The Coaster Migratory 8wt is a limited edition fly rod designed for the purpose of raising money for Coaster Brook Trout research. The first $10,000 in gross sales of The Coaster fly rod will go directly to a discretionary fund managed by Trout Unlimited’s Coaster Brook Trout Initiative. This money will provide specific and critical project functions, ultimately supporting on-the-ground work benefitting these special and rare fish.
The limited edition Coaster will be available in May of 2024. It’s an feather-light nano carbon 8wt and it’s an absolute joy to fish with. It’s available in both 9′ and 10′ options. Pre-sales are $100 off and available now with the coupon code “coaster.” For more information about purchasing a Coaster Migratory 8wt and helping fund TU and their critical brook trout research, click here:
Coaster Migratory 8wt Fly Rod
Coaster Brook Trout, also known as “Coasters,” are a fascinating ecotype of brook trout renowned for their large size, migratory behavior and distinct genetic characteristics. Their history is intertwined with the ecological tapestry of North America, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Coaster brook trout, scientifically known as Salvelinus fontinalis, represent a unique ecotype of brook trout that spend a significant portion of their life cycle in large, cold-water lakes, such as Lake Superior before migrating into tributary streams to spawn. Historically, coaster brook trout were abundant in Michigan’s coastal waters, particularly in the Upper Peninsula, where they played a vital role in the ecosystem as top predators and indicators of water quality. Additionally, these large, lake-run brook trout held cultural significance for Native American nations and early European settlers, who relied on them as a food source and valued them for their beauty and sporting qualities.
Despite their historical abundance, coaster brook trout populations have declined drastically over the past century due to a combination of factors;
- unregulated fishing and over-harvesting
- habitat degradation, primarily caused by deforestation,
- dam construction, disrupting critical spawning and rearing habitats in tributary streams,
- degraded water quality, as a result of agricultural and industrial sources
- the introduction of non-native species such as brown trout and rainbow trout has led to competition for resources and predation on native brook trout populations, including coasters
Today, healthy coaster populations persist along Lake Superior’s northern shore, but only a few pocket populations remain in Michigan and are confined to a few rivers along the southern Lake Superior shoreline. These populations are highly valued by anglers and conservationists alike due to their genetic distinctiveness and cultural significance. Some notable locations where coaster brook trout can still be found are around the shoals of Isle Royale, the northern central UP and select rivers of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
J.A. Henry Rod & Reel Co. recognizes the importance of researching these beautiful native fish. By supporting research, we can better understand the Coaster’s ecology and unlock their genetic secrets; the ultimate goal is to conserve and restore coaster brook trout populations to their native range and to ensure their long-term survival.
About The Coaster Brook Trout Initiative: It is one of TU’s targeted conservation programs aimed at conserving and restoring coaster brook trout populations in the Great Lakes region, including Michigan.
The initiative focuses on several key strategies to support coaster brook trout rehabilitation:
- Developing a Coaster Brook Trout Recovery Stakeholder Group: Over the past 20 years of coaster brook trout recovery efforts, momentum has surged and stalled. TU is identifying, assembling, and engaging stakeholder agencies, tribal nations, organizations, and universities to build a shared understanding of coaster brook trout life history and to identify restoration, habitat, and research needs.
- Conducting Research into Recovery, Habitat, and Restoration Needs: TU and our partners are assessing current distribution of coaster brook trout and conducting research into the specific recovery, habitat, and restoration needs identified by the stakeholder group. With buy-in from and coordination among agencies, tribal nations, organizations, and universities, this coaster research is informing the implementation of strategies that will help us recover this fishery.
- Protecting and Restoring Coaster Brook Trout Populations: TU and partners are assessing habitat connectivity in identified coaster brook trout streams, and replacing culverts, and removing dams to open up miles of coldwater stream habitat for migrating fish. We’re also working with land trusts to protect riparian habitat corridors and with agencies to promote fishing regulations that protect coaster brook trout.
Coaster brook trout represent a valuable ecological and cultural heritage of Michigan, embodying the state’s rich natural legacy. We can help ensure that future generations can continue to cherish and enjoy the presence of coaster brook trout in Michigan’s waters. Protecting these iconic fish is not only a matter of ecological stewardship but also a testament to our commitment to preserving the unique natural heritage of the Great Lakes region.
Please email any fly rod questions to J.A.Henry Rod & Reel Co, at:
jahenryusa@gmail.com
Please mail any questions about TU’s Coaster Brook Trout Initiative to:
Jake Lemon
Monitoring And Community Science Manager
Trout Unlimited
jacob.lemon@tu.org