The US fly fishing industry is getting behind the efforts of Trout Unlimited, the conservation body for trout and salmon fisheries, to combat mining threats to fisheries in Montana.

“We are locked in a big effort to pass Bill 186, the mining bill that addresses future abstraction and provides protection for our rivers,” said Jim Murphy, Vice President of Winston Rods, based in Twin Bridges, Montana. “Anglers everywhere hold the Montana fishery as a sacred destination that needs to be protected. The mining interests have big campaign chests and we need to help fund Trout Unlimited’s efforts to pass this bill.”

Fishing interests fear pollution by acid mine drainage from substances including mercury, lead and arsenic. The bill seeks to ensure only responsible mining in Montana to ensure that clean water is not threatened by future mining activity. Trout Unlimited is appealing to anglers to visit www.yeson186.org to learn more. Voting takes place on November 6.

Source: www.angling-international.com.