Ed Van Put, a member of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor, New York, passed away in December. (Photo courtesy of Judy Van Put)
January 30, 2025
By Lynn Burkhead, OSG Senior Digital Editor
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Winter midge fishing is now happening in a variety of trout streams across the land. And I’m wondering if anyone got out and caught a big wintertime bull redfish in the region’s famed marshes during the recent blizzard. As Groundhog Day approaches, here are some of the headlines in the fly fishing news world in this edition of the Fly Fisherman News Digest.
Famed Catskill Fly Angler Passes The year 2024 wasn't a good year for the fly angling community as several legendary figures passed away. Just before Christmas, that list grew to include famed New York fly angler Ed Van Put whose death was announced in a December 16 Facebook post by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor, New York.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of a true legend in the world of fly fishing, Ed Van Put," read the post , which noted that Van Put was a founding member of the Beamoc Chapter of Trout Unlimited and a founding member of the Catskill Fly Tiers Guild. "An author, historian, friend, and mentor, Ed was the embodiment of patience, skill, and unwavering passion for the sport."
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The post also noted that "Through his tireless dedication working with the NYSDEC, Ed helped shape not only the way we access our local rivers, but the spirit of our organization. His contributions have left an indelible mark that will continue to guide and inspire us for generations to come."
"Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Van Put family, friends, and all those who were inspired by Ed," the post indicated. "Rest in peace, Ed. The Catskill waters will always be a little richer for having known you."
Van Put angling in his later years. (Photo courtesy of Judy Van Put) A funeral mass for Van Put was held on December 21 at St. Aloysius Church in Livingston Manor, New York, followed b y a burial in Lew Beach Cemetery. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Ed's name may do so at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum , to St. Aloysius Church, or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.
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Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act Signed into Law It's a sad and curious thing, the way that federal laws have held Good Samaritans who want to partner with Trout Unlimited and clean up abandoned mines, liable for the pollution they want to clean up.
Thankfully, some 20 years after a New York Times story about that problem, that problem is closer than ever to going away according to a TU news release.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 40 percent of all headwater streams in the West are negatively impacted by abandoned mines that often spew acid mine drainage into nearby watersheds. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia user jakec ) That stems from the U.S. House of Representatives finally passing the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act last month, a bill that allows over the next seven years for 15 pilot projects to take place before the bill terminates the program. That bill will set the table to clean up mines abandoned over a century ago and even longer, even if there are no current owners responsible for cleaning up the waste that was left for someone else to deal with, including mine waste products like zinc, cadmium, arsenic, lead, etc. that leaches into rivers and streams.
With passage in the 118th Congress, the bill was signed into law by former U.S. President Joe Biden, becoming the law of the land on December 17 . With estimates of abandoned mines in all 50 U.S. states totaling in excess of a quarter of a million as of this writing, the biggest problem in making even the slightest dent is mostly financial, not technical.
And according to TU, many of these mines–Nevada has an estimated 106,000-plus abandoned mines while Arizona has over 100,000–aren't difficult to deal with.
"What these projects will show is that abandoned mines are a solvable issue," said TU's news release. "Many people think of abandoned mines as if they are large-scale, multi-million-dollar Superfund sites. As a result, they throw their hands in the air and walk away. The reality is that many, if not most abandoned mine clean-ups, are relatively small-scale construction projects."
N.J. Legislators Propose Annual Day of Recognizing Bob Popovics It's been nearly three months now since legendary New Jersey fly angling and tying legend Bob Popovics passed away from injuries sustained in a late September hit-and-run tragedy , and his memory remains as strong as ever as northeastern fly fishing shows take place in the early months of 2025.
And while Popovics certainly won't be forgotten anytime soon by the fly-fishing community, there's a chance now that no one else will either in the years to come. That idea comes thanks to legislation introduced earlier this week by the N.J. 9th Legislative District, Popovics memory might be honored each year going forward.
Popovics was a popular seminar presenter who regularly appeared at national and regional fly-fishing and fly-tying shows. (Ed Jaworowski photo) The bill comes via legislation submitted by N.J. State Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, who have introduced legislation (SJR-146 and AJR-209) to designate June 1 of each year as “Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day” in New Jersey .
"Bob was a respected Marine veteran, legendary fisherman, owner of the Shady Rest Restaurant in Bayville, and loving family man," notes a Facebook post and news release about the proposed legislation. "His tragic death shocked the community with many still mourning his loss.
"In representing the interests of our constituents, we introduced legislation to designate June 1 as Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics Day’ to not only honor Bob’s memory, but to promote his remarkable qualities which earned him the respect of so many."
