CAG Conservation Effort
Conservation: Giving Back to the Madison
A Hands-On Weekend: Giving Back to the Madison
This past weekend, the Fowl Frontier and Core Angling Group joined forces for a meaningful effort: cleaning up one of the public fishing access points along the Madison River. With garbage bags, good spirits, and a strong sense of stewardship, the team rolled up their sleeves early on Saturday morning and got to work.
Why it matters
The Madison River is renowned in Montana and beyond for its world-class trout fishery, scenic vistas, and vibrant outdoor recreation. But with that popularity comes pressure: more foot traffic, boat launches, parking areas, and unfortunately, more litter and human impact. Access sites are gateways to the water. By taking on the access site cleanup, the teams helped ensure that the area remains welcoming, clean, and sustainable for future anglers, fowl hunters, paddlers, and river-lovers.
The day’s work
The group met early, gathered supplies (trash bags, gloves, pickers), and divided into teams based on sections of the access site and nearby river bank. Some folks worked the shoreline and bank, pulling out tossed beverage containers, fishing line scraps, driftwood mixed with trash, and forgotten gear. Others focused on the parking and launch area—clearing out discarded items and sweeping debris. One of the highlights was the camaraderie - volunteers shared stories about their favorite Madison River stretches, passed along tips on how to fish responsibly, and made plans to return for future stewardship projects.
Lessons for all anglers
Pack out what you pack in. It sounds simple, but so many items seen during clean - ups are casual leave - behinds: a bottle near a drift boat launch, a few wrappers tossed in a bank - side bush. Check your gear and waders. Loose line, broken lures, bits of foam — all these can end up as litter or worse, entrapment hazards for wildlife. Respect the access zones. Keeping parking areas neat, signage visible, and the shoreline clear helps everyone. Plus it builds goodwill with land managers and local agencies.
Get involved. Even if you fish a lot, spending a half - day helping with a cleanup project gives back to the river and grows your connection. It’s not just about catching trout — it’s about caring for the place they live.
Looking ahead
If you’re reading this and you’ve fished the Madison River, consider this your invitation: join the next cleanup. Bring a friend. Swing by with a trash bag on your next drift. Help keep this amazing fishery and public access intact.
Happy Fishing Friends!
