Tag: change

Why are They Fishin'?

When I saw this 1890 postcard, I had no idea it would reignite my interest in a sport I had abandoned 30 years before. Found in the lobby of The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs, MT, this window into the past initially appealed to my sense of history. A friend and I were on a 13 day university class, following the route of the persecuted Nez Perce Indians as they fled their reservation in 1877. Never had I seen women of the 19th century fly fishing in long dresses and boots, while being guarded from g

11/3/2017•Amy Kileen

The Exciting Answer

Out of all the places you have ever been, all the places you have ever put a line in the water, where is your absolute, all time favorite place to fly fish? Take a minute to think about your answer. Do you have a favorite place? Is it outside your back door or on the other side of the world? People ask me variations of this question all the time and I have a secret to share with you. This is one of the most difficult questions anyone could possibly ask me to answer! When I hesitate, and think

11/3/2017•Cheryl Forner

Equal but Different

Orvis is on a mission-- unity and parity on the water. With the 50/50 on the Water campaign, a lofty goal has been set; an equal ratio of men to women fly anglers. What started as wishful thinking just two years ago has grown into a resounding call to action for Orvis as a company and the fly fishing industry as a whole. In less than two years, Orvis has earned three awards for its efforts. The first came from DUN Magazine. “We were pumped to receive the DUN Mayfly Award in recognition of our co

11/3/2017•Debra Carr Brox

In The Beginning

I can vividly remember the moment I fell in love with fly fishing. My Dad and I were standing side by side in a small creek in California, the beautiful blue water slowly moving in front of us. I was so young my head was only able to reach his hips. He was tying a new fly onto his line, and I was standing there, anxious to catch a fish. I was tired of waiting so I said, “Dad, let me fish. I can do it.” He looked at me, and I’m sure his mind was racing. Do I let her go? Let her just cast? She's s

11/3/2017•Lauren Dunn

Finding Solace and a New Thrill

Rivers of Recovery operates on a simple premise—outdoor therapy via fly fishing excursions can help U.S. combat veterans find emotional and physical recovery. All combat vets face similar complications when they leave the military—coping with the trauma of warfare, finding a new career, and navigating changed relationships with family and friends. But, women often times experience different and additional challenges. “Women tend to be caregivers,” explained Monica Shoneff, U.S. Army veteran. “

11/3/2017•Michelle Nicolson

8 Rivers and a Girl Named Mandy

If you ever find yourself in Minturn, Colorado on a Wednesday night during the winter months, you’re in for a treat. Here at the fly shop there’s never a dull moment. A group of bearded men sit around a big table drinking local craft beer while bantering back and forth about how their new shimmery creation is going to rip lips better than any other fly out there. Glancing into their tying boxes, you’ll notice that the materials within are supplies that you would probably find in a Girl Scout’s a

11/3/2017•Mandy Hertzfeld

Permission Slip

Mozart was composing music at the age of 3.  By 3, Tiger Woods shot a 48 over 9 holes.  At age 3, I was trying to cut my own hair all the way at the scalp with craft scissors and ate a spoonful of dirt because the neighbor kid told me to. It was evident that I was lacking the composition of a “future child sensation.” To this day, none of my underlying or undiscovered marvelous skills or talents have surfaced.  Two weeks shy of my 40th birthday, I have embraced the notion that it’s not just th

12/15/2015•Janell Fannin