Learning on the fly: Program aims to get women on the water

Aug. 21, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

GOOSE CREEK - Take a trip to a local fly fishing stream, and you're likely to see large numbers of wader-clad men lining the banks. Now, thanks to a joint effort on the part of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Hunter Heritage Foundation, that picture is changing - 13 women at a time.

As part of the two groups' ongoing &#8220Becoming and Outdoors Woman,” program, a baker's dozen of women got a two-day immersion course in the basics of fly fishing this weekend at several Susitna Valley streams.

The class, taught by instructors Shann Jones and Scott Murdock, included sections on everything from putting a rod and reel together to tying flies and basic casting techniques. In addition, students got to test their newfound knowledge with fishing time on Parks Highway streams in the area, which at this time of year are chock full of salmon and trout.

Students Kyla Hagan, Ellen Sewell and Ruby Begonias work together in Anchorage, and said they decided to sign up for the program both as a way to gain knowledge and bond with each other in the great outdoors. After two days of courses, the women said they're already looking forward to fishing together in the future.

&#8220We were just sitting here planning our next outing,” Begonias said while gearing up to fish Goose Creek Sunday afternoon.

Begonias said the course was definitely a great way for the women to get the knowledge needed to go out fishing on their own.

&#8220We're hooked,” she said.

Instructor Shann Jones said the course is intended as a jumping-off point for women who want to learn how to fish, but until now haven't had a chance to learn the basics.

&#8220This gives them the exposure,” Jones said.

In addition to instruction, the $165 course also included a night's stay at the Gigglewood Lakeside Inn near Willow, as well as rods, reels, tackle and even waders. Jones said the inclusive nature of the course is a big part of its appeal.

&#8220It gives people who generally wouldn't do this the opportunity to try it out before they drop a lot of money,” he said.

While the course isn't intended to turn novice anglers into experts, Jones said he believes the women receive enough information to go out fishing on their own without feeling overwhelmed.

&#8220Now they can make intelligent decisions when they do go decided to spend their money,” he said.

Often, the biggest obstacle facing newcomers to the sport is the overwhelming array of new terminology and tackle that is available. Student Kyla Hagan said that, after getting the basics, she feels much more comfortable in her abilities.

&#8220We can do the whole process now,” Hagan said.

Minutes later, Hagan proved her competence, hooking and landing a salmon in the clear waters of Goose Creek on a fly she'd tied herself the night before.

Shann Jones said that if even some of the women continue on their own and become fly fishers, the program's intent will have been achieved.

&#8220The whole idea of the Becoming an Outdoor Woman is the idea of getting more people involved in the outdoors,” Jones said. &#8220We just provide a positive place for them to learn new skills.”

Student Ellen Sewell said she felt like she definitely got her money's worth out of the two-day program.

&#8220Now I think we all feel pretty confident we can do this,” she said.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com