Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

670 | Public Waters and Lands Conservation with Josh Mills - Wild Steelhead Coalition, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Clearwater River

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Episode notes

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/670  

Presented By: Togens Fly Shop, FishHound Expeditions, TroutRoutes, Angler's Coffee

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors      

Josh Mills, a seasoned expert from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers team, as well as a board member of the Wild Steelhead Coalition and an accomplished steelhead fly tier, is set to guide us through the Clearwater River and public waters and lands.

Today, you'll learn how to adjust your reel technique for enhanced stealth. We'll also provide an update on the status of the Lower Snake River dams and their current developments. Additionally, you'll discover what a public lands yard sale entails. Moreover, we'll analyze a significant western stream to improve your success on the water this year. Together, we'll delve deep into the topics of steelhead fishing and conservation. Let's begin our journey.

Episode Chapters with Josh Mills on Public Waters and Lands

3:19 - We talk about our top destinations for steelhead fishing. Josh feels fortunate to fish in local rivers like the Clearwater and Salmon, but he reminisces about a memorable trip to the Skeena region in 2012 and plans to return in 2025. He also dreams of fishing in Northern California, inspired by historical figures in the steelhead community.

12:15 - Josh discusses his fishing strategy, focusing on the Clearwater River. He fishes the Clearwater from August through September, as fish from different basins, including the Snake and Grand Ronde Rivers, seek the cold water as a thermal refuge. He notes the Clearwater can be a challenging but rewarding river to fish. Once the thermal block breaks, fish often return to the Snake River, and Josh shifts his focus to the Grand Ronde system.

16:11 - We ask Josh for advice on fly patterns for steelhead fishing on the Deschutes River in October. He responds by emphasizing the unpredictable nature of steelhead fishing, suggesting that success often depends on the angler's confidence and intuition rather than specific fly patterns. He explains that steelhead are curious and might bite at almost anything due to aggression, predatory instincts, or curiosity.

23:31 - We dig into his involvement with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) and the Wild Steelhead Coalition. He initially got involved by running fundraisers and joining the board of the latter, which led him deeper into conservation efforts. He started volunteering with BHA in 2015, an organization dedicated to protecting public lands and waters in North America. Josh felt compelled to protect these lands, recognizing their importance for recreation and conservation.

28:57 - We get into the complexities of public land and water access laws in the United States, particularly focusing on differences between states. Josh elaborates on the varied stream access laws across states, highlighting how states like Washington, Idaho, and Montana have more permissive laws, while Colorado and Utah face significant challenges.

42:37 - We discuss Josh's experiences and growth in fly fishing. Josh emphasizes the continuous nature of learning and improving in fishing. He talks about the technical skills involved, such as casting and line management, and how observing skilled anglers like Brian Chou and others has inspired him. Josh admires their proficiency in handling challenging conditions and accurately predicting fish locations.

Josh acknowledges that despite trying to replicate the techniques of skilled anglers, there are subtle differences in execution that impact results. He emphasizes the importance of learning from others and adapting various techniques, such as transitioning between different fly lines.

45:58 - We compare fishing the Clearwater River versus in the Deschutes. Josh highlights the former's larger size, which offers more room for casting and allows for different fishing techniques. He notes that unlike the Deschutes, where sun orientation impacts fishing strategies, the Clearwater allows for dry line fishing throughout winter. He also mentions the genetic traits of Clearwater fish that make them more likely to rise through the water.

Additionally, he compares the river sizes and flow variability, explaining how the Clearwater's dam-controlled nature affects fishing conditions. Despite the challenges, Josh appreciates the unique fishing opportunities both rivers offer, with each having its own "secrets" and characteristics.

49:07 - Josh gives some valuable tips on fishing for steelhead in Clearwater. He suggests visiting the Red Shed Fly Shop for advice and emphasizes the importance of focusing on manageable sections of large rivers. He explains that understanding where fish rest and conserving energy is crucial. For rods, Josh notes that it varies with the season. He enjoys using a 15-foot rod with a 60-foot line but adapts his technique based on conditions.

54:39 - We discuss the dynamics of fly fishing, particularly focusing on the experience of fishing with highly skilled casters. Josh admits he is an average caster but values learning from experts like Calvin Fuller, and Brian Chou, who demonstrate exceptional skill and understanding of the craft. He recounts experiences at a steelhead camp, highlighting how observing and learning from others is invaluable.

58:30 - Josh shares his passion for tying steelhead flies, which he considers his favorite due to their intricate construction. He emphasizes the importance of learning from various resources and incorporating techniques from different fly-tying experts to develop his unique style.

Josh ties steelhead flies year-round, but also enjoys crafting flies for warm-water fish like smallmouth bass. He admits he doesn't enjoy tying dry flies unless they involve fun materials like foam. While he can tie Catskill-style flies, he prefers tying streamers and relishes the opportunity to learn new techniques, such as tying flat wings for striped bass or preparing flies for exotic fishing trips, which he finds particularly rewarding.

1:01:29 - He talks about the Wild Steelhead Coalition. Josh explains that the organization is mainly volunteer-run, with one small contractor. Despite its size, the coalition is highly effective in advocating for steelhead conservation, engaging in fundraising, public education, and advocacy efforts. Josh mentions a recent significant article in the Seattle Times that highlights their work, illustrating the coalition's impact despite its resources.

1:05:20 - We briefly talk about the status and future of the Snake River dams. Josh emphasizes the ongoing efforts to educate and build coalitions regarding the dams, expressing that everyone affected should be considered. He highlights the historical use of the dams for barge traffic and the declining export traffic on the river. He mentions recent news indicating salmon are passing above dam sites for the first time in a century, suggesting the potential benefits of dam removal on salmon populations.

1:08:23 - We ask Josh about that time when he worked at a radio after college. 

1:13:08 - Josh shares that he used to play baseball as a pitcher.   

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/670