For more than a century, hydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy have shaped the character of some of Michigan’s most storied rivers, quietly producing renewable power while also creating reservoirs, recreation areas, and highly managed cold-water fisheries. Today, those same dams sit at the center of a heated debate after the utility announced plans to sell allContinue reading "Michigan’s Hydroelectric Future at a Crossroads: The Controversy Over Consumers Energy’s Dam Sale"

Somewhere around the country right now, seventeen Two-Hearted Bamboo Fly Rods are being fished. Seventeen pieces of cane, each built by hand, each with its own story, now in the hands of anglers I’m incredibly grateful for. If you’re one of them, this is for you. These rods were never meant to sit in theirContinue reading "From Our Bench to Your River – Help Us Shape the Next Bamboo"

In 2025, fisheries biologists with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) made what many are calling a landmark discovery for coldwater fish conservation in the Great Lakes: they documented a shore-spawning population of Coaster Brook Trout in the shallow waters of Lake Superior, based on a credible tip that led the team to investigate last fall. ActingContinue reading "Rare Coaster Brook Trout Spawning Discovery in Lake Superior — A Sign of Conservation Success?"

This spring, anglers in Michigan will have a unique opportunity: the chance to fish for Arctic grayling in Houghton County as part of a long-running restoration project aimed at reintroducing a species lost from the state nearly a century ago. Discussions about restoring Michigan’s native Arctic grayling began in 2015, with the first implementation inContinue reading "Bringing Back Michigan’s Lost Arctic Grayling: A Century-Long Restoration Effort"

For generations, the silvery, mild-tasting fish has been a defining part of life around the Great Lakes. It fills nets for commercial fishers, anchors menus in “Up North” restaurants, and holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities who have relied on the species for centuries. But today, scientists, tribal fisheries managers, and conservation groups warnContinue reading "Restoring the Great Lakes Whitefish"

Fly fishing enthusiasts, get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the largest of the Great Lakes. Episode 153 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast, titled “Slamming Coasters on Lake Superior”, takes listeners straight to Canada’s Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area in pursuit of legendary giant coaster brook trout. Joining host is Jerry Darkes, author, guide, and recognizedContinue reading "Podcast: Destination Angler – Slamming Coasters on Lake Superior with Jerry Darkes"

Among anglers and fisheries biologists alike, few questions spark more debate than the relationship between rainbow trout and steelhead. When exactly does a trout become a steelhead? Are steelhead simply rainbow trout that migrate to the ocean? And within a single population of rainbow trout, why do some fish leave their natal streams while others remainContinue reading "The “Steelhead Gene”: What Determines Whether a Trout Migrates?"

We’re proud to be partnering with our friends at the Adams Chapter Trout Unlimited for their upcoming banquet, where we’ll be donating one of our Toasting Boxes along with a few other goodies to help support their cold-water conservation efforts. We’re grateful to the Adams Chapter for the work they do on behalf of ourContinue reading "Adams Chapter TU Banquet Donation"

Just finished up a Two-Hearted 4wt case today, carved with the Black River basin of Northern Michigan, and really happy with how it turned out. I don’t get many requests for the Black River, but it’s such a beautiful watershed — always a pleasure to bring it to life in the old barn wood.

We’re excited to support Lakeshore Trout Unlimited #lakeshoretu and their 2026 Annual Fundraiser by donating one of our handcrafted Toasting Boxes, along with a few hats and some extra goodies. If you’re in northern Wisconsin and looking for a great group doing important work for coldwater conservation, consider getting involved. You can learn more andContinue reading "Support For Lakeshore TU"

Are you out on the water enjoying Lake Superior’s legendary fishing? What if your next catch could do even more — not just be a great fight, but help scientists unlock the secrets of one of the lake’s most iconic fish? Trout Unlimited is inviting anglers like you to volunteer for a Coaster Brook Trout genetics project that couldContinue reading "Do you fish Lake Superior and its Tributaries? Join The Coaster Genetics Project"

J.A. Henry announces the release of The 1653, an 8-foot, 6-weight Tonkin bamboo split cane fly rod handcrafted for anglers who value classic feel with confident performance. Built from premium Tonkin cane, the rod delivers a smooth, progressive action with the power to handle larger flies and demanding water. In keeping with our conservation values, the sale of RodContinue reading "J.A. Henry Introduces New 8′ 6wt Tonkin Bamboo Split Cane Fly Rod"

Our Holy Waters Map just got a thoughtful update—one that leans even further into craftsmanship and character. The new design features a reworked frame with vintage cross-corner detailing, giving the piece a more timeless feel. Each frame is built from 1.5" thick timbers reclaimed from an old telephone pole, carrying decades of history into every mapContinue reading "Our “Holy Waters” Map Has A New Look!"

The "Coaster" hat: $20 (free shipping) - This cap is built for long days on the water—or anywhere your adventures take you. Featuring a beautiful patch created by a West Michigan artist and avid fly fisherman, it’s named for the Coaster Brook Trout of Lake Superior (Salvelinus fontinalis). Simple, durable, and built to age beautifully,Continue reading "New headgear now available!"

J.A. Henry is proud to support the Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited 2026 Fundraising Banquet this April with the donation of two handcrafted pieces made from reclaimed Michigan materials. One of the items J.A. Henry is donating is the Holy Waters Map, carved from reclaimed White Pine siding salvaged from an old Michigan barn. The map is framedContinue reading "J.A. Henry Donations Supporting Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited – 2026 Annual Banquet"