National Fish Habitat Partnership

06/09/2026

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of NFHP, we are highlighting recent projects in a weekly Project Profile post. Today, in honor of National Fishing and Boating week we take a look at Table Rock Lake, Missouri, and Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas. These enhancements of fish habitat structures through Friends of Reservoirs resulted in 751 fish habitat structures (e.g., brush piles) being replenished or newly built on Table Rock Lake (Missouri), and 60 structures being replenished or newly built on Bull Shoals Lake (Arkansas). These efforts were intended to keep existing fish habitat structures viable as fish attractors for anglers, as well as serve as nursery habitats for sportfish recruitment in these aging Reservoirs where habitat is degraded. The GPS locations of these habitat structures are available to the public on the MDC website at: https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/where-fish or on the free MO Fishing app. Project partners include the Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Bass Pro Shops, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Please share in the comments if you have ever been out on Table Rock or Bull Shoals.

06/08/2026

🎣🚤 It's National Fishing and Boating Week!

There's no better time to get outside, cast a line, launch a boat, and create lasting memories on the water with family and friends. Whether you're a lifelong angler, an avid boater, or trying it for the very first time, this week is all about celebrating America's incredible waterways and the conservation efforts that keep them healthy for future generations.

Fishing and boating connect us to nature, support local communities, and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Many states even offer free fishing days during the week, making it easier than ever to get involved. 🌊🐟

Looking for ways to participate and tips for getting out on the water? Check out this great resource from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Tag your fishing buddy, share your favorite catch, or post a photo from your next adventure on the water!

National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1 — June 9, 2024) is a great time to learn to fish, reconnect with your kayak, and enjoy the water with friends and family. Whether you've been fishing your whole life, or just picking up a pole for the first time, here are some great ways you can celebrate ...

06/04/2026

Lots of great ones out there, but USA TODAY just released its 10 best lakes for 2026!

Lakes across the United States have plenty to offer for those who enjoy the great outdoors, from fishing and boating to swimming and camping.

06/04/2026

A great update on Mark Twain Lake in MO!

06/02/2026

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of NFHP we are highlighting recent projects in a weekly PROJECT PROFILE post. Here we highlight the Peno/Spencer Creek Cooperative Partnership project in Missouri, sponsored by the Fishers & Farmers Partnership and led by Missouri Department of Conservation in 2017. Thank you to our additional partners that further supported this project including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Midwest Fisheries Center) and, of course, the essential contributions of our partnering farmers.

This project focused on voluntary, producer‑led conservation that improves soil health, reduces sediment and nutrient runoff, and protects aquatic and riparian habitat, while maintaining the economic viability of working farms. Together, the investments helped establish a durable, watershed‑scale conservation framework grounded in landowner leadership, demonstration, and long‑term monitoring. Learn more about this FFP funded project here: https://fishersandfarmers.org/funded-projects/2017-peno-creek-watershed-missouri/

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you are familiar with the project, participated in the effort, or recreate in the area! Let us know in the comments.

05/28/2026

A great magazine article highlighting some of the great on-the-ground work of our Fish Habitat Partnerships! Mat-Su Salmon Habitat Partnership, Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership!

Plants for Salmon events in Talkeetna, Soldotna, and Hope brought volunteers together to replant native vegetation along Alaska waterways.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the winners of the Fish Art Contest Art of Conservation Writing Awards by Wildlife Forever!

These talented young writers are using creativity, storytelling, and a passion for conservation to inspire action for our fish, wildlife, and aquatic resources. Their work reminds us how powerful youth voices can be in shaping the future of conservation. 🌎🐟✍️

A special thank you to Yamaha Boats (Rightwaters) for sponsoring our involvement in the essay contest and supporting the next generation of conservation storytellers and leaders.

Read the full announcement and meet the winners here:
https://www.theartofconservation.org/writing-award-winners

Discover the winners of the Fish Habitat Writing Award, highlighting student efforts to promote aquatic conservation through creative writing and art.

05/27/2026

🐟 NEW STORYMAP RELEASE 🗺️

Explore how partners across Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho are working together to restore connectivity and improve habitat for native trout in the Bear River Watershed through the Western Native Trout Initiative.

This new interactive StoryMap highlights on-the-ground conservation projects focused on reconnecting rivers, improving fish passage, and protecting cold-water habitat critical to Bonneville Cutthroat Trout and other native fish species.

From replacing irrigation barriers to restoring stream connectivity, these collaborative efforts are helping native fish populations thrive while supporting local communities and working lands.

🌊 Discover the story:
https://fishhabitat.org/news/new-storymap-highlights-efforts-to-restore-connectivity-and-native-trout-habitat-in-the-bear-river-watershed

(Washington, D.C.) — The Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI) has launched a new interactive ArcGIS StoryMap showcasing collaborative efforts to reconnect rivers, restore aquatic habitats, and support the recovery of native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout throughout the Bear River watershed.

05/27/2026

The 'farmer-led movement' aims to shape the agricultural landscape — by strengthening soils and building community