According to the January 28 news release, the proposed legislation is now moving forward through the appropriate legislative channels: "Presently SJR-146 is awaiting consideration by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee while AJR-209 is awaiting consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee."
Here's hoping that this proposed legislation becomes law sometime very soon, officially creating a "Robert 'Bob' Popovics Day" in New Jersey. Regardless, we certainly won't forget Bob here at flyfisherman.com .
Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher Closes, Bob Mariott’s FlyFishing Store For Sale Two of the better known fly shops across the U.S. have made a splash in the fly fishing news world this month as one closes and the other seeks new ownership.
In the world-record brown trout region of northern Arkansas, Dally's Ozark Fly Fisher has shuttered its doors and sold all of its remaining stock. Announced in late December, the lights were turned out for good on January 24 according to a Facebook post by fly guides Steve Dally and Chad Johnson, legends on the White and Norfork rivers.
"Sixteen years ago, younger, dumber and a lot less gray hair, we helped moved into this space on Hwy 62/412 in Cotter," read the post. "Now the next adventure. Booking your White River fly fishing experienced with Steve Dally Outfitters . And CJ's White River Outfitters . We both have openings through February and March for your next adventure."
Meanwhile, on the West Coast at Bob Mariott's Flyfishing Store opened in 1979, owner Kevin Bell has announced that he and his wife are selling the shop to focus more time on their family.
Owner Kevin Bell has announced that he and his wife are selling the shop to focus more time on their family. "With a heart full of gratitude, I want to share an important decision about Bob Marriott’s Flyfishing Store and Wild on the Fly Adventure Travel," said a statement from Bell that was published on anglingtrade.com . "For over 35 years, this shop and travel department have been my passion and a cornerstone of my life. From working for Bob Marriott to becoming an owner, it has been an incredible journey filled with cherished memories, friendships, and adventures.
"Now, my wife and I are ready to focus on family and fully embrace life as grandparents. While stepping away is bittersweet, it’s time to pass the torch to someone who will continue the legacy of the shop and travel business.
"Thank you all for your unwavering support–it has meant the world to me.”
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Kevin Bell directly at 714-404-2007.
Public Lands Gets Win with EXPLORE Act Passage The year 2024 was hard pressed for good news at times, but public land advocates got some prior to the New Year with passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act by the U.S. Senate.
(Liz Juers photo) That news comes according to a report on MSN by Jonathan Klein that touts the victory being celebrated by public land advocates.
"The Explore Act has a simple tagline, 'To improve recreation opportunities on, and facilitate greater access to, Federal public land, and for other purposes,'" notes Klein. "And in its text, it does just that, and not just for a single group, but damn near everyone who loves recreating on our nation's public lands."
Within the wording of the bill , which former U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law in early January 2025, several things are put into motion according to Klein.
"Within its text, there are provisions to expand biking trails, protect wilderness rock climbing, simplify and improve permitting for guides and outfitters, solidify past language to build out parks and green spaces, better access for disabled veterans, along with enhancing equine therapy programs for those same veterans, and support affordable housing within "gateway" areas to those parks and public lands where housing has ballooned," he notes.
The Explore Act mandates that the Forest Service designate new public shooting ranges, restore campsites, provide updated motorized and non-motorized maps of public lands, and much more.
Thankfully, that potential impact is now law and at least in this case, a hard-won victory that public land advocates can celebrate.
Montana Supreme Court Allows Permit for Smith River Mine If there's some good news concerning mines as noted above, there's also some news on the other side of the ledger as the Montana Supreme Court has upheld the Tintina Copper Mine Permit and some 150 million gallons of "remainder water" from the mining operation near the Smith River.
(Dennis Pastucha photo) According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle , the case involving the Tintina (now Sandfire Resources) permit has now cleared its final legal challenge before the Montana high court.
"In a 5-2 opinion, the court Thursday upheld a permit the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation issued to Tintina Montana Incorporated (now Sandfire Resources) to manipulate approximately 250 (million) gallons of groundwater in pursuit of a 14 million-ton copper deposit in Meagher County," noted the January 3 story by Amanda Eggert of the Montana Free Press .
"Trout Unlimited and its Montana chapter challenged the DNRC’s permit alongside Montana Environmental Information Center, Earthworks and American Rivers," Eggert continued. "The environmental groups argued Tintina’s plan for managing water within an over-appropriated basin will diminish the quantity and quality of water in the Smith River, which justices have previously dubbed 'an undisputed Montana treasure.'"
