As you know, I’m relatively new to this job as editor of TROUT magazine, and I certainly want to shape this publication in a way that satisfies the interests of all TU members (and potential members), no matter where they live and fish in America.
I’ve received a couple of notes from readers that have suggested that we pay too much attention to fishing west of the Mississippi River, and not enough in the East. Here’s an example:
“I would like to provide some constructive criticism. I find the magazine you send is of very little interest to me and my fishing buddies that live in the eastern part of the country, since most of the articles are about fishing the western part of the US. Why don’t you have an eastern version and a western version? You may get more subscribers from the East.” — Bill Cowan
Fair enough. And very much appreciated.
For the record, I grew up in the upper Midwest. I learned to fish in Wisconsin and Michigan. Then I spent a number of years living and working in Pennsylvania (where my parents still live). I moved to Colorado 14 years ago, because, having taken many western fishing vacations, I couldn’t stand it anymore, and wanted to live within walking distance of a stream where I could catch big trout on dry flies most of the year… and so I do.
But I think the growing-up experience I had has given me a full appreciation of “trout culture” from a range of perspectives. My home water is the Baldwin River in Michigan, where the first brown trout was planted in the United States. As such, I consider fishing in the Great Lakes region sacred. I also learned to respect the creeks and traditions of Pennsylvania, and the Catskills in New York (the so-called “cradle” of American fly fishing). I love the Rockies as well. And I’ve been fortunate enough to travel and write about trout fishing in many other regions, from the wilds of Alaska, to Maine, to the Smoky Mountains, to the Guadalupe River in Texas. It’s all wonderful. And the fact that there are great trout fishing experiences to be had throughout this country is what makes TU such a strong and viable conservation organization.
So let’s look specifically at the last issue of TROUT. The cover featured a shot of a salmon from Michigan. The Pocket Water section was admittedly heavy on stories from the West–Oneida Narrows in Idaho, Blogger Tour in Yellowstone, and updates from California–but those were where the most newsworthy events happened. For the record, the Q&A of the Pocket Water section featured Bill Ford, chairman of the Ford Motor Company, and last I checked, he is a Michigan man.
The feature well included an essay from Chris Camuto from Pennsylvania, a profile of John Gribb from Wisconsin, a think-piece on conservation by Rocky Barker that focused on Maine (but also included discussion of the Henry’s Fork in Idaho), a “Trout Connection” story that featured anglers from California, Wyoming, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and North Carolina. And the “Voices from the River” essay by Monte Burke was on Atlantic Salmon. The Actionline section included stories on New York, New Mexico, two on Pennsylvania, Montana, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Arkansas. Our featured “stream champion” is from North Carolina. The “Art of Angling” piece by Dave Whitlock focuses on Chinook salmon, which, of course, are also of significant importance in the Great Lakes, and were so noted.
So by my unofficial count of pages and photographs dedicated to certain regions and topics, nearly 70 percent of the last TROUT magazine was focused east of the Mississippi River. Frankly, I’m surprised I haven’t received more letters from western anglers, stating their frustration with reading about the East and Midwest.
One more worthwhile point to make: A recent market research study by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association showed that 57 percent of all fly fishing commerce in America happens west of the Mississippi River; 23 percent happens in the South; and only 19 percent happens in the Northeast and upper Midwest combined. If anything, you might call me a “homer” for Michigan and Wisconsin. (For the record, I’m fine with that.)
The bottom line is that, in this day and age, trout fishing and conservation are national concerns. The total “mosaic” of trout fishing in America is important for everyone, whether you travel to fish, or just focus your efforts on the home river. I will concede that it takes greater angling skill (and greater conservation moxie) to land a 20-inch brown in Michigan or New York than it does to land the same size fish in Colorado or Montana. But it’s all important, and we’re all on the same team.
Personally, I don’t want to see an east vs. west dynamic, and I certainly don’t want to see that thinking transposed to the production of TROUT magazine.
But I am here to serve the constituents of Trout Unlimited, and I have an open mind. So I am eager to read your thoughts.
By Steve Z September 26, 2012 - 11:55 am
Kirk – without any facts to support it, I too have a belief, however misguided, that TU generally has a western bias. That said, I’m fully aware of TUs work in the east and that bias is probably not justified. For me, I think my belief is amplified by the fact that Trout’s brethren in the marketplace, all those other magazines, clearly have a western rivers bias (again I have no facts) so I probably paint Trout with the same brush. Perspective often comes down to what lens you see things through. I look forward to seeing the magazine evolve under your leadership.
By Brian Koz September 26, 2012 - 12:25 pm
It is a delicate balance keeping all interested parties reading and involved. Similar to the TU of our father’s generation who believed the only good beaver was a dead beaver, we have only recently learned that if we eliminate all dam builders, our skinny water would nearly evaporate in the summer months of July and August- giving no refuge for thermal stressed brook trout. We learn, we grow, we adapt- so will TROUT. Tight Lines,
Koz
By Lou Burhart September 26, 2012 - 3:02 pm
Interesting post in the blog. I have always thought that too much emphasis was placed on the West and Alaska, in fact we consider Michigan to be a “Flyover” when it comes to TU National. If I can speak for my fellow Michigan TU members, we were pleased, honored and excited to host the 50th. anniversary meeting here in Traverse City, MI – about an hour away from the birthplace on the AuSable near Grayling. Having said all of that, I appreciate the objective analysis you completed and can’t argue with the facts. Maybe all TU members are just a little biased and passionate about their respective home waters. You may just have to expand TROUT and provide 50 pages – one for each state to speak their peace!
