels like a broomstick, a reel that sounds like a pepper grinder, and flies that look like they were tied by someone who’s never fished a day in their life. And somehow, all of that still costs you $200. We can do better. What I'd Actually Put in a Beginner Kit (That Doesn’t Suck) 1. A Real Rod with a Real Warranty You don’t need something fancy—just something that works. Start with a 9-foot, 5-weight rod. It's the most versatile setup for trout, bass, panfish, even light saltwater. Must-have:  Lifetime warranty. Because rods break, and when they do, you’ll want that covered. Good options:  Orvis Clearwater, Redington Classic Trout, Moonshine Drifter. 2. A Reel That Does Its Job (And Nothing More) At this stage, your reel’s job isn’t to fight 30-inch browns. It’s to hold your line and not rattle like a toy. You want durable, simple, and affordable. Look for:  Large arbor, disc drag (even if you won’t need it yet). Suggestions:  Redington Crosswater, Echo Base, Orvis Encounter. 3. Weight-Forward Floating Line (Pre-Rigged, Please) Most beginner frustrations come from bad fly line. You want a weight-forward floating line —the most universal line for learning. And make it pre-spooled with backing and leader . The less setup confusion, the better. 4. Tapered Leaders That Are Easy to Tie On Skip the confusion of building your own leader system. Just start with 9-foot tapered leaders  in 4X  or 5X . They’re universal, easy to loop on, and strong enough for most freshwater fishing. Throw in one extra spool of 4X or 5X tippet, and you’re good to go. 5. Flies That Actually Catch Fish (Not Just Look Pretty) You don’t need 40 flies. You need six proven patterns  in different styles that cover surface, subsurface, and streamers. Here’s the lineup: Parachute Adams (size 14–16)  – A do-it-all dry fly. Imitates almost any mayfly. Easy to see on the water. Elk Hair Caddis (size 14–16)  – Floats high, catches fish when nothing else will. Classic dry fly for fast water. Pheasant Tail Nymph (size 14)  – Natural, subtle, and deadly below the surface. Works almost anywhere. Squirmy Wormy (pink/red, size 12–14)  – Controversial? Sure. But if you want a tug, this one delivers. Woolly Bugger (black or olive, size 8)  – The Swiss Army knife of flies. Fish it like a streamer or dead drift it. Hare’s Ear Nymph (size 14)  – Buggier than the Pheasant Tail. Another must-have classic for under the surface. That gives you dry flies, nymphs, and a streamer, and covers 90% of freshwater situations a beginner will face. 6. Basic Tools That Aren’t Trash Nippers  – For cutting line. Attach them to a zinger so they’re always there. Hemostats/forceps  – For removing hooks cleanly. Bonus if they have scissor jaws. Floatant  – Keeps your dry flies from sinking after a few casts. Get gel-style for beginners. Why Most Starter Kits Miss the Mark Because they’re not built by anglers. They’re built by marketers.And when you’re learning something new, especially something as nuanced as fly fishing, your gear should make the experience easier—not more confusing or disappointing. Give someone a decent rod, a line that casts well, and a fly that actually catches fish—and they’re hooked for life. Give them a pile of generic junk—and they’ll give up before their first good drift. Final Cast One day I might put together a real Fly Box Beginner Kit. And if I do, it’ll look a lot like this, gear with purpose , not fluff. Because the first time you lay a fly down perfectly? That’s what makes a fly fisher. Not the box it came in.

From drift boat trays to gallery walls, the humble fly has evolved beyond its utilitarian beginnings. For centuries, anglers have tied flies to deceive fish. But there exists another lineage of fly tying, one not born of stream side necessity, but of expression, symbolism, and protest. These are the flies that were never meant to catch fish. And yet, they might be shaping the future of fly fishing more than we realize.

Last week, a major piece of legislation dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) passed through the House of Representatives by a razor-thin margin. While the bill has drawn attention for its sweeping reforms across energy, economics, and federal oversight, we wanted to take a closer look through a different lens: fly fishing, fishing in general, and the greater outdoor recreation industry.