While Chief Justice Mike McGrath concurred with the opinion, along with Montana Supreme Court Justices Beth Baker, James Shea, and Dirk Sandefur according to Eggert's report, Justices Laurie McKinnon and Ingrid Gustafson did not. And, naturally, neither did the plaintiffs in the case.
The plaintiffs wrote in an e-mail that they were “keenly disappointed” and that this sets “an extremely dangerous precedent,” noted the Chronicle story.
“Given the value of water to all people and uses, including fish, wildlife, family homes and agriculture, this ruling is incredibly disappointing,” Montana Trout Unlimited’s Executive Director David Brooks wrote. “Allowing mining companies a free pass on massive water use threatens the lives and livelihoods of all downstream water users, not to mention the health of the treasured Smith River.”
Anglers, Hunters Cheer Action by Outgoing Biden Administration to Designate Sáttítla Highlands National Monument In another Executive Office decision issued just prior to former U.S. President Joe Biden stepping away from the Oval Office, there's some more public land good news for hunters and anglers to celebrate.
That comes with the announcement that Biden would designate the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in the Medicine Lake Volcanic Highlands of Northern California. With that announcement, both Trout Unlimited and the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers noted that the monument designation would not change oversight of the Sattitla area's fish and wildlife resources, and its hunting and fishing opportunities, which are managed by the state of California.
The Sáttítla Highlands host the headwaters for Fall Creek, the Pit River, Lake Shasta, and the Sacramento River. (Bob Wick/USFS photo) "The Shasta Trinity Cascades Chapter of Trout Unlimited is committed to protecting and restoring coldwater habitats in the famous fishing waters of our northern California territory, including the Fall River, a truly unique fishery in California that depends entirely on water from the huge aquifer under the Sáttítla region," said Creighton Smith, president of the TU Chapter in Redding, California, in a news release .
"We have lost so much habitat for trout and salmon, which require clean, cold water to thrive, over the past century–we have to act now to better protect what’s left," he continued. "President Biden’s designation of the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument is a critically important action for protecting one of the most extraordinary water resource areas in the country–and the exceptional fishing and hunting opportunities this area provides.
"We salute the Pit River Tribe for their leadership in the campaign to create this monument, and applaud President Biden’s establishment of this monument and his leadership in trout and salmon conservation.”
Andrew Harris, owner of Confluence Outfitters in Red Bluff, California, also thanked Biden for the national monument designation and resource protection.
"The sole source of the Fall River and its world-famous trout fishery is the waters absorbed and filtered by the Sáttítla landscape," he said. "This river is California’s largest spring creek and its abundant waters feed the Pit River, Lake Shasta, and the Sacramento River.
"Our guide service depends on these waters–each a unique fishery–to provide great local fly-fishing experiences for over a thousand anglers every year. On behalf of our working guides and clients, and the many other people who come to this area for its exceptional fishing opportunities, we applaud President Biden’s action to permanently protect this extraordinary area of public lands as a national monument.”
Dave Matthews Headlines This Summer’s Wildlands Festival Tickets to see music headliner Dave Matthews and opening act Lukas Nelson in Big Sky, Montana are currently sold out, but there is a waiting list. (L Paul Mann / Shutterstock.com photo) While it's hard to think about summer right now with wintertime in firm command, the upcoming concert fundraiser for the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and American Rivers demands some attention in the year's first month.
While tickets to see music headliner Dave Matthews and the event's opening act from Lukas Nelson both perform in the 4,000-seat Big Sky Events Arena in Big Sky, Montana on August 2 are currently sold out, there is a waiting list for any tickets that might become available.
As Explore Big Sky reports: "Both nonprofits support beloved wild spaces and waters close to home and across the country. American Rivers, a nationwide nonprofit, works to preserve and restore waterways, while the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, a Bozeman-based global nonprofit, focuses on connecting open spaces and ecosystems.
According to American Rivers’ Northern Rockies Regional Director, Scott Bosse, the funds raised will support two projects in the region.
“We plan to use the proceeds from this year’s Wildlands to win permanent legislative protections for the Gallatin and other iconic rivers in southwest Montana, and to help us launch a dam removal program in the Northern Rockies,” he said.
The report indicates that the two projects will align with the organization’s urgent objectives, one being to protect one million river miles and the other being to remove 30,000 dams where costs outweigh benefits.
John McMillan Tapped to Lead The Conservation Angler The Conservation Angler (TCA) has announced that renowned biologist and former TCA Director of Science John McMillan has been selected as the organization's new president.
According to a news release , McMillan will help lead the conservation organization towards its mission of ensuring that "...wild steelhead and salmon have sufficient diversity and resilience to adapt to climate change and support responsibly managed fisheries."