In the meanwhile – good job – don’t forget there is a free burger waiting for you at Ma Deeters Bar in Luzerne, MI!
By Marshall Bartlett September 26, 2012 - 3:25 pm
I am a Western angler (born and raised in Utah) who has found himself a transplant to the East (SW Virginia) for several years now. I don’t have a strong opinion on the East/West dichotomy in Trout (I just love getting the magazine, regardless). Since my day job is teaching quantitative data analysis to often less-than-enthusiastic college students, however, I can’t help but point out doing a page-count analysis of a single issue of the magazine is the data analysis equivalent of reasoning based on anecdote. It seems like it would be a simple matter to go back through the last 20+ years of the magazine to document whether there is a bias or not. Personally, I think an East and West version may be a good idea – though I admire the conservation work in Idaho and Montana that I read about in Trout, I am much more excited to learn about projects in my own (current) neck of the woods.
By Tom Shope September 26, 2012 - 4:11 pm
Hi, Kirk. Congratulations on your editorship! I read TU to find out what is going on across the country, and to be stimulated by fascinating articles and experiences, where ever they are. I vote for one magazine with articles that represent the entire country. If you publish the best articles you can find, I will read them enthusiastically, no matter where they are focused. BTW, if you are back in Ann Arbor any time soon, our local chapter would love to meet you.
By Jason Tucker September 26, 2012 - 5:36 pm
I often feel that TU has become too western-focused, but it is based on nothing. TU is alive and well here in MI though sometimes I wonder if organizations such as Huron Pines get more done. With all the recent attention on greenback cutthroat trout (“one distinct population left”) I wonder why we don’t hear the same hand-wringing over eastern strains of brook trout or Coasters in Lake Superior. Personally I think TROUT is a good read and should reflect the national scale of TU’s efforts. If our eyes glaze over every time there’s an article that doesn’t directly affect us we’ve lost sight of why TU exists.
By Kent Klewein September 27, 2012 - 9:51 am
Kirk,
Have I told you I love you man? Ha
I am so glad you brought this subject up. We have so much trout water on the east coast that seems to be underrated and pushed aside when it comes to putting attention in conservation in the country where it really needs the help.
I live in the Southeast, specifically North Georgia. We have over 4,000 miles of designated trout water, but conservation is at the bottom of the list when you look at the big picture. It’s really sad that GA as well as many other states on the east coast are far behind on conservation, protection and rehabilitation when you compare it to the western states. If we had TU spreading the word and getting more involved with us I think it would make things so much more successful in terms of conservation but more importantly educating the public and local authorities that have ability to make the changes we need.
We have so much potential, but if we ever want to bring the coldwater fisheries to the level it they could be we need to TU to start focusing more of their efforts in the East.
Thanks again for bringing this subject up.
Kent Klewein
By Doc September 30, 2012 - 3:23 pm
Just wanted to comment on the new feel and look of Trout magazine. From the feel of the new paper it’s printed on, to the more vibrant colors of the pictures, to the much improved layout, to the more interesting articles with much better writing I compliment Mr. Wood and his staff.
By KirkDeeter October 1, 2012 - 9:53 am
Thank you all very much for your comments. I will definitely pay careful attention to the mix in the magazine. Dr. Shope, especially good to hear from you. I will look forward to catching up in Ann Arbor sometime soon! KD
By Jack Carlton December 7, 2012 - 1:56 pm
I have been a member of TU since the early 1980′s and would agree most heartily, that TU nationally is much more focused on issues in the west than the east. Considering the issues of water quality, dams, human populations and impact on the environment, there are a ton of issues that should be given more national exposure. When the FERC liscensing came up on the Deerfield River one the last Blue Ribbon trout rivers in MA., where was TU nationally to pressure them with consistent flow releases? Nowhere. Now FERC has a 99 year lease to run max and minimum flows daily that absolutely shut down the river to wading flyfishermen.
I do not need to fund issues in the west. I live, work and fish in the east and am seriously considering donating my money to other grassroots causes more involved in New England trout, forest and water/quality issues.
By Don Hinmon January 27, 2013 - 2:22 pm
Hi Kirk:
As one who learned to flyfish at a young age in California (late 1940′s and early 1950′s), from parents who were avid flyfishers in Sequoia Nat’l Park, I love the West. However then moved East as a teenager and we fly fished every summer in Maine (mostly for small mouth, some Trout) I love the East. Brother is a retired Trout Guide in Colorado, I love the West. I still fist the French Creek in PA some, Love the East.
Get the Idea? One Trout Magazine, One Country!
Just finished the Winter issue. SUPERB, and balanced!
I think you are doing a great job so far and I am certain that Trout Magazine will thrive under your guidance. Keep it up.
Don Hinmon