Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation

The Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation is dedicated to improving the trout fisheries of the Lower Mountain Fork River for all anglers. As a part of that effort, the Foundation has started a program called STREAM WATCH. The purpose of this program is to insure those fishing the river are aware of the special trout regulations designed to foster the growth of trophy trout.

Experienced anglers, familiar with the river and its regulations, are asked to participate in the STREAM WATCH program. They can do so by volunteering a small amount of their time and effort during their visits to the river. All they would have to do to take part in the program is pick up a STREAM WATCH identification badge and a supply of handout cards, containing the Lower Mountain Fork Trout Regulations, at the Beavers Bend Fly Shop or the Three Rivers Fly Shop. Then, walk the RED ZONES of the river, visit with the fishermen who are apparently unaware of these regulations, and in friendly conversation help them understand the special requirements for fishing that section of the river.

STREAM WATCH is a program developed by the Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation with the approval of the Beavers Bend Park Management and the Game Wardens. It is solely an educational effort and by no means an attempt at enforcement.

Stream Watch
by Joe Lanza, Committee Chairman

At the June 23, 2007 LMFRF meeting, Linda King suggested the Foundation explore the possibility of a Volunteer Monitoring Program to monitor people fishing the LMFR and help them understand the special trout regulations. The members present approved the concept and the STREAM WATCH program was subsequently developed.

In August 2007, letters were sent to 14 fly fishing organizations in the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. A cover letter requested the organization leadership’s assistance in bringing the program to the attention of their membership. A second letter explained the STREAM WATCH program.

A supply of STREAM WATCH badges, cards containing the LMFR Trout Regulations, and information sheets were sent to the Beavers Bend Fly Shop and to the Three Rivers Fly Shop.

Presentations on the STREAM WATCH program were made at the August meetings of the Dallas Fly Fishers and The Fort Worth Fly Fishers.

The success of the program will depend on the participation of the anglers who fish the LMFR. Members of the Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation should be encouraged to participate in the program, and to periodically encourage members of any other fly fishing organizations to participate in the program.

We invite you to be a Stream Watch volunteer. Stop by either fly shop and pick up your badge and some Stream Watch cards to hand out to fishermen you encounter who might not know the Red Zone regulations - or may just be ignoring them.

We ask that you not be confrontational, but rather conduct yourself in a manner that well represents the LMFRF. However, should you find that the violating fisherman continues to fish inappropriately, please call one of the Game Wardens or Park Rangers immediately. Their contact information is listed on the "Law Enforcement" button or use the information on "Operation Game Thief".