Episode 50 - WADE FELLIN & GUY ALSENTZER – Disappearing Wild Trout Populations in Southwest Montana: What the Hell is Going on in Big Sky Country?

Ask Us A Question!In the spring of 2023, Montana’s media started to highlight the fact that wild trout populations in Montana’s Jefferson Basin – an area that includes the world-famous Big Hole, Ruby, Beaverhead and Jefferson Rivers – were in severe distress. Legendary for cold-water fisheries that have historically supported an abundance of wild trout, the rivers in Southwest Montana are currently experiencing what some are calling a population-level collapse. Is it too late to save Southwest Montana’s wild fish numbers and fix are rivers, or is there still hope for the near future when it comes to our fisheries resources? That is the question that needs to be asked and answered. SAVE WILD TROUT is an organization that was launched to address this very crisis: a coalition of anglers, river advocates, concerned citizens, businesses, guides, and outfitters that have come together with the focused mission of protecting wild trout for the benefit of all. In this episode of Waypoints, Jim is joined by two founding members of SAVE WILD TROUT: Guy Alsentzer and Wade Fellin – two individuals who know a thing or two about the rivers of Southwest Montana. Guy is the Executive Director and Founder of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, and Wade is a guide, lodge owner and outfitter on the Big Hole River.- View all podcast episodes by going to the WAYPOINTS podcast page- WAYPOINTS is brought to you by our friends at Fishpond. Visit the Fishpond website to look at some of the gear we never leave home without. As a special offer for WAYPOINTS listeners, enter the code “WAYPOINTS,” all upper case, at checkout when you spend 40 dollars or more, and receive a free River Rat koozie while supplies last. When you take the road less traveled, make sure you travel with Fishpond.Waypoints is brought to you by PatagoniaTo bring their gear to life, Patagonia is motivated by relentless curiosity and a passion for the wild. They evaluate hundreds of materials, build dozens of prototypes and spend seasons punishing them in the world’s most extreme conditions. The work is the guide, and Patagonia never tires of exploring, learning and improving. For the past two years, the Yellow Dog Flyfishing travel team has worked closely with Patagonia to test and refine the all-new Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots II in destinations ranging from New Zealand to the Seychelles. Featured throughout the Yellow Dog Field Reports series, these boots have become the go to choice for our team thanks to their Vibram® Megagrip soles, durable quick drying construction, speed to get on and off, and support built for both freshwater and saltwater environments.- Follow us on Instagram- Follow us on Facebook- Check out our YouTube Page- View the official Yellow Dog w...