The Bristol Bay watershed supports the world’s most productive wild salmon fishery. (Ross Purnell photo)
July 25, 2025
By Fly Fisherman Staff
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Bristol Bay Forever Act Introduced; Trump Administration Backs Mining Block The Bristol Bay Forever Act is a landmark piece of legislation introduced in May 2025 by Alaska lawmakers Speaker Bryce Edgmon and Representative Andy Josephson. Its goal is to permanently prohibit large-scale metallic sulfide mining within the 36,000-square-mile Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve–a region that supports the world’s most productive wild salmon fishery. While the controversial Pebble Mine proposal has been halted, over 20 active mining claims still threaten the watershed. This bill would extend protections beyond the Pebble deposit, ensuring that future mining projects cannot proceed without legislative approval affirming no harm to the fishery.
The act builds on decades of advocacy and existing state protections, including a 1972 law that restricts oil and gas development in the Reserve. It reflects growing concern over the long-term risks posed by acid rock drainage and other pollutants associated with sulfide mining. Supporters argue that the Reserve’s ecological, cultural, and economic value–from Indigenous subsistence to commercial fishing and sport angling–warrants permanent safeguards. The bill will be considered during Alaska’s 2026 legislative session, and organizations like United Tribes of Bristol Bay are rallying public support through petitions and outreach.
In other Bristol Bay news, the Trump Administration formally announced its support for protecting Bristol Bay by backing two major federal decisions that halted the proposed Pebble Mine project. These decisions, made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA, reflect overwhelming public opposition and concern over the ecological threat posed by large-scale mining in the region. The Wild Salmon Center praised the move as a victory for both conservation and the tens of thousands of American jobs sustained by the $2.2 billion fishery.
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Despite the earlier rulings, Pebble Mine’s backer, Northern Dynasty, launched a legal challenge in 2024 against the federal government. With this renewed government defense, supported by conservation groups like the Wild Salmon Center, the fight to permanently protect Bristol Bay enters a pivotal phase. Advocates stress the irreplaceable value of such wild places and call for ongoing public support to strengthen environmental safeguards and ensure that Bristol Bay remains off-limits to toxic mining for future generations.
“We applaud this decision to protect America’s greatest salmon stronghold, a place that supports tens of thousands of American fishing jobs across the nation,” Guido Rahr, President and CEO of the Wild Salmon Center, said in a statement.
Ambler Road Construction Nixed from Legislation The Brooks Range is one of Alaska’s most remote and beautiful regions. (Jim Dau photo) Elsewhere in Alaska, a provision that would have mandated federal permitting for the controversial Ambler Road project in Alaska’s Brooks Range was removed from the Senate’s budget reconciliation bill . The decision follows a ruling by the Senate Parliamentarian that the provision violated the Byrd Rule, which restricts non-budgetary items in reconciliation legislation.
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The Ambler Road, a proposed 211-mile industrial mining corridor, has faced widespread opposition from Alaska Native Tribes, conservation groups, and local communities due to concerns over subsistence impacts, environmental degradation, and cultural disruption. The Department of the Interior previously selected the “No Action Alternative” in 2024, effectively halting the project.
Despite attempts to revive the road through legislative channels, the removal of this provision marks a significant win for opponents who argue the project lacks economic justification and poses serious ecological risks. Advocates continue to monitor future legislative efforts that may attempt to bypass environmental review and tribal consultation requirements.
ODFW Seeking Applicants for Task Forces: Fish Screening & Passage The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is currently seeking applicants for two advisory bodies : the Fish Screening Task Force and the Fish Passage Task Force. These volunteer groups play a vital role in shaping habitat restoration policy across the state. The Screening Task Force focuses on protecting native fish from unscreened water diversions–a major issue given Oregon’s 55,000-plus surface water diversions, many of which lack fish screens. These screens prevent juvenile salmon and steelhead from being drawn into irrigation systems, and the Task Force helps prioritize which diversions should be addressed first.
Meanwhile, the Fish Passage Task Force advises ODFW on rulemaking, funding, and exemptions related to fish passage barriers like culverts, dams, and tide gates. Members represent water users, conservationists, and the public-at-large, and meet quarterly to guide statewide restoration efforts. With two vacancies currently open, ODFW is encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply by August 31. Both Task Forces offer a chance to directly influence Oregon’s fish conservation strategy–especially as the state ramps up efforts to reconnect fragmented habitats and improve migratory routes for salmon, lamprey, and other native species.
$20K Grant for Bahamas Mangrove Nursery (Photo courtesy of BTT) Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has received a $20,000 grant from the Yellow Dog Community & Conservation Foundation to establish a mangrove nursery on Crooked Island in the Bahamas. This influx will support the Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project, which aims to rehabilitate critical coastal habitat damaged by Hurricane Joaquin in 2015. The nursery, built in June 2025, can propagate up to 10,000 red mangrove seedlings annually and will serve as a hub for restoration across Crooked and Acklins Islands–both of which host prime bonefish flats and face mounting environmental pressures.
