Wyoming Game and Fish recently posted an article urging sportsmen to use caution when using AI sources to generate information on hunting and fishing related queries. We have had questions whether or not AI can be helpful in the world of fly fishing. Here is our take.
In this new world of AI, possibilities can seem endless- especially with how quickly information can be generated. Of course, there are some instances that AI sources can be a useful tool in fly fishing. Looking to tie a Royal Wulf step by step? Sure! AI can produce a quick answer that will work. Looking to compare waders? Chat can probably populate something quickly for you. But, as all things, there comes a point where this new technology can be more harmful than helpful.
Regulations
Looking for information on regulations through AI sources is a hard stop, a no go. This is what prompted the WGF’s post. WGF has reported that they have found many inaccurate, AI generated articles. Though AI can find the information, it cannot check the accuracy of that information. For example, the WGF talks about how many of the inaccuracies stem from failed legislative bills on the Wyoming State Legislature page. AI presents these failed bills as current law. Furthermore, the North Platte will be changing some laws on the water come 2026. AI is presenting this information as if the laws have already changed. These inaccuracies have not only lead to confusion, but have also lead to active law breaking. It is worth the extra time of checking regulation directly on the WGF website, or just giving them a call.
Fishing Reports
We have seen a recent uptick in anglers referring to AI for fishing reports. Though there is a chance that some information can be accurate as it is hard pulled from a database (such as flows), the rest can be quite… interesting. For example, as this is being typed, we asked chat for a fishing report on the Grey Reef Section of the North Platte. It told us the dry fly fishing is killer! Which would be cool if it was true. It also has a hard time differentiating hatches from actual flies. Chat says the top two flies we need to bring are midges and mayhems. Though that’s not totally inaccurate, it is not incredibly helpful. Though AI can produce a quick result, speaking with your local fly shop can lead to a more productive result. Afterall, AI is not rowing the river every day.
