The Conditions-First Revolution: How 2026 Fly Fishing Gear Is Being Engineered for the Cold
Across fly lines, terminal tackle, weighting systems, and even floatants, this year's gear landscape reflects a deliberate shift toward what might be called "conditions-first" engineering: formulations, materials, and designs built not just for the river in general but for the specific, unforgiving demands of cold water, tiny flies, and the subtle presentations they require.
Gear
Yellowstone National Park Opens Fishing Season Early on Three Rivers
In a significant policy shift for the 2026 fishing season, Yellowstone National Park has announced that the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers will open to anglers on May 1—weeks ahead of the traditional Memorial Day weekend opener. The decision, announced January 27 by park officials, represents a strategic adaptation to changing climate conditions that have increasingly disrupted summer fishing on these thermally influenced waterways.
News
Industry Legend Jim Murphy Passes Away
Jim Murphy, a true fly-fishing Renaissance man and leader of an astonishing number of angling brands over the years, passed away on January 21 after a long illness. At the time of his death, Murphy was the Director of Fly Fishing for Pure Fishing—which owns iconic brands such as Hardy, Greys, Pfleuger, and Fenwick—but his history in the business goes all the way back to 1989, when he went to work for Thomas & Thomas.
People
Pebble Mine Update: Federal Court Deadline Looms as Alaska Legislature Debates Permanent Protections
While the Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 veto of the proposed Pebble Mine remains in effect, legal and legislative skirmishes have intensified, with the next two weeks bringing a major deadline that could shape the project's future.
News
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Meet the New MidCurrent Editor-in-Chief
I’ve spent the last few weeks working in the background on a few special projects, while Johnny Carrol Sain has continued doing his usual brilliant job overseeing the website and newsletters. This week, he’s handing the reins to me.
People
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Tying Tuesday: Midges, Beetles, and Deceivers
This week's Tying Tuesday has quite a bit of variety to it, with flies that'll work for trout, bass, and even saltwater species.
Videos
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How George Daniel Achieved His Fly-Fishing Dreams
Over the past couple of decades, Pennsylvania angler George Daniel has built a remarkable life in fly fishing--as a guide, a member of Fly Fishing Team USA, an author and speaker, and as the latest instructor in charge of Penn State's legendary fly-fishing program. Writing on Onward State, an independent Penn State news site, CJ Doebler . . .
News
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Nautilus Announces New GTS Reels
Nautilus Reels has announced the release of their new GTS 5/6 reels. This new size joins the previously-announced GTS reels in Nautilus' much-loved lineup.
Gear
New Law Will Put Federal Waterway Rules on Your Phone
The MAPWaters Act, signed in late December, gives agencies five years to digitize access points, fishing restrictions, and boating regulations on all federally managed waters.
News
Adirondack Brook Trout Are Recolonizing Streams Lost to Acid Rain—But Warming Water May Undo the Comeback
A landmark USGS study documents four decades of recovery in 42 Adirondack streams, while a new DEC management plan confronts invasive species, habitat loss, and a warming climate.
Conservation
Colorado TU Turns the Tying Season Into a Gift for the Next Generation
A statewide tying challenge asks members to stock fly boxes for youth programs before April 1.
News