The grant marks a strategic expansion of BTT’s work in the southern Bahamas, where natural recovery has stalled due to sea level rise and lack of infrastructure. By training local residents and fishing guides in mangrove propagation and planting, BTT hopes to build long-term restoration capacity and foster community stewardship. The nursery also supports the broader goals of the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance, which has pledged to plant one million mangroves by 2026. With support from Yellow Dog and other partners, this initiative is not only restoring habitat but also reinforcing the ecological and economic resilience of island communities.
Upcoming Fly-Fishing Events Carp Slam XIX – September 13, 2025
Denver Trout Unlimited’s annual fly-fishing tournament returns to the South Platte River. Amateur and pro anglers compete to catch carp while raising funds for urban river restoration. Top fundraisers secure competition spots.
Warrior Taste Fest – September 6, 2025
Hosted by Warriors & Quiet Waters in Bozeman, Montana, this culinary and art fundraiser supports post-9/11 combat veterans through immersive fly-fishing trips. Guests enjoy tastings, live music, and a quick-finish art auction. Tickets are on sale now.
Sandy River Spey Clave – May 2026
The beloved spey casting festival will return to Oxbow Regional Park just east of Portland, Oregon. Expect casting demos, gear showcases, and community gatherings celebrating the art of the swing.
NOTE: If you have an event you'd like shared in Fly Fisherman's News Digest, please e-mail joshua.bergan@outdoorsg.com .
Insights into Yellow Dog’s 5-Weight Fly Rod Invitational Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures recently hosted one of the most comprehensive gear reviews in the industry: the 5-Weight Fly Rod Invitational . In partnership with Anglers Academy, the event evaluated 26 rods from major manufacturers across three fishing disciplines–dry fly, nymphing, and streamer–using elite casters and real-world scenarios. Rather than naming a single “best rod,” the Invitational focused on performance metrics like accuracy, feel, and versatility at distances between 20 and 50 feet. The goal was to help anglers choose the right tool for their specific fishing style, rather than chasing hype or brand loyalty.
The results revealed that no rod excels in every category, and that personal casting style plays a major role in rod selection. For example, the Winston Air 2 scored highest overall for dry fly finesse, while the Scott Centric and Thomas & Thomas Avant II stood out for balanced performance across techniques. Budget-friendly options like the Redington Classic Trout also earned praise for punching above their weight. The Invitational’s data-driven approach is a refreshing shift from subjective reviews, offering anglers a nuanced guide to finding their ideal 5-weight–whether they’re chasing trout in tight mountain streams or casting long on windy flats.
Costa Releases 2023–2024 Protect Report Summary Costa Sunglasses has unveiled its 2023–2024 Protect Report , offering a compelling look at how the brand continues to champion environmental stewardship and community engagement. Marking its 40th anniversary, Costa deepens its commitment to preserving aquatic ecosystems while crafting performance-driven eyewear designed with purpose. The report reflects initiatives spanning 2021 and 2022, and showcases how sustainability is woven into every facet of the company’s identity.
The report highlights Costa’s expansion of its Untangled Collection –a product line made from 97 percent recycled fishing nets through its collaboration with Bureo. Alongside these purpose-built products, the brand’s signature Kick Plastic and OneCoast campaigns remain central pillars, working to reduce single-use plastics and promote coastal resilience. These programs demonstrate Costa’s dual mission: to protect the watery world and deliver high-performance gear for those who explore it.
In partnership with over 40 coastal and freshwater organizations, Costa supported groundbreaking conservation efforts like the Marlin Fly Project , which achieved the first satellite tagging of striped marlin on fly tackle in Mexico’s Magdalena Bay . The brand also strengthened community bonds through youth initiatives such as Costa 5 Rivers with Trout Unlimited and the Compete+Conserve program focused on bass fishing.
On a global scale, Costa aligned its impact strategy with all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With more than 1,000 community activations and over 25 awareness-raising films produced, the company’s influence extends far beyond its products. Jed Larkin, Costa’s Brand Director, underscored this balance by noting the brand’s enduring dedication to making eyewear with heart—and a commitment to serve as guardians of the environment that inspires it.
Is Electrofishing Harmful to Bugs? Electrofishing rafts lined up along the banks of New Mexico's San Juan River. (Photo courtesy of USFWS) A study by Idaho Fish and Game and BYU-Idaho examined whether boat electrofishing negatively affects aquatic insect populations in the South Fork Snake River. Researchers found “no significant impact” on insect drift rates or mortality among key species like caddisflies and stoneflies. The findings suggest that jetboat and raft electrofishing is an effective fish sampling method with minimal harm to macroinvertebrates, which are crucial to healthy fisheries.
Results from the 2024 Gulf Menhaden Bycatch Study An independent study funded by the Louisiana Legislature revealed that commercial menhaden fishing in the Gulf of Mexico unintentionally killed over 145 million non-target fish in 2024, including 22,000 redfish, 33,000 catfish, and 10,000 sharks. While the industry’s redfish bycatch accounts for less than 10 percent of total redfish removals–most come from recreational fishing–critics argue the mortality is still ecologically significant. The study also found that fish released directly from nets had high survival rates, while those processed through chute systems suffered nearly 100 percent mortality. The results have prompted gear upgrades and renewed debate over exclusion zones and fishery regulations.
