EXPLORATION ANGLING TWF:38 leads with a lawsuit over water rights on Montana’s stressed rivers including the Blackfoot, Big Hole and Bitterroot. There’s more photos from New Zealand, two new rod releases, and some packing lists for international fishing travel.
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Graham Coppes, a Missoula-based attorney, has filed a lawsuit against Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), according to Montana Free Press, seeking clarification on whether the state is fulfilling its constitutional obligation to prevent the “unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources” in its administration of water. The Montana Constitution declares that water is “the property of the state for the use of the people”. We will continue to monitor and report on developments in this legal challenge.
What’s up with all the new fly rod releases?
Sage Power R8 (model no. 2067) is soon to be announced in 8 models (US$1,100), replacing Sage Igniter for heavy sink tips and large fly work. In the mid-priced category, a new Sage Arrow will replace five year old Sage Sonic (US$725) – a well-regarded fast-action fly rod.
Back at Southflyfisher HQ, we picked up a couple of the newly released Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout GP (one quarter heavy) and Amplitude Trout Expert (true to weight) fly lines, both Textured WF-5-F, to test this season. We’ll report back on our findings.
BTW, does everyone use the line labels that lift off the sticker packaging at the base of the new S.A. fly line boxes? Super handy.
As snowmelt subsides and spring rains ease, the headwaters of New Zealand’s South Island rivers become particularly desirable to expedition fly anglers from November onward. With the third-highest number of Hughes 500 (MD 500) helicopters in the world — after the USA and the Philippines — access to the country’s most remote fly-fishing waters is both swift and comfortable.
Over on No Slack Loops, Michael — editor at Southflyfisher and Exploration Angling — is launching an expedition to an inaccessible, far-flung South Pacific atoll. Exactly the kind of place that holds big bonefish and monster trevally cruising endless white-sand flats. There are still two spots left in the six-person crew for this epic September 2026 adventure.
Missed Last Week?
The Weekly Five - 37
EXPLORATION ANGLING TWF:37 headlines with a massive fight in the Florida mangroves between man and tarpon. We profile a book to order, a bag to carry, and commiserate with a Bolivia lodge. The picture above is simply to remind you why New Zealand tops angler destination wishlists.
Packing Lists for Paid Subscribers
Packing for Belize
Heading to Belize for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit? Make sure to check out our comprehensive gear lists for saltwater flats fishing.
Packing for New Zealand
Wow, you’re coming to fish in New Zealand! That’s awesome. No felt boots, pack the bug spray and check this list for everything else.
Packing for Bones
Follow your Outfitters’ Advice. They'll provide you with a solid gear list. We also recommend bringing waterproof tape (if you're packing Simms Saltwater wading boots) and these extra items.
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Share us with your fishing mates: https://www.explorationangling.com