The White River is the “big leagues” of streamer fishing, with opportunities for 24-inch brown trout around every corner. But these large trout are not easy to catch and often require very specialized strategies to get them in the net. (George Daniel photo)
February 07, 2025
By Fly Fisherman Staff
North American Streamer Conclave Announced for 2026 The White River Trout Club in Flippin, Arkansas has announced the North American Streamer Conclave Annual Fly Fishing Tournament , to take place February, 20-22, 2026 on Arkansas’s White River. The event is sponsored by Beard Bros Fly Fishing, Tat2flyfisher, the White River Trout Club (WRTC) and Two Rivers Fly Shop in Norfork, Arkansas, and proceeds will be donated to the Cross Trail Outfitters Youth Organization.
“I wanted to create a show that is extremely light on vendors, no raffles or auctions or silent auctions, no club or group affiliations, no politics,” said organizer Stan Darnell in an e-mail. “Something that can return back to the meat and potatoes of the industry with a focus on streamers. Big. Nasty. Meaty. Streamers.”
The rules will be:
Fly fishing with streamers only Up to two anglers per boat. Hiring guides allowed No area restrictions Will depart groups in 30 minute stages from the WRTC Solid bump boards (required) and provided wristbands MUST be used in fish pictures Must pre-register by 12/31/25 Entry fee: $50 per boat “Since there aren’t any vendors, clubs, no door fees etc, how would we be able to finance this as well as create an interest for people to even show up? One of my closest friends who also guides tossed out the idea of a fly fishing streamer only tournament on top of the tying show. We have run with it,” Darnell added.
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Prizes will be awarded for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers, plus a big fish award. The score will be tallied by totaling the length of top 10 fish from each boat.
Winners and prizes will be announced February 21, 2026, at 2pm during the tying event at WRTC pavilion. Day 1 is the tournament, while days 2 and 3 will be all about streamer tying.
“The White River is a glorious body of water that is an epic fishery,” said Darnell. “I am mainly trying to bring attention to the river, to the streamer action this river gives, just trying to share this with everyone.”
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Email beardbrosff@gmail.com to register.
Mayfly Introduces Airlite Rods to U.S. Market After more than 20 years in the UK market, Airlite Fly Rods has officially debuted in the U.S., introducing a range of high-quality yet affordable fly rods. Designed to make the sport accessible to anglers of all levels, Mayfly Outdoors introduced the brand in a recent press release.
Mayfly CEO Jeff Wagner, alongside Gareth Jones, GM of Airflo, led the effort to refresh the rod line for global markets. Wagner emphasized the importance of creating rods that feel like an extension of the angler.
After more than 20 years in the UK market, Airlite Fly Rods has officially debuted in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Mayfly Outdoors) “Designing fly rods has been one of my true passions for over 20 years, and few things in the world of fly fishing excite me more than crafting quality rods that elevate the casting experience,” Wagner said in a press release. “It was a pleasure to collaborate with our UK team and Gareth Jones, our GM of Airflo and fly line designer, who also brings nearly 20 years of experience in rod development. Together, we refreshed the rod line to bring it to the U.S. market—and beyond.”
Airlite’s lineup includes six rod series, two reels, and a combo kit, with more products in development. From beginner-friendly Adventure Fly Rods to the power-packed Cargo and Salty series for challenging conditions, the designs cater to varied fishing environments. Features include earthy matte finishes, color-coded reel seats, and triangular rod cases for convenience.
Airlite offers a comprehensive warranty and customer service program. Products are now available online and through select dealers.
Montana Updates: Clark Fork Restoration Continues; Input Sought on Flathead River Management; Flint Creek Stabilization; Jefferson River Restoration Several projects were recently announced in Montana related to trout habitat restoration and river management.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated a $3.7 million project to remove approximately 130,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil along a mile-long stretch of the Clark Fork River near Racetrack Pond, close to Deer Lodge . This endeavor, part of a broader plan to remediate over 20 miles of river basin affected by historic mining activities from Butte and Anaconda, aims to reestablish a functioning floodplain and improve the ecosystem's health. The project is expected to be completed by October 2025, though timelines may adjust based on environmental conditions.
To the north, the U.S. Forest Service is soliciting public feedback on a proposed management plan for the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Flathead River. The original comprehensive plan, established in 1980 following the river's designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act , is undergoing revision to address increased recreational use and its impact on the river's ecosystem. Public meetings are scheduled to gather input, with the goal of balancing conservation efforts with the growing demand for recreational access.
The original comprehensive plan, established in 1980 following the Flathead River's designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, is undergoing revision to address increased recreational use and its impact on the river's ecosystem. The Middle Fork is shown here. (Shutterstock photo) Two federally funded watershed projects in southwest Montana aim to enhance habitat for trout and other wildlife while supporting sustainable ranching and irrigation.
Flint Creek Watershed Resiliency Project is a $1.3-million grant that will fund restoration of a two-mile stretch of Flint Creek. Native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout, as well as wild populations of brown, rainbow, and brook trout, are expected to benefit. Infrastructure upgrades will include off-stream water sources, riparian fencing, and potential headgate improvements to support multi-generational ranching. The project is slated to begin in 2026.
The Upper Jefferson Channel Restoration Project is $1.1 million-grant that will restore a side channel of the Jefferson River to preserve irrigation access to the Gideon-Root Ditch while enhancing fish habitat. This project, led by the Ruby Valley Conservation District and Montana Trout Unlimited, will reduce the need for annual excavation by ditch owners. Planned improvements include removing jersey barriers to restore fish passage and improving sediment transport. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Ron Spoon praised the project as a balanced solution for irrigation and fish conservation.
