Are mayflies in trouble? with Robert O’Harrow

This week my guest is award-winning investigative journalist Robert O'Harrow [44:45], who has been with the Washington Post for over 30 years. Last fall he wrote an extensive article on the threats to mayfly populations worldwide and is continuing to research this issue, so I thought it would be interesting to share his findings. Bob is also a lifelong fly fisher who admits he didn't know a lot about the plight of mayflies in the past, so he gives us a great perspective.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and phone calls, including:

What is a good net for wade fishing when pursuing multiple species?

I recently caught a bunch of large trout in a river but no small ones. Where do the small ones go?

Can a "working fly box" apply to non-competition anglers as well?

What does Tim Flagler use to cut his thread on his videos?

I am a beginning fly fisher and the trout in the larger rivers in my area are difficult to catch. Should I first concentrate on small streams, ponds, or reservoirs?

What is the best way to give a fish line when it's running without giving it too much slack?

Is it a good idea to put UV resin over my nail knots?

How do you determine how deep the water is so you can set the indicator at 1 ½ times the water depth?

I keep getting crowded by other anglers on Colorado rivers. Should I try to educate them?

I lost a big fish by following it downstream.

My buddy says I should have stood my ground and not followed the fish. What do you think?

Do you think it's a bad idea to use beard trimmings in my dubbing to imitate hare's ear?