The Outdoor Program offers many trips for students to participate in and learn in the process. On Sept. 17, trip leaders and Outdoor Program staff, Steven Antonio and Emily Lasko took a group of four students into the alpines for a day of fly-fishing instruction.
Students met their trip leaders at the Outdoor Program around 8:00 a.m., where they all prepared for departure into the Snowy Range Mountains.
The first stop on the way out was at the West Laramie fly store, where students acquired one-day fishing licenses and information from local guides.
After gearing up with a couple extra flies, some burritos and donuts for the road, the group made the one-hour ride to Brooklyn Lake, where Steven Antonio began instruction.
“Fly fishing can be portrayed as a very exclusionary activity,” Steven said. “But in reality, our goal, as a program, is to instruct everyone regardless. Fly-fishing is for everyone, and is a great way to get [everyone] involved in an amazing outdoor experience.”
It wasn’t long before they were quickly introduced to the struggles of tying thin fly-leaders to the eyes of tiny hooks while brisk wind numbs their fingers.
They managed, however, and proceeded to the banks of Brooklyn Lake for their first fly-casting experience.
For trip leader Emily Lasko, this was her first experience with a fly-rod. “When I applied for the program last year, I joined because I wanted to work outside. My main goal when leading these trips is for everyone to be happy, and safely.”
As the group familiarized themselves with the techniques of fly-fishing, trout were beginning to make subtle appearances but no prize winners.
It was collectively decided that the second stop on the schedule, Lake Marie, was worth a shot.
All group members broke down their rods, shoved their gear in the back of the SUV and piled in for a short ride over to the lake.
A short descent by foot led to a perfect opportunity for the new fly anglers.
Crystal clear water, and trout were feeding on the surface as far as the eye could see. Group member, Jake Dippel, was the first to check a trout off the bucket list.
Lis Ressler said, “I don’t know how we would’ve done this without [our trip leaders]. Especially tying the knots.”
Darby Morganflash lost a fish or two off her hook on the trip… “Fish are the problem!” She said, “I wanted to catch a fish so bad.”
The Outdoor Program has other fly-fishing trips and workshops scheduled, as well as many other activities, including winter recreation, coming up.
They are also a great source for gear rental and advice for private outdoor excursions.
For those interested in joining the Outdoor Program, either as a participant or leader, you can find them through the university website.