The Upper Jefferson Channel Restoration Project is $1.1 million-grant that will restore a side channel of the Jefferson River to preserve irrigation access to the Gideon-Root Ditch while enhancing fish habitat. (Shutterstock photo) “Keeping that side channel active is a positive action,” said Spoon in a Montana Standard article .
“The owners are multi-generational locals who have been strong advocates to balance irrigation and fish,” he said. “They have had to do major, annual disturbance to the river channel to force water down the current channel.”
“Nature is our best ally in the fight against climate change and through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have transformational resources to advance locally led, partnership driven projects like these that will catalyze nature-based solutions and build resilient communities and landscapes,” said former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in a DOI press release.
Northeast Saltwater Updates: Massachusetts Stripers and Rhode Island Albies The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has proposed new regulations for the state's commercial striped bass fishery to protect larger, more productive female spawners, according to the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA) . The plan suggests implementing a slot limit, capping the maximum harvest size between 38 and 44 inches, and potentially reducing the minimum size to 32 inches. This marks a departure from the current minimum size of 35 inches with no maximum limit.
The Massachusetts DMF has proposed implementing a slot limit for commercial fishing of striped bass, capping the maximum harvest size between 38 and 44 inches, and potentially reducing the minimum size to 32 inches. (Cody Rubner photo) The initiative aims to enhance spawning stock biomass by safeguarding larger females, which contribute disproportionately to reproduction. Studies indicate that these fish produce more robust eggs and larvae, improving survival rates. The proposal also includes a ban on gaffing in the commercial fishery and plans to standardize fish measurement methods to ensure consistency.
This conservation-focused approach seeks to balance the needs of the commercial fishing industry while addressing concerns about declining striped bass populations.
Meanwhile in Rhode Island, the ASGA is urging anglers targeting false albacore and bonito to participate in a survey by the Rhode Island Division of Marine Resources. The survey aims to gather input from stakeholders to guide fisheries management decisions. Click here to take the survey.
Jetties give you shots at fast-running false albacore in the fall. (Jim Freda photo) Washington Bans Net Pens in State Waters Washington state recently banned commercial net-pen fish farming in state-managed waters, citing environmental risks to wild salmon and orcas. The state Board of Natural Resources adopted the rule on January 25.
Outgoing State Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz emphasized the state’s duty to protect aquatic lands, noting the impacts of net pens and the recent loss of an orca calf as reminders of environmental fragility. The ban follows years of debate and a 2017 net-pen collapse that released thousands of Atlantic salmon .
While some board members suggested future consideration of land-based or Puget Sound fish farming, the ban effectively ends the industry in state waters. Supporters, including tribal representatives and environmental groups, cited the need to protect salmon and public investment in their recovery. Opponents, including the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and aquaculture industry representatives, argued for the economic benefits and food production the industry provides.
Each square, or fish pen, holds 90,000 fish. (Shutterstock photo) Washington joins California and Alaska in banning the practice, while Oregon has no net-pen farms and British Columbia is phasing them out. The ban does not affect raising native fish for release or tribal use.
House Introduces MAPWaters Act to Enhance Recreational Access to Federal Waterways Bipartisan legislation known as the Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters (MAPWaters) Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives, aiming to improve recreational access to federal waterways.
The MAPWaters Act directs federal agencies to digitize and publicly share information regarding water and fishing access, as well as recreational use on federal waterways. This initiative seeks to provide anglers with the necessary information to safely and legally utilize public waters managed by agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service.
“The MAPWaters Act will help Americans make the most of their days on the water by directing federal agencies to clarify the complex rules of public waterways and making them readily available,” Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said.
Click here to read the proposed legislation.
Georgia DNR Relaunches 'Operation ROE' to Protect Spotted Seatrout The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is urging recreational anglers to voluntarily release spotted seatrout over 18 inches in length from January through September 2025. This initiative, known as Operation ROE (Release Over Eighteen) , aims to protect larger, more prolific spawners following recent cold weather in southeast Georgia that poses significant threats to the species.
Water temperatures in the mid to low 40s can be lethal to spotted seatrout. Data from the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve’s water quality station in the Lower Duplin River has shown sustained water temperatures in the low 40s in recent days. While many fish may not die immediately, such extreme cold conditions can cause physiological stress that leads to delayed mortality.
Research indicates that larger female spotted seatrout produce significantly more eggs during the spawning season, which runs from April to September. Protecting these individuals now is crucial for bolstering egg production and ensuring a strong juvenile year class heading into the winter of 2025-2026.
"Voluntary angler cooperation is critical to ensuring the resilience of our spotted seatrout population during this challenging time,” CRD Director Doug Haymans emphasized the importance of angler participation, said in a press release.
So Much for Spooking: Do Fish Actually Like Human Interaction? Finally, in a bit of frivolous news, and while not exactly fly-fishing related, here’s a concluding tidbit that you might find interesting.
The Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, recently faced an unexpected challenge when its resident sunfish exhibited signs of distress following the facility's temporary closure for renovations. The sunfish, a popular attraction known for engaging with visitors, ceased eating and began rubbing against the tank walls. After ruling out health issues like digestive problems or parasites, staff speculated that the fish was experiencing loneliness due to the absence of guests.
Aquarium staff in Japan recently placed cardboard cutouts of people dressed in staff uniforms around the tank of an ocean sunfish to address the apparent loneliness it was experiencing. (Shutterstock photo) To address this, the aquarium staff placed cardboard cutouts of people dressed in staff uniforms around the tank . Remarkably, the sunfish's condition improved the following day, as it resumed eating and displayed normal behavior. The aquarium shared this development on social media, expressing surprise at the effectiveness of the intervention and noting the fish's apparent curiosity and affinity for human interaction.
The finding suggests that fish might be more socially open to human interaction that it might seem. Just some food for thought…