"This is an exciting opportunity,” said McMillan. “I became a fishery scientist because I love fishing for steelhead. After watching steelhead decline in my home waters on the Olympic Peninsula, I came to realize science alone was not going to save the fish. As a result, I wanted to take on more of a leadership role in the conservation nexus of science and law.”
McMillan will lead the group's work in the Lower 48, hopefully expand that work into Alaska and British Columbia, and potentially help the organization revive its flagship Kamchatka Steelhead Project .
"John McMillan has dedicated his personal and professional life to steelhead and salmon–from catching his first steelhead at the age of four to publishing the most comprehensive review of the scientific literature on hatchery effects on wild salmonids as a widely respected biologist," noted Rob Kirschner, TCA's Legal and Policy Director. "Along the way, he became one of the most effective communicators about salmon and steelhead biology. No one else is more qualified to lead a science-based advocacy organization that speaks for conservation-minded anglers than John."
Prior to joining the organization, McMillan reportedly worked for the Hoh Indian tribe, the Wild Salmon Center, NOAA Fisheries on the Elwha River dam removal project, and most recently, as Science Director for Trout Unlimited’s Wild Steelhead Initiative. TCA says that McMillan also holds a Masters in Fisheries Science from Oregon State University and has published 26 peer-reviewed manuscripts and technical reports on steelhead and salmon along with two books and numerous fly-fishing articles.
Bajio's Fish for Change Program Scholarship Deadline Approaches Sunglass maker Bajio recently announced its "Fish for Change" scholarship to sponsor a young angler and send them on the trip of a lifetime. And after launching the Florida company's Temple of Change frames last year, the company is working again to this year with a Fish for Change scholarship.
According to Bajio , that scholarship—fully paid for by the company—will send the selected student on a 2025 summer program at one of four world-class destinations with the aim of supporting young anglers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience fly fishing in an immersive, international setting that will help them become a conservation minded advocate in the future. Potential destinations include Honduras, Mexico, the Bahamas, or Costa Rica where a host of fly angling opportunities await.
Delaney Hutcheson shows off a bonefish caught on her second Fish for Change experience in Great Abaco, Bahamas. (Jake Wood photo) As Fly Fisherman contributor and Montana fly-fishing guide Hillary Hutcheson noted , Fish For Change is a nonprofit organization that uses fly fishing as a platform to bring together students, local communities, and conservationists to promote sustainable fishing practices, habitat restoration, and cultural exchange.
"I guess you could say we're a bunch of idealistic misfits who believe that fishing can change the world...and for some crazy reason, we put everything on the line to do it," Bajio CEO Al Perkinson has been known to say according to the company.
To accomplish Perkinson's goal and to make a big impact on the next generation of fly fishers, Bajio will aim with its Limited Edition Vega sunglasses (which features custom permit art by fishing guide and tattoo artist Casey Anderson) as a vehicle to get there. As part of Bajío’s Temples of Change program, the company will use $20 from every purchase of those limited edition shades to go to this program
To learn more about the limited edition Bajio sunglasses in the "Temples of Change" Vega lineup, visit the company's website . And to apply for the scholarship prior to the April 1 deadline, visit here .
Wyoming Game and Fish Seeks Public Input on North Platte River Fishing Regulations The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is hosting open houses in Casper and Rawlins on February 4th and 5th to gather public input on potential changes to fishing regulations in the North Platte River drainage.
WGFD is hosting open houses to gather public input on potential changes to fishing regulations in the North Platte River drainage. (Josh Bergan photo) Proposed changes include:
Increased walleye limits at Alcova, Pathfinder, and Seminoe Reservoirs. Barbless hook requirement on the North Platte River between Kortes Dam and Highway 220. Artificial flies only at Fremont Canyon and Gray Reef. Seasonal spawning closure near Ledge Creek on the North Platte River below Gray Reef Dam. Watercraft restrictions upstream of the Seminoe Road bridge at the Miracle Mile. "We value the input of our angling community," said Matt Hahn, Casper Region Fisheries Supervisor. "These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the North Platte River fisheries."
The Casper meeting will be held February 4 at 6 pm at the Casper Regional Game and Fish Office (3030 Energy Lane), and the Rawlins meeting will be February 5 at 6 pm at Rawlins’ Jeffrey Memorial Community Center (315 W. Pine Street).
To the north, WGFD will also host a public meeting on February 4 to discuss whether the current October fishing prohibition on Jackson Lake remains necessary. This meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jackson Regional Office, 420 N. Cache St. in Jackson.