Set an Example, Pack it out!

Matthew Clark is an angling videographer & the creator of Small Stream Salmon Fishing network. He has been an avid Traveling fisherman for over 25 years. His experience with both fly rod and terminal gear has covered much of the west coast for many species of fish in both fresh and saltwater.

Currently his work can be found on this site in the video & article sections.

All articles and materials here are copyright © property of Small Stream Salmon Fishing

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Set an Example, Pack It Out

Matthew Clark
Small Stream Salmon Fishing

Another fishing season starts off and soon the water will be low and access to low water lines becomes useable. It is very important for us to take out what amount of trash we bring in so the river will stay healthy and beautiful. Alot of trash is showing up on the banks in popular places already and the winter is just ending. Some of us may want to clean it up for others as we go but I really believe it will take all of us to keep our rivers clean.

Pack it out video clip

Sharp objects such as torn cans or broken bottles can injure wildlife that is attracted to trashy areas by the smell of old bait or fish blood. The same goes for wads of old fishing, styrofoam and plastic containers used for bait. Wildlife does not know the difference between food and plasitc with food on it. Have you ever seen a mallard drake with fishing line hanging off its feet? I recently watched a male bald eagle feed on a native sucker that was killed and thrown onto the bank in a popular fishing hole. There area was also littered with much fishing line and broken glass on the ground.

Many of these public places we fish are ours and it is our duty to keep them clean. Many of the good folks I fish with have no problem setting down their fishing rod to pick up trash for a few minutes and pack it out with them. A garbage can is most often located near the angling parking area. All of the objects we leave behind weight less then a small bag of potato chips and will not be much work to carry out.

If it is not possible to carry it out you can consider burning but make sure your fire is totally out before leaving. Soda cans do not burn well but can be crushed and then packed out. Most other waste will burn in a small fire.

By picking up litter in the outdoors you are helping yourself.