Both the University of Wyoming and the Colorado State University fly fishing clubs set the traditional border rivalry aside for a joint trip to Twin Buttes Lake.
On Sept. 28, 2023, the clubs joined together at 9:00 a.m. to spend the day fly fishing from the banks of Twin Buttes Lake. Aside from casting their lines, members took the opportunity to teach one another and to enjoy the overall setting.
Members ultimately dispersed to different areas in order to test their fly fishing skills in less crowded spots as there were an estimated 30 attendees.
Despite the at home advantage, UW’s Fly Fishing Club struggled to “dial in.”
In addition to the fishing experience, CSU’s fly fishing club held a raffle.
“Unfortunately, we have somehow misplaced our raffle tickets. So, instead, we’ll be using a random number generator,” Tardif said.
Members all laughed, as they were equally excited at the chance to win a new fly-rod or fishing cap.
After the raffle members began to notice more activity on the surface of the water. As others watched from the warmth of the fire, the anglers lining the bank had rods shooting with upward tension on seemingly every other cast.
The whooping and hollering commenced as some people ran the banks with nets to aid the other anglers with landing their prized trout.
Annie Hessler, an officer for the CSU Fly Fishing Club, weighed in on her experiences on fly fishing and with the club at Colorado State.
“We cannot practice the art of fly fishing without water and without fish, obviously,” Hessler said.
“So, the preservation of all bodies of water – whether it be close to me or not – has become important to me.”
Hessler explained her efforts in involving her club in volunteering opportunities like stream restoration and trail maintenance, hinting at how fly fishing has made her more involved in conservation.
She also shared how her involvement with the club has made her realize that the art of fly fishing coincides with inclusion.
“Through the club we are welcoming diversity, and I love that,” said Hessler. “Especially being a woman in a sport that’s so dominated by men.”
“I love how these university fly fishing clubs are breaking that barrier, and allowing everyone to experience this art that is fly fishing.”
