This week we’ve got bluefish boosting New England’s economy, Pennsylvania anglers striking gold, and Montana rivers on the verge of Wild and Scenic glory. Plus, urban carp in Boston, illegal bass drama in Maine, and jaw-dropping shots from the Mangrove Photography Awards. 

1. Bluefish Get Their Day: Driving Jobs, Smoked Fish, and Cape Cod Swagger

These feisty fish aren’t just fun to catch; they’re economic powerhouses. From charter trips off Cape Cod to the smoky flavors landing on your plate in Boston, bluefish are flexing their financial muscles across New England.
Bluefish help power New England’s blue economy — WCVB

Weed Control Goes Rogue in Montana’s Blackfoot River

Fly Fishermen were stunned as a Sherp ATV, an amphibious tank, rolled through the Blackfoot River on a weed job—without the right permits and stirring serious turbidity.
Read more — RideApart 

2. Before the Clawbacks, Conservation Made It Pour

Just when you thought all hope was lost, federal funds from the BIL and IRA stepped in, turning Napa’s Sulphur Creek from parched to punchy for fish-friendly restoration. A rare win before politics swooped in.
Before the Clawbacks, This ‘Freaking Game-Changer’ for Nature Made It Rain — Bay Nature

3. PA Fly-Fishing Duo Hooks Gold (and Hearts)

Two young anglers from Pennsylvania show that a bit of coaching and a lot of grit can catch more than fish; they reel in World Championship gold with style and hometown pride.
Two Pennsylvania fly anglers explain how their team won gold… — GoErie

4. Zinke’s New Bill: Montana Rivers Get #WokeScenic Status

Congressman Zinke is dropping legislation to officially label big swaths of the Madison and Gallatin Rivers as Wild and Scenic.
Zinke announces bill to protect Gallatin and Madison rivers… — KBZK

5. Loop Tackle’s Power Shuffle: From CEO to Conservation Czar

In a classic leadership handoff, Jim Coates takes the CEO reins at Loop Tackle while Gordon Sim slides into the Chief Conservation Officer role.
Loop Tackle promotes Jim Coates to CEO… — SGB Online

6. Urban Carp: Boston’s Fly-Fishing Darling 

Fly fishing in the city? Boston’s carp game is strong; these muddy water tanks will test your presentation and leave your arms shaking. No need for remote casting adventures.
Fly fishing for carp in Boston — On The Water

7. Illegal Bass Scoop Maine: $6K Reward for Snitch Info

Someone let the bass loose in West Musquash Lake. This isn’t reckless party planning; it’s ecosystem sabotage. Maine authorities are dangling a $6,000 carrot for tips to nab the fishy culprits.
Illegal bass stocking threatens native trout… — Sports Illustrated

8. 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards: Crocs, Spoonbills & Aerial Drama

The Mangrove Photography Awards have dropped some jaw-dropping shots. From a rooster of Roseate Spoonbills swooping over lemon sharks to a giant croc and mudskipper pairing that’s weirdly mesmerizing.
2025 Mangrove Photography Awards Winners — Mangrove Action Project