Gianetti’s Spring Creek Ranch in Carbondale hosted a Colorado BHA fly fishing event this month. This was part of BHA’s Women in the Woods campaign, a program aimed at engaging existing and prospective sportswomen. Presenters included entomologist Christina Medved, the director of Community Outreach for the Roaring Fork Conservancy; Kendall Bakich, CPW’s Aquatic Biologist for the Roaring Fork, Eagle, and Middle Colorado watersheds; Lani Kitching owner and guide from the local Proudline Guided Fishing company; Shannon Outing, accomplished photographer and fishing guide for Taylor Creek; and Bob Shettel, local representative for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
Participants learned the details of the life cycle of the insects that trout feed on, general aquatic conservation and how to handle fish, how to assemble their equipment, and, of course, how to cast flies. All this was followed with several hours of actual fishing at the ponds and streams of the Trout Creek Ranch, with several of the participants hooking up some of the lunkers that populate Gianetti’s ponds and streams. With the success of this event, BHA plans to do it again next summer.
Christina Medved giving close-up and personal look at macro-invertebrates.
Kendall Bakich, CPW aquatic biologist, covers proper handling of fish and general riparian conservation.
Shannon Outing and Lani Kitching cover equipment and basic knots.
Participants learning about fly selection and the importance of keeping a stocked fly index. Photo credit Christina Medved.
Participants and instructors enjoying some afternoon fishing. Photo credit Christina Medved.
Photo credit Christina Medved.
About Robert Shettel