Intro to Flyfishing with TU a Big Success

On a recent Saturday, Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited volunteers Billy Hicks and Chris Morton taught nine folks all about how to get started in fly fishing. The group gathered with Billy at GARNA’s Valley View Nature Learning Center for a morning of theory, discussion, and demonstration. They learned all about rigging a fly rod and the different types of rods, reels, fly lines, and leaders. Next they learned about the different ways to rig and fish flies—dry fly, double dries, dry dropper, nymphing, and streamers, essential knots, and the importance of barbless hooks. Other gear, like nets, waders and boots were discussed. The classroom session finished with a talk about how and where to find fish in a river. The group then headed to Frantz Lake, where Chris joined and helped teach a casting clinic and simulated practice on playing, landing, and releasing fish. Finally, the group sent time putting their new skills to work on Frantz Lake using fly rods from GARNA’s Chaffee Mobile Gear Library. 

GARNA is looking forward to more partnerships with Trout Unlimited for fishing outings!

Thanks to Diane Falconer for snapping some photos!