Earth Day Reflections from the Riverbank: How Fly Fishers Can Give Back to the Planet We Love

Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day — a moment to reflect on the natural beauty that surrounds us, the resources we often take for granted, and the role we each play in preserving it all for generations to come. For those of us who are fly anglers, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder that the rivers, streams, and alpine lakes we cherish aren’t just playgrounds for our passion, but ecosystems that deserve our stewardship.

In Colorado, we’re incredibly fortunate! With more than 9,000 miles of trout streams and over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, a significant portion of our water is open to the public. That’s not something every angler in the U.S. — or the world — can say. Public access to such pristine, fishable water is both a privilege and a responsibility. These waters give us peace, challenge, adventure, and stories we’ll tell for the rest of our lives. The least we can do is give something back.

Why It Matters

Rivers are more than just places to cast a fly. They’re arteries of biodiversity, home to aquatic life, vital to birds and mammals, and providers of clean water to millions of people. And yet, they face increasing pressure — from development, climate change, pollution, and overuse.

As anglers, we have a unique connection to these environments. We witness their changes firsthand: water temperatures creeping up, runoff seasons shifting, once-abundant insect hatches thinning out. We are on the front lines. And because of that, we also have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in protecting them.

5 Simple Things Anglers Can Do Every Time They Hit the Water

Protecting our planet doesn’t require massive gestures. In fact, the most lasting impact comes from consistent, small actions repeated over time. Here are five things every angler can do each time they hit the water:

1. Pack Out Trash — Yours and Theirs

It’s not enough to just leave no trace — we should aim to leave places better than we found them. One simple but powerful way is to carry out any trash we find, especially tippet, food wrappers, beer cans, and cigarette butts. The P.I.O. Pod from Fishpond is a perfect tool for the job. Compact and rugged, it clips to your pack or belt and gives you a convenient spot to store waste, keeping it secure until you’re back at the trailhead.

2. Use Barbless Hooks

Barbless hooks reduce harm to fish and make for easier, quicker releases. Especially during the warmer months, minimizing handling time helps fish recover and survive.

3. Stay on Trails and Respect Habitat

It’s tempting to cut across banks or step through grassy meadows to get to a new spot, but these fragile riparian zones are crucial to the health of the river. Stick to established trails and entry points to prevent erosion and preserve habitat.

4. Educate and Advocate

Bring someone new into the fold, especially kids. Share your love of fly fishing and your respect for nature. Better yet, get involved with local watershed groups, stream cleanups, or public comment periods on conservation issues. Your voice matters!

5. Practice Catch and Release (Smartly)

Catch and release isn’t always a guaranteed life sentence for fish — how we handle them matters. Wet your hands, keep them in the water as much as possible, and avoid photos that take too long. If the water’s too warm (over 68 degrees), consider not fishing at all. It’s a small sacrifice for long-term sustainability.

The P.I.O. Pod: A Simple Solution with a Big Impact

One of the best innovations in eco-conscious fly fishing gear is the P.I.O. Pod (Pack It Out Pod) by Fishpond. Designed specifically for waste management on the water, this little pod attaches to your vest, pack, or wading belt and gives you a secure place to stash used tippet, wrappers, or any other micro-trash you might find.

It’s light, durable, and easy to clean — exactly what you need when you’re already loaded up with rods, gear, and fly boxes. But more than that, it’s a statement. Carrying a P.I.O. Pod tells others you care about the water, the fish, and the experience. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll inspire the next angler to pick up that piece of mono left behind on the bank.

Our Responsibility, Our Reward

Fly fishing is more than a sport — it’s a connection to the natural world. It’s mornings filled with bird calls, afternoons chasing mayfly hatches, and evenings reflecting beside a glowing campfire. And none of that is guaranteed.

As anglers, we are caretakers. We have the chance to be both storytellers and protectors — to pass on our love of the river to future generations in better condition than we found it. Every time you lace up your boots and step into the current, you’re participating in a relationship with the planet. Let’s make it a healthy one.

Let’s Hear From You

What do you do to protect the waters you fish? Have you tried the P.I.O. Pod? What’s your favorite place in Colorado to connect with the wild? Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear how you give back to the rivers that give us so much.

Tight lines, and Happy Earth Day. Let’s take care of this place — it’s the only one we’ve got.

-The CRO Team