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The Scientific Fly Angler

Naturally Curious

Welcome to The Scientific Fly Angler

Naturally Curious

About The Scientific Fly Angler

Jason G. Freund

Welcome to my COVID project.

This page explores fly fishing and fly tying from an mostly - but not entirely - scientific point of view. Expect a random collection of fly tying, fish and stream ecology for the fly angler, and well, whatever I feel like posting at the time. From time to time, I will branch out from fly fishing into fisheries management and science.

This website and blog is for fun - not profit. I'm coming at you from Wisconsin's Driftless area but am hoping to interact with anglers from around the world. It is not necessarily a blog about Wisconsin but we are shaped by our experiences.

Send me an e-mail if you have question, comments, ideas for posts, etc.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Have We Reached "Peak Fly Fishing"? (Or at least peak fly rod)

Jason G. Freund

May 19, 20246 min read

Have We Reached "Peak Fly Fishing"? (Or at least peak fly rod)

This topic comes from a friend's post on the Wisconsin Fly Fishing Board's Facebook page. Quite some time ago now, Brian Stewart wrote -...

397 views2 comments

Why We Fly Fish?

Jason G. Freund

Mar 24, 20246 min read

Why We Fly Fish?

Certainly there are a number of common reasons why we fly fish - but ultimately the fly angler is an optimist - the next cast is always it!

625 views1 comment

New Years Resolutions - Fly Fishing Edition

Jason G. Freund

Dec 31, 20234 min read

New Years Resolutions - Fly Fishing Edition

In the spirit of New Years and new beginnings - and maybe in the spirit of past failed resolutions, here are my resolutions for 2024.

264 views2 comments

Why Increasing Anglers is Crucial for Conservation Funding

Jason G. Freund

Dec 10, 20237 min read

Human Dimensions of Fisheries

Why Increasing Anglers is Crucial for Conservation Funding

We should want more - not fewer anglers. Hunters and anglers pay a disproportionally large share of wildlife conservation.

213 views2 comments

When Do Trout Spawn and Emerge from their Redds? (and Tiger Trout!)

Jason G. Freund

Oct 29, 20237 min read

When Do Trout Spawn and Emerge from their Redds? (and Tiger Trout!)

Around our part of Wisconsin, the peak of spawning is around the beginning of deer season. And I write about tiger trout...

3,129 views2 comments

That's Three Years of Posts

Jason G. Freund

Aug 20, 20232 min read

That's Three Years of Posts

I'm not done but I am also not feeling the need to put out a post a week. We will see how this thing evolves over time.

82 views1 comment

Finding Clear and Cold Water

Jason G. Freund

Apr 24, 20239 min read

Finding Clear and Cold Water

I read on social media that anglers think there will not be fishable water. I suppose I should shut up and continue to think this...

340 views2 comments

Ridiculous Prices for Fancy Chicken Feathers (Cree)

Jason G. Freund

Feb 6, 20234 min read

Ridiculous Prices for Fancy Chicken Feathers (Cree)

I would never pay those crazy prices - but so long as others do, the prices will continue to be crazy - capitalism at its finest (and worst)

1,100 views3 comments

Fly Fishing the Driftless Intelligently

Jason G. Freund

Jan 18, 20236 min read

Fly Fishing the Driftless Intelligently

Fly fishing in the Driftless Area can be an exciting and challenging experience due to the diverse and rugged terrain.

3,253 views4 comments

Fly Rods - Law of Diminishing Returns?

Jason G. Freund

Nov 21, 20228 min read

Fly Rods - Law of Diminishing Returns?

This is my take on the subject of fly rod prices - your opinions may well be different from mine.

4,898 views4 comments

Figuring it Out: Planning a Fishing Trip

Jason G. Freund

Oct 31, 20228 min read

Figuring it Out: Planning a Fishing Trip

This post is the second of what became three posts about figuring it out. Here I tackle how to research a fishing trip.

642 views7 comments

Fish Counting and Journal Keeping

Jason G. Freund

Sep 5, 20226 min read

Responsible Recreation

Fish Counting and Journal Keeping

If fishing becomes just about a number, where's the joy in that?

214 views1 comment

Who Are You?

Jason G. Freund

Aug 11, 20223 min read

Angler Participation

Who Are You?

Not your usual blog post. I have a number of poll questions for you - about you - this week.

81 views1 comment

Reflecting on Two Years of The Scientific Fly Angler

Jason G. Freund

Aug 8, 20227 min read

Reflecting on Two Years of The Scientific Fly Angler

It has been two years, more or less. For a bit of a confession - two years in, I am still figuring this thing out...

104 views5 comments

To Help or Not to Help, That is the Question...

Jason G. Freund

Nov 15, 20216 min read

To Help or Not to Help, That is the Question...

This is an idea I wrestle with from time to time. If I see someone struggling, do I "butt in" or mind my own business?

103 views4 comments

Are "Influencers" Ruining Fly Fishing?

Jason G. Freund

Nov 8, 20216 min read

Are "Influencers" Ruining Fly Fishing?

I will be honest, I do not even know what it means for fly fishing to be ruined. I enjoy my time on the stream as much as I ever have!

1,147 views4 comments

A Year in Review - 2021

Jason G. Freund

Oct 18, 20218 min read

A Year in Review - 2021

There was seemingly little all that special about 2021 except that it was a bit more of a return to normalcy.

23 views0 comments

Women on the Water

Jason G. Freund

Sep 6, 20217 min read

Women on the Water

The fastest growing group of fly anglers are women and that is great to see - guiding for the Women's Clinics are a highlight of each year.

68 views0 comments

This Blog Turns 1 Year Old - What's in Store for Year 2?

Jason G. Freund

Aug 9, 20215 min read

This Blog Turns 1 Year Old - What's in Store for Year 2?

The Scientific Fly Angler turns one year old this week. Not much of a milestone but I felt like writing a bit about the year.

38 views1 comment

Thoughts on Floods (2021 Edition)

Jason G. Freund

Aug 8, 20217 min read

Thoughts on Floods (2021 Edition)

Normally, I put a lot of thought, effort, and editing into these posts - this is not one of those times. We're going to fly by the seat...

142 views3 comments

Fishing Rod

Contact

Thanks for your interest in The Scientific Fly Angler. For more information, feel free to get in touch and I will get back to you soon!

Driftless Area, WI

jason.freund4@gmail.com

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