Many of us have seen the movie, “A River Runs Through It.” Nearly all of us have seen fly fisherman casting their flies into the flowing blue water of the Southwest’s many rivers. Even though we are surrounded by fly-fishing every day however, many of us have never tried it.
For interested or curious individuals, the Dolores River Anglers of Trout Unlimited will be hosting several fly-fishing events throughout the summer. The aim of the clinics is to expose community members and young people to the art of fly-fishing and enlighten individuals as to how fly-fishing can become a life-long pastime.
The first event, a set of fly-fishing clinics and a fishing derby, will be held June 25 in Parque de Vida. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. and lasting until 11:30 a.m., a youth clinic will address gear, casting and knot-tying. The youth clinic is free and will be available to the first 40 people to register. Fly rods will be available, but people who own rods are encouraged to bring them. Parents wanting to register their children can do so at the Cortez Recreation Center.
After the youth clinic, a free adult clinic will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The adult clinic is open to the first 20 people who register at the Cortez Recreation Center. The adult clinic will provide hands-on training in casting and tying knots. Issues involving fly-fishing gear will also be discussed. Adults owning fly-fishing rods are encouraged to bring the them, but rods will be provided to those who do not have them.
After the free clinics, a free fishing derby will begin at the Parque de Vida pond at 6 p.m. and last until dark. The Colorado Division of Wildlife will stock the pond with trout, and all fish that are caught must be kept. A cleaning station will be provided for cleaning fish. Valid fishing methods include bait, lures and fly-fishing gear. Fishing derby participants are not required to have a fishing license, but must register before the event at the amphitheater in the park.
The Dolores River Anglers of Trout Unlimited would like to thank these organizations for helping to make the clinics and fishing derby possible: Cortez Parks and Recreation Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Cortez Rotary Club and Dolores Rotary Club.
The Dolores River Anglers of Trout unlimited would also like to extend special thanks to Dean Palmquist and Joye McHenry of the Cortez Parks and Recreation Department and Leigh Gillet and Andy Brown of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Anyone with questions about the Dolores River Anglers of Trout Unlimited, the fly-fishing clinics or the fishing derby can call Brad Waltman at (970) 759-0715.