"FISH TALK" By Bill Hauser Topic: On the Road Again Traveling is always a chore, but it can also be refreshing... at least, mentally. Sometimes we travel just to have fun, but my recent trip to Salt Lake City, Utah was strictly for business. I expected neither "fun" nor "refreshing". As it turned out, I was pleasantly surprised because the work was not too demanding and I saw just enough of the area to become mentally refreshed in an interesting sort of way. Alaska is blessed with so much high quality fish habitat that we may become complacent and even smug about the wonderful fishing opportunities. As I looked around, studied maps and read the tourist information, I began to recognize that Utah (and many other states as well) has something special to offer for fishers that Alaska does not have. Can you guess what it is about Utah and other states that surpasses Alaska for fishers? It is really very easy. It is fish habitat. More specifically, it is a diversity of fish habitats. Hmm... just what does this mean? What does this tell us? In Alaska, we have excellent fish habitat... and most of this habitat is dominated by cold clean water. Some waters are colder than others; but still, there is very little "warm" water. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with this. Especially if you like trout and salmon. And not much variety. You see, along with a diversity of habitats comes a diversity of fish; and, along with a diversity of fish habitats and fish, comes a diversity of fishing opportunities. I, for one, just thoroughly enjoy fishing for trout and salmon, especially with flies, but I also enjoy fishing for other fish too. In different kinds of habitat. Taken together, this usually means a longer fishing season too. In a place like Utah, several short trips may result in strikingly different habitats and fishing opportunities as well. Think about it. Most states do not have salmon, but other opportunities may include: several species of trout (each in their own unique habitat), walleye, northern pike, bass (largemouth, smallmouth, etc.), panfish like bluegills and crappies, estuarine and saltwater species on a coast, striped bass, white bass. (And these are just the kinds of fish we may want to fish for.) What, when, where, how..? It all depends on the available habitat. So what is the bottom line here? What is the message? There are two, actually. The first, and foremost, is pretty simple. If you don't have the right habitat, you won't have the fish. Habitat is the key; the right kind, the right amount, and the right quality. The second message is a bit more subtle, but it is still about habitat. Nationwide and worldwide, we are fortunate to have such a great diversity of fish because there is a great diversity of fish habitats.

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