Anglers Show Up—And It’s Not Just to Fish: Community Scientists Protecting Our Rivers for the Next Generation

Rivers are the lifeblood that connects us all—and the future of these vital waterways rests in our hands. At Science on the Fly, we believe the responsibility to protect our rivers is not just for today, but for the generations to come. The fly fishing community is the heart of our movement, and we’re united in our shared mission to safeguard the rivers we love for those who will follow.

Five years ago, we launched this grassroots effort, tapping into the passion of anglers to gather critical data on water quality and river health—all while they’re already on the water. It’s not just about fishing; it’s about preserving the rivers that sustain us. Every angler feels a deep respect for the places they fish, and Science on the Fly connects them to their home waters in a deeper, more meaningful way. Together, we’ve found new ways to understand and protect these rivers, ensuring that their stories and ecosystems continue to thrive for the future.

As we celebrate five years of community-driven river conservation, we’re looking ahead to the next chapter. With more than 150 Community Scientists in 350 locations across six countries, our movement is growing—and we’re excited to keep building momentum. By protecting rivers, we protect entire ecosystems—and the generations of people who will depend on them.

Meet three of our Community Scientists who are actively sampling their home rivers to ensure that their kids will have the same river access and opportunities they’ve had. Their stories are inspiring—and a powerful reminder that we all have a part to play in safeguarding the future of our rivers.

Join us in celebrating the Science on the Fly community as we kickstart the next five years of river protection and restoration. Together, we can ensure our rivers remain vibrant for those who will come after us.

Cathy Valancius: Rome, Georgia

My name is Cathy Valancius. I live in Rome, Georgia, where the Oostanaula River and Etowah River come together to form the Coosa River. I sample those rivers and a tributary of the Oostanaula, called Armuchee Creek, which I consider my “home water.”

I am the Treasurer of the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited, and past VP and Communications Director for the Southeastern Council of Fly Fishers International. I have a Masters degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology and I’m no stranger to the lab. I enjoy working on conservation projects and fly fishing for native brook trout and Coosa redeye bass. My two teenagers like to come out on the water fishing (or swimming and skipping rocks) with me and hopefully have absorbed a bit of my passion for science and the outdoors.

The upper Coosa River basin, starting in northwest Georgia and Tennessee, eventually flowing to Mobile Bay, is an aquatic biodiversity hotspot. There are 100 native species of fish found here. Thirty different species of fishes, mussels, snails and crayfishes are found only in this river system. Given the incredible biodiversity here in northwest Georgia, the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa Rivers are excellent rivers to monitor. If you don’t have long term data, how can you even know there is a change, let alone make decisions or create plans for the future? It all starts with data.

I began sampling in 2021, when I saw on instagram that the author of a book I had just read was involved in Science on the Fly. I googled SOTF and thought,”hmmm, I might be able to help with this project.” I feel a much closer connection to our rivers since I started sampling. I like the rhythm of sampling—seeing the same places each month, as seasons change and years go by. Flooding rains come, sections get sandy, then it all gets scoured away, the banks change, potholes get dug out, trees become undercut. Sometimes, I think about that old saying when I walk into the water, that you never set foot in the same river twice.

Give Cathryn a follow: @cathrynvalancius

Andrew Stangeland: Coeur D’Alene, Idaho

My name is Andrew Stangeland. I’m an Idaho Rivers United Board member, citizen scientist and weekend warrior trying to not take angling too seriously. I live in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho with my wife, 10-month-old son, and two doodles.

My home river is the North Fork Coeur D’Alene River in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. I started sampling in October of 2021. I initially connected with Allie via Instagram (it’s good for something after all!) and immediately inquired about joining the crew. As luck would have it, the current sampler was about to move to the East Coast and could no longer participate. He handed off all of his supplies to me and I got right to work!

My adolescent summers typically consisted of a handful of trips camping and fishing, and I’ve always cherished those memories. It wasn’t until my twenties that I picked up a fly rod (thanks in part to a lifelong friend Steve) that I really began to connect, immerse myself and find passion in angling. The national forest that is 30 minutes from my house is essentially my backyard, an indispensable adult playground, and a sanctuary for hungry West Slope Cutthroat. From there on, my weekends increasingly revolved around trips to the North Fork. I’ve realized that this watershed had imparted so many countless memories on my life, that it was now my turn (responsibility) to give back. Inevitably, I caught the conservation bug and began to volunteer locally at Spokane Riverkeeper and Kootenai Environmental Alliance. Science on the Fly then fell perfectly into my lap, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to keep watch on the very river I learned to fly fish on. Now with a young son, I cannot wait until he is old enough that I can pass on the wisdom (what little I have accrued) and create those same memories on the river for him. Knowing some of the work I put in has allowed us to share that, will be a profound full-circle moment.

My hope for the future is indefinite protection and perpetuation of the Coeur D’Alene river system. With the region’s history of mining activity and ongoing EPA issues regarding hazardous mineral waste and subsequent water quality impacts, this watershed needs all the help it can get to ensure it is pristine for the next generation!

Give Andrew a follow: @astangeland

Shyanne Orvis: Carbondale, Colorado

My name is Shyanne Orvis aka Shy On The Fly! I live in Carbondale, Colorado and my home waters are Roaring Fork River and Colorado River! I've been following Science On The Fly's mission for a couple years now and I've been dying at the opportunity to be involved. It's a great way to give back and be a part of something greater than ourselves.

Every day on the river looks different. Some days are intense and fish focused, others are therapeutic and calming. Reminding me to slow down and be present. These days I've been spending a lot of time on the river with my son and it's been amazing watching him get excited about hooking fish and crying when we have to release them. It truly gives a whole new meaning to the sport and the impact it has on people.

These rivers are worth protecting and fighting for. I want my son to get the opportunity to experience healthy, thriving fisheries so I know it's my responsibility to be a part of anything that could ensure that.

Give Shyanne a follow: @shyonthefly

Thank you to all of our Community Scientists who have joined us to tell the story of your home rivers. Because at the end of the day, when you protect a river, you protect the whole system—including the people in it.

Here’s to 5 amazing years of Science on the Fly—let’s kickstart the next 5 now!