The directive instructs bureaus such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management to streamline permitting, remove unnecessary administrative barriers, and identify opportunities for new or improved access points. (Earl D. Walker/Shutterstock photo)
January 20, 2026
By Fly Fisherman Staff
DOI Order Directs Agencies to Expand Fishing Access A new Department of the Interior order directs federal agencies to prioritize and expand public access for fishing across millions of acres of federal land. The directive instructs bureaus such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management to streamline permitting, remove unnecessary administrative barriers, and identify opportunities for new or improved access points. For anglers, this could mean more boat ramps, trailheads, easements, and restored connectivity to waters that have been difficult or impossible to reach.
The order also emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional recreational uses while balancing habitat protection. Agencies are tasked with reviewing existing closures, evaluating whether they remain necessary, and ensuring that future decisions consider the needs of the sporting community. While implementation will vary by region, the directive signals a broad federal commitment to keeping public lands open and accessible for fishing.
“ASA appreciates Secretary Burgum’s leadership in recognizing the importance of access for anglers and the businesses that support recreational fishing,” Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association said in a press release . “This order establishes a framework that prioritizes fishing access while respecting conservation needs and state wildlife management authority.”
“Today’s order is a victory in the open-access battle the Sportsmen’s Alliance has been fighting for decades,” Rob Sexton, Senior Vice President at the Sportsmen’s Alliance added . “We have never wavered from our mission to shift the presumption of public lands to open for hunting and fishing, and our multiple successes across DOI’s land holdings show that. We welcome SO 3447, and we stand ready to ensure that its directives are carried out in future agency actions.”
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“The Madison” to Premiere on Paramount in March VIDEO
A new scripted series titled The Madison is set to debut on Paramount this March, bringing national attention to one of Montana’s most storied trout rivers. The show blends drama, conservation themes, and the cultural tensions that surround a world‑famous fishery. While details remain limited, early previews suggest the series will explore the intersection of tradition, recreation pressure, and the evolving identity of a river beloved by anglers worldwide.
Industry observers expect the premiere to spark renewed conversation about access, crowding, and stewardship on the Madison. Montanans hope the “Yellowstone” effect (the mass influx of out-of-staters who flocked to the state hoping to find their own version of the popular TV show) does not occur again. With the river already at the center of debates over commercial use and management strategies, the show’s release could amplify public interest and potentially influence future policy discussions.
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Speak Out Against Reducing Louisiana’s Half‑Mile Menhaden Buffer Louisiana anglers and conservation groups are sounding the alarm over a proposal that would shrink the state’s half‑mile menhaden harvest buffer to just a quarter‑mile. The existing buffer–established only last year–was designed to protect fragile marsh shorelines from industrial purse‑seine boats whose operations have historically caused fish spills, habitat scarring, and high bycatch of sportfish such as redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. Reducing the buffer would once again allow large vessels to operate dangerously close to nursery habitat that supports the state’s recreational fishing economy.
The existing buffer–established only last year–was designed to protect fragile marsh shorelines from industrial purse-seine boats whose operations have historically caused fish spills, habitat scarring, and high bycatch of sportfish such as redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon. (Macrovector/Shutterstock graphic) Opponents argue that the rollback ignores years of documented damage and undermines the progress made toward balancing commercial harvest with coastal stewardship. Conservation organizations, including Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), are urging anglers to submit public comments before the January 23 deadline. They emphasize that Louisiana’s coastal marshes are already under immense pressure from erosion, storms, and development—and that weakening protections for forage fish only compounds the problem.
“Industrial menhaden fishing can damage shallow water habitats, as the boats typically draft 9-12 feet and use weighted purse-seine nets,” reads BTT’s plea for support. “Fish spills wash oily residue on shorelines. They extract millions of fish, removing prey that fish (including migrating tarpon), birds, and marine mammals need to eat. And we haven’t even gotten to the bycatch: a 2024 state-funded study found approximately 30,000 breeding-size bull redfish killed annually as bycatch, along with more than 240,000 spotted seatrout and 146 million total fish–including tarpon. Bycatch of sportfish is more likely in shallow, near-shore waters, another reason why these coastal buffer zones are so critical.”
Read more and comment here.
Yellowstone Seeks Input on Permanent Roads to Replace Flood‑Damaged Highways Park officials say the goal is to create a more resilient transportation network that can withstand future high-water events without compromising river health. (Josh Bergan photo) Yellowstone National Park is evaluating long‑term road realignments to replace sections of highway destroyed during the historic 2022 floods . The proposed routes would move vulnerable stretches of road away from the Gardner and Lamar Rivers, where erosion and channel migration have repeatedly threatened infrastructure. Park officials say the goal is to create a more resilient transportation network that can withstand future high‑water events without compromising river health.
The planning process includes environmental review, public input, and coordination with state and federal partners. While some anglers worry about construction impacts, many acknowledge that the existing roads–built decades ago along unstable riverbanks–are no longer sustainable. The new alignments could ultimately reduce sedimentation, protect riparian habitat, and improve long‑term access to some of the park’s most iconic fisheries.
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“Overall, the [preferred alternative] will provide a better driving experience than the current route and provide greater resiliency compared to the pre-flood road alignment,” the video says.
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The proposed routes would move vulnerable stretches of road away from the Gardner and Lamar Rivers, where erosion and channel migration have repeatedly threatened infrastructure. (NPS map) The Invisible Snowpack: Elevation Drives Montana’s Water Outlook Montana’s latest water‑supply report highlights a stark contrast between high‑elevation and low‑elevation snowpack. Upper basins are holding near‑normal snow levels, while lower elevations remain well below average and depressingly brown–an imbalance that could create unpredictable runoff patterns this spring. Hydrologists warn that the uneven distribution may lead to early melt in some watersheds and prolonged low flows in others, complicating water‑management decisions for agriculture, municipalities, and fisheries.
“Statewide, snow water equivalent is looking deceptively positive” said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hydrologist in a Natural Resources Conservation Service report .
In Montana, highland basins are holding near-normal snow levels, while lower elevations remain well below average and depressingly brown. (Natural Resources Conservation Service map) For anglers, the report underscores how elevation–not just total precipitation–shapes river conditions. High‑country snow may keep headwaters cold and stable, but low‑elevation deficits could stress mid‑basin reaches during summer heat. The situation remains fluid, and forecasters note that late‑season storms could still shift the outlook. But for now, Montana’s snowpack story is one of sharp contrasts and heightened uncertainty.
“Things are very different up high than they are in the valleys right now, and the numbers absolutely show that,” says a Big Sky Anglers blog post . “Check out the statewide maps for snow water equivalent and precipitation. Lots of green and blue shading colors in our home waters and beyond. That’s always a good thing!”
See the updated daily snow-water equivalent here.
But as Midcurrent.com points out, the situation isn't as promising elsewhere in the West. Read more about that here.
Spanish Fly Shark Tournament Returns to Key West The event brings together anglers from across the country to target a range of shark species, including bull, lemon, blacktip, and nurse sharks. The Spanish Fly Shark Tournament–created to honor the legacy of the late Captain Jose Wejebe–returns to Key West with expanded divisions and a renewed focus on conservation‑minded catch‑and‑release. The event brings together anglers from across the country to target a range of shark species, including bull, lemon, blacktip, and nurse sharks. With both fly and conventional categories, the tournament celebrates skill, sportsmanship, and ethical handling practices.
Beyond the competition, the event serves as a major fundraiser for the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation, which provides transformative fishing experiences for veterans, foster youth, and families facing hardship. Organizers emphasize that the tournament is as much about community and education as it is about fishing, with proceeds supporting outreach programs and marine stewardship initiatives throughout the Keys.
Read more here.
Bahamas Launches National Bonefishing Tournament Series The series will rotate through major islands and settlements, pairing competitive angling with cultural events, guide showcases, and conservation messaging. (Josh Bergan photo) The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has announced a new multi‑island bonefishing tournament series designed to highlight the country’s world‑class flats fisheries. The series will rotate through major islands and settlements, pairing competitive angling with cultural events, guide showcases, and conservation messaging. Organizers hope the format will boost sustainable tourism while celebrating the Bahamas’ deep connection to bonefishing.
Local guides and lodges see the series as an opportunity to showcase their expertise and attract new anglers to the islands. With bonefish populations dependent on healthy mangroves, tidal creeks, and flats ecosystems, the tournament also aims to raise awareness about habitat protection and responsible catch‑and‑release practices.
Read more here.
Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest Returns for 2026 Billed as a gathering of “fly fishing’s most renowned torchbearers,” the event features tying demos, casting instruction, premier vendors, and a YETI-catered dinner supporting fisheries research. The American Saltwater Guides Association has announced the full return of Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest, scheduled for March 21 in Vero Beach, Florida. Billed as a gathering of “fly fishing’s most renowned torchbearers,” the event features tying demos, casting instruction, premier vendors, and a YETI‑catered dinner supporting fisheries research. Confirmed guests include Carter Andrews, Blane Chocklett, Bob Clouser, and other industry legends, with additional names to be announced. Ticket options range from a $49.99 day pass to a $2,500 dinner table package.
Read more and get tickets.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Certain content within this article was created with the assistance of AI tools